2025 Ranking of Happiness and Desired Cities in Shimane Prefecture Revealed

Overview of Happiness and Residential Preference Rankings

Daito Kentaku Co., headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has conducted an extensive survey of living satisfaction, resulting in the "2025 Happiness Ranking of Cities in Shimane Prefecture" and the "2025 Desired Cities Ranking in Shimane Prefecture."

Key Findings from the Happiness Ranking

The top city for happiness for the fourth consecutive year is the town of Oki, and the second and third places are taken by the cities of Yasugi and Masuda, respectively. Oki has solidified its status as the most desirable area, with its blend of natural beauty and a strong sense of community.

The ranking evaluates the happiness of residents using a score from 1 to 10 on their overall satisfaction with life, then normalizes this data to a score out of 100. This reflects how far each city's score deviates from the average happiness level.

The Desired Cities Ranking

In terms of cities residents wish to remain in, Izumo City tops the list this year, moving up from second place last year. Matsue City follows in second, having improved from its prior third-place position. Yasugi City rounds out the top three. This ranking assesses residents' desire to stay in their city based on their feelings about living there, ranging from strong agreement to strong disagreement.

Methodology of the Survey

The survey, conducted by Macromill, gathered responses from residents aged 20 and over in Shimane Prefecture. A total of 4,164 individuals were surveyed across multiple years from 2021 to 2025, with data collection techniques refined to ensure accurate representation of local views. The survey period spanned several months, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of long-term resident sentiments.

Breakdown of Respondents

The basket of respondents included approximately 47.4% males and 52.6% females, with a significant portion being married (61.4%). Interestingly, 41.1% of those surveyed reported no children. The generational distribution reflects a diverse mix, with roughly 15.8% in their twenties, 24.3% in their thirties, and 11.4% in their sixties.

Insights on the Rankings

The consistent ranking of Oki as the happiest place highlights a strong community feel, and its rural charm seems to resonate with residents. The rise of Izumo as the most desired city signifies evolving preferences for urban and suburban lifestyles in Shimane.

Discussions about the survey's findings are crucial, as they can be used to inform local governance and community development in Shimane. The detailed analysis not only showcases the most desirable living conditions but also identifies areas needing improvement.

Future Implications

As we move forward into 2025, these insights could guide policymakers and real estate developers to tailor communities that resonate well with the values and needs of their residents. A fuller report will be available that includes a deeper dive into the motivations behind these preferences, providing a roadmap for future development initiatives.

For further details and updates, be sure to check the official website with the most recent findings from these comprehensive surveys. Your thoughts on your community matter, and participating in future surveys can help shape the evolution of our cherished cities.