#Japan #Oita #Residential Satisfaction #Happiness Survey #Oita Ranking

Oita’s 2025 Happiness and Desirability Rankings: A Deep Dive

In a remarkable survey orchestrated by Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd., Oita Prefecture's urban satisfaction levels have been measured, shedding light on which cities residents find the happiest and most desirable to live in. The extensive study, dubbed "Eheya Net City Happiness Ranking 2025" and "Eheya Net Most Desired City Ranking 2025", reveals insightful results for the cities in this beautiful region.

Key Highlights from the Happiness Rankings

According to the findings of the Happiness Ranking, the top three cities in terms of happiness are:
1. Kusu Town (Kusu District) – Ascending from last year's second place, Kusu Town clinches the top position this year.
2. Yufu City – An impressive jump from fourth place last year to second this year.
3. Hiji Town (Hayami District) – A consistent performer in the rankings.

Interestingly, this year’s rankings show that two out of the top three happiest locations are towns located in rural areas, suggesting that smaller communities offer a unique charm and satisfaction to their residents. The scores indicated that the happiness levels among the top contenders are closely matched, showcasing a competitive yet friendly environment among the cities.

The methodology for determining happiness involved collecting responses over five years (from 2021 to 2025), accumulating responses from at least 50 residents in each municipality. When the required sample size was not met, data from previous years (2019 and 2020) were incorporated. Furthermore, a standard score called the deviation value helps to understand how far each city's score is from the average.

Highlights from the Most Desired Living Cities Rankings

When it comes to the rankings for cities residents wish to continue living in, the results are equally telling:
1. Hiji Town (Hayami District) – Remarkably, Hiji Town has maintained its first-place position for five consecutive years.
2. Bungo Takada City – Has remained steadfast in second place for four years running.
3. Oita City – With a consistent performance, it has secured the third position for the second consecutive year.

This ranking emphasizes Hiji Town's strong regional identity as the only town in the county to appear in the top nine. It is notable that four of the top five cities in these desirability rankings are also in the top five for overall happiness, indicating the strong correlation between happiness and intent to remain living in a city.

Other Notable Findings

In a smaller survey aspect, Takeda City placed third in terms of residents' attachment to their community, indicating that emotional connections with cities play an essential role in urban satisfaction.

Survey Methodology Overview

The survey methodology was comprehensive:

• - Sample Size: A total of 6,661 individuals residing in Oita Prefecture, aged 20 and above participated, with a demographic breakdown showing 46.8% male and 53.2% female.
• - Period of Collection: The data was collected during different periods over five years, with the latest survey conducted from February 21 to March 10, 2025, involving 1,607 respondents.
• - Response Evaluation: Happiness levels were gauged from a scale of 1 to 10, while the desire to remain in a city was rated on a scale from 0 to 100, allowing for a nuanced understanding of residents' sentiments.

Conclusion

This extensive survey not only provides insight into the happiness levels of Oita's cities but also highlights the factors that contribute to their desirability as living environments. Oita Prefecture continues to demonstrate its unique appeal, blending rural charm with quality of life, making it a region of interest for current and prospective residents alike.