#Japan #Yamagata #Tendo City #Kenko Takahata

Research Insights on Happiness and Liveability in Yamagata

In a sweeping survey conducted by Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd., Yamagata Prefecture’s happiness and liveability rankings for 2025 have been unveiled. This extensive research not only reflects the joy of living in certain areas but also serves as a beacon for urban development and community engagement. The rankings reveal a standout performer, Tendo City, maintaining its reign as the happiest city for two consecutive years, while also securing the top position in liveability as well.

Happiness Rankings: Top Three Revealed

According to the gathered data, Tendo City has successfully achieved a two-year streak at the top, followed closely by Yamagata City. A notable mention is Takahata Town, located in Higashi-Okitama County, which has significantly risen from seventh place to third, showcasing the changing dynamics of resident satisfaction. Interestingly, Nakayama Town, previously not ranked due to a lower response rate, now makes the list at ninth place. The statistics indicate that five out of the top nine municipalities are classified as towns within rural areas.

The criteria for determining happiness were derived from a five-year accumulation of data from 2021 to 2025, ensuring that only areas with sufficient response rates were considered.

Liveability Rankings: A Newcomer Emerges

In the liveability segment, Tendo City once again claimed the top spot, demonstrating its consistent appeal to residents. West Okitama County's Shirataka Town debuts impressively at second place, despite not being eligible for last year's ranking. Meanwhile, Sakata City retains its place at third. Moreover, Kamiyama Town, which previously rated below the threshold for placement, has now entered the top ten at ninth.

The rankings for liveability were similarly based on a strict evaluation from responses spanning from 2021 to 2025, reflecting the community's desire to remain in their current locations.

Happiness and Affection Towards the Community

A noteworthy highlight from the survey data indicated that Yuasa Town from Akiu County ranked third in terms of residents' affection towards their community. This reflects a growing sense of pride and connection among its residents, showcasing the essential human factors in determining happiness and satisfaction with one's living environment.

State of Research and Methodology

The survey was conducted using a robust method involving registered monitors from Macromill, which distributed questionnaires via the internet to individuals aged 20 and above living in Yamagata Prefecture. The responses totaled a remarkable 6,625 participants, comprising a balanced mix of genders and age groups, which further solidifies the reliability of the findings.

The evaluation metrics used consisted of 10-point scales for happiness (1 being very unhappy, and 10 being very happy) and a 5-point scale for liveability concerns.

Conclusion

The outcomes from the 2025 rankings provide compelling insights into the residential experience in Yamagata Prefecture. As Tendo City once again secures the top spot, rival municipalities must reevaluate their strategies to enhance their appeal and address the needs of their residents. For the people of Yamagata, this ranking is not merely a number; it embodies a crucial aspect of their lives, reflecting their sense of happiness, community engagement, and the prospect of a fulfilled existence. As urban areas seek to evolve, these insights will undoubtedly steer development projects and further bolster community pride among Yamagata's diverse populace.

For more details, visit: Eheya.