Kazura Bridge, one of the famous spots in Ikeda Town, Fukui Prefecture = 2022
The “Seven Articles of Living in Ikeda” published by the town of Ikeda in Fukui Prefecture in its public relations magazine in January is spreading ripples around regional migration, which has often been a hot topic even during the COVID-19 crisis. Expressions such as “Don’t blow the urban wind” and “It’s natural to be judged” attracted criticism. Originally, the starting point seems to be kindness in order to avoid troubles after immigration. How should we think about immigration guidance that is too honest? (Takuya Kishimoto)
◆ From the worry that “I do not participate in snow shoveling and mowing”
Ikeda Town is located in the southeast of Fukui City, and 90% of the town is surrounded by forest. The population is about 2,300, which has almost halved in the last 30 years. The aging rate is 45%, well above the national average of 29%. In order to stop the depopulation, the town advocated urban development that makes use of the forest, actively accepting community revitalization cooperation volunteers, providing municipal housing and putting effort into employment support, and about 20 people relocate from inside and outside the prefecture every year. It is said that
Under such circumstances, it was Kudan’s “Seven Articles” that caused controversy. According to the town, in response to concerns such as “migrants won’t participate in joint work such as shoveling snow and mowing grass,” a group of ward mayors from 33 villages in the town put together a proposal. It was published in the town’s public relations magazine issued in mid-January, and was also published on the town’s website.
The proposal states, “We want to welcome new residents with a favorable impression of the town’s climate and people. However, we also want to prevent troubles caused by regrets and misunderstandings. To that end, we want to know what to do.” It is a content that encourages mutual support.
◆ “There is absolutely no intention to exclude immigrants”
However, Article 4 states, “Try not to impose urban life on the community.”Article 5 states:
Criticism erupted on the Internet, such as “the extremity of exclusivity” and “looking from above” for such expressions. It is said that the town has been contacted by phone, mainly from people outside the prefecture, and that it is not a very good expression.
Koichi Morikawa, the head of the town’s general affairs and finance department, who was involved in the secretariat, said, “I want to openly convey the problems of the village and accept them so that they won’t say ‘I haven’t heard’ or ‘I don’t know’ after moving. From that point on, the ward mayors’ association compiled seven articles.It is a tool for getting people to understand the village better, and there is absolutely no intention of excluding immigrants.”
He added, “The town’s beautiful scenery and traditions have survived because we have worked hard to protect them in the long-established local community. They are also preparing a booklet summarizing the customs and rules of each village for those considering relocating, and will explain it so that mismatches do not occur.
◆ “It’s not funny content”
Now that telework is spreading, more and more people are considering moving to rural areas in search of a better life surrounded by nature. In 2022, the NPO Hometown Return Support Center (Tokyo), which provides relocation support, received about 52,000 consultations, a record high.
Takahashi of the same center
On top of that, I will explain my preparation for immigration. “Immigration will fail if it’s just aspiration. It’s important to do simulations and consult beforehand to see if you can accept the local climate and customs and make an effort to blend in. I want you to choose a destination that suits you, with the intention of enjoying the lifestyle and inconvenience.”
