#Japan #Youth Empowerment #Kofu #Yamanashi Declaration #Population Strategy

Summary of the Forum on Population Strategy in Yamanashi

On November 23, 2023, the Population Strategy Forum in Yamanashi took place at the YCC Community Cultural Hall in Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture. This forum aimed to address the pressing issue of population decline by fostering dialogue among various stakeholders, including representatives from Yamanashi Prefecture, local economic organizations, and members of the privately-led Future Selection Conference. The event, which was the first of its kind held in the Kanto region, attracted approximately 700 attendees.

Forum Objectives and Themes

The main theme of the forum was “Becoming a Region of Choice for Youth and Women”. Notable speakers included governors from ten prefectures in the Kanto region, along with representatives from academia, the business sector, labor unions, and media. Through symposium discussions, participants addressed strategies and challenges to overcome what has been described as a “quiet crisis” of population decline, aiming to ensure a hopeful future for subsequent generations.

The Yamanashi Declaration was adopted at the close of the forum, emphasizing the importance of individual action in facing this national challenge. This underscores a collective commitment to foster a region that is not only livable but also attractive to younger demographics and women.

Symposium Highlights

The forum consisted of three major symposiums:

1. Creating a Living Environment for a Hopeful Future

This session focused on the enhancement of housing and living environments as a strategy to combat population decline. Key speakers highlighted diverse regional approaches such as the establishment of secure housing for child-rearing families, income enhancement measures, and smart city initiatives aimed at facilitating migration.

Perhaps most importantly, discussions emphasized the necessity of creating a society where “hard work is rewarded”, including raises in wage standards and productivity improvements. This reflects a commitment to create an attractive living environment that supports young families and energizes the local community.

2. Building Societies Where Women Thrive

The second symposium addressed strategies for enabling women to contribute effectively within local communities. Influencers and business leaders shared experiences of overcoming professional barriers and highlighted initiatives like the Yamanashi Women Mirai Quest, designed to prepare female leaders in local companies.

Discussions underscored the importance of role models and accessible opportunities to nurture women’s participation in regional leadership, which is vital for regional sustainability. This session illustrated how local strategies can empower women and help balance demographic challenges.

3. Human Capital Management in a Scarce Workforce

In this symposium, delegates analyzed how companies and regions can implement effective human capital management amidst labor shortages caused by population decline. Industry leaders shared best practices, focusing on creating friendly workplace environments that attract young talent.

Participants discussed initiatives like childcare support and flexible work arrangements, tying these efforts directly to population growth and workforce retention. It was noted that addressing gaps in corporate expectations and employee needs is paramount for sustained economic resilience.

Concluding Remarks and the Yamanashi Declaration

As a culmination of the discussions, the Yamanashi Declaration was publicly announced, a collective pledge by all speakers to tackle the challenge of population decline in Japan. The declaration emphasizes:

• - The creation of communities that support child-rearing and ensure children’s rights.
• - Developing environments where everyone can pursue their ambitions with confidence.
• - Encouraging individual responsibility for enhancing societal conditions.

The forum showcased a vital venue for collaboration among diverse stakeholders to craft effective solutions against a looming national issue. The adoption of the Yamanashi Declaration marks the beginning of a local action plan aimed at making the region more appealing to youth and women, ultimately striving for a brighter future for Japan.

For those who wish to explore the forum’s content further, a full recording is available on the YouTube Yamanashi Channel.