What is the Local Vitalization Cooperator?

The Local Vitalization Cooperator (Chiīki Okoshi Kyōryoku-tai in Japanese) is a governmental program that aims at revitalizing depopulated regions by sponsoring people to relocate to these communities. Once chosen as members (or volunteers) of the Local Vitalization Cooperator, they live in a desired region for generally from one year to three years.

With governmental financial aid up to JPY 4.8 million, they engage in various projects to regenerate regions such as developing and promoting regional brands and local products, collaborating with local industries and supporting local residents. There were approximately 6,000 members as of 2021, and the government set a goal to increase this number to 10,000 by 2026 with regard to an increase in the need for migration.

Background of the projects and the current situation

The project was started in 2009 in response to depopulation in rural areas as the weakening of local governments grew into a serious problem. As more young people move into the cities, the percentage of the population aged over 75 exceeds that under age 15 in 45 prefectures out of 47. Also, according to the research, more than 60% of the country’s land area has become depopulated, and the whole population living in these regions accounts for only 8.2% of the total population in Japan.

Stories of the Local Vitalization Cooperators

However, it is true that since the pandemic, more and more young people are willing to move into rural area. The spread of “work from home” and other factors have expanded interest in these communities.

One man decided to quit his job as a TV director and move to Tottori Prefecture in order to join the project, which allowed him to engage in regenerating his favorite region while raising his children in an environment surrounded by nature. He always wanted to move into a rural area, and the pandemic helped him to make up his mind.

One young woman, who used to live in the city area, decided to move out in order to fulfill her dream of starting a business. She is one of those who started a new chapter of their life after the pandemic prompted them to consider their true passion.

According to the government, 65% of volunteer members decided to remain in the communities even after their term of service was over as of 2021. The project assists the depopulated region and people with desires and dreams. We may soon see the rewards of the chain reaction that is created by countless local resources, assets and human resources that haven’t been discovered yet.