#Japan #Tochigi #Daito Kentaku #Happiness Rankings

The 2025 Happiness and Desirable Living Rankings in Tochigi

In a comprehensive study conducted by Daito Kentaku Co., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, the results of the "Happiness Ratings of Cities 2025 (Tochigi Prefecture Edition)" and the "Desirable Living Cities Rankings 2025 (Tochigi Prefecture Edition)" were announced. This evaluation marks one of the largest surveys of residential satisfaction to date.

Key Highlights of the Happiness Rankings

For the fourth consecutive year, Sakura City takes the top spot for happiness. It is followed by Takanezawa Town in Shioya County and Kamikamikawa Town in Kawachi County, which secured the third position.

Sakura City Stands Out

Sakura City achieved an impressive score with a deviation value in the 70s, distinguishing it significantly from others. Takanezawa Town improved from last year's fourth place to secure the second spot, while Kamikamikawa Town maintained its third-place ranking. Notably, five of the top ten entries are towns located in rural areas.

The happiness rating is compiled from responses over five years (2021-2025), supplemented by past data if necessary (2019-2020) when the total responses fell below 50.

Understanding Deviation Value

The deviation value is a standardized score where the average is normalized to 50, indicating how far various scores deviate from this mean. If scores share the same deviation but differ in rank, their decimal points will be different.

Insights from the Desirable Living Cities Rankings

For the third year running, Sano City has been acclaimed as the most desirable city to live in. It is followed by Kamikamikawa Town, which ascended from its previous third place, and Nasushiobara City at third.

Stability in Rankings

Once again, Sano City stands out as the first choice for residents, maintaining its rank for three consecutive years. Kamikamikawa Town's rise from third to second place, along with Nasushiobara City in the third position, highlights the evolving dynamics of local preferences. Notably, new entrants to the top ten include Mibu Town in Shimotsuga District, which jumped from 11th to 6th, and Kanuma City rising from 12th to 8th this year.

Similar to the happiness rankings, responses contributing to the desirable living city rankings were collected from 2021 to 2025, with additional past information included when necessary.

Ranking Methodology

The happiness rating involves a ten-point scale question assessing personal happiness on a scale from 1 (very unhappy) to 10 (very happy). The average score is multiplied by ten to achieve a total out of 100.
In contrast, the desirable living ranking uses a five-point scale asking respondents about their desire to remain in their current city. Responses range from 100 points for "Strongly agree" to 0 points for "Strongly disagree."

Overview of the Study

• - Survey Method: Distributed and collected via the internet through MacroMill's registered monitors.
• - Participants: A total of 11,865 residents aged 20 and over in Tochigi Prefecture, with demographic representations balanced between genders and marital statuses.
• - Survey Periods: The study spanned from 2021 to 2025, with varying respondent numbers for each year.

Conclusion

These rankings are integral in understanding community sentiments and shaping local policies. This year’s results underscore the importance of rural towns in enhancing happiness and desirability, a crucial insight for urban planners and local governments.

For a detailed view of the rankings and methodologies, visit Daito Kentaku.