#Japan #Shikoku #Daito Kentaku #City Rankings

2026 Shikoku Liveability Rankings Revealed

Daito Kentaku Co., Ltd., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has conducted a comprehensive survey on residential satisfaction, unveiling two rankings: the 2026 Shikoku Liveability Ranking and the 2026 Desired City Ranking. These rankings provide invaluable insights into what makes a location attractive to residents.

Highlights of the Liveability Ranking

For the third consecutive year, Utazu Town in Kagawa Prefecture takes the number one spot. Following closely, Takamatsu City ranks second, while Matsuyama City in Ehime Prefecture secures the third position.

1. Utazu Town: A Prolonged Reign

Utazu Town, noted for its small area facing the Seto Inland Sea, has seen significant development with new commercial facilities and mid-rise apartments. The town’s infrastructure has been greatly enhanced, contributing to its top ranking in factors such as transport convenience, government services, approachability, and vibrancy. This year's survey saw it achieve an impressive score with many factors registering above 70, earning it the esteemed first place once again.

The data compiled for this ranking comes from a cumulative analysis of responses from 2022 to 2026. If a municipality had fewer than 50 respondents during this five-year span, previous years' data was also included up until 2019 to ensure reliable aggregation. Importantly, there were no duplicate respondents in this survey, ensuring the integrity of the data.

Insights from the Desired City Ranking

Matsuyama City, remarkably, remains the most desired city for living for the seventh consecutive year. Tokyo's 23 wards follow in second place for five years in a row, while Takamatsu City takes the third spot for the second year.

2. Matsuyama City's Continued Appeal

For seven years, Matsuyama City has successfully captured the hearts of its residents, shown by its ranking. The data also revealed that an impressive 79.7% of respondents rated their current living situation positively. Among them, 21.2% are eager to stay in their current city, while 58.5% have no specific place they wish to move to.

3. Noteworthy Observations

Despite economic new challenges and changes, Kochi City, returning to the top rankings for the first time since last year, shares the fifth position with Kobe City, following Osaka City in fourth place. This fluctuation reflects residents’ evolving preferences and dynamic local developments.

Top Factors and Features

The rankings also highlight some noteworthy factors:

• - Peacefulness and Safety: Uchiko Town in Ehime Prefecture ranks second, whereas Shodo Island Town ranks third.
• - Affordability: Itano Town in Tokushima holds the top spot for cost of living, proudly showcasing the attractiveness of affordable rental options followed by Kaminaka Town.
• - Disaster Preparedness: Kami City in Kochi is recognized for its outstanding disaster prevention measures.

Methodology Summary

The study employed a meticulous methodology, executed by Daito Kentaku’s research unit in collaboration with Macromill. A total of 23,147 respondents from Shikoku area participated, ensuring a representative demographic. The responses were collected via surveys distributed online among adults aged 20 and above residing in Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, and Kochi Prefectures from February 10 to March 22, 2026.

Conclusion

The 2026 Liveability Rankings provide vital insights into residents' preferences and satisfaction within Shikoku, portraying a picture of evolving urban landscapes. The prolonged top rankings of certain towns signal continuous efforts in enhancing living conditions while addressing residents' needs. This study not only celebrates the successes of these cities but also guides future improvements in urban development and community services.

For further details, visit the official websites of Daito Kentaku:

• - Liveability Ranking
• - Press Release