#Japan #Hokkaido #Daito Kentaku #Hometown Ranking #Japan Living

Japan's Top Living Rankings for 2025: A Closer Look

Daito Kentaku Co., Ltd., headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, has released the much-anticipated "Hometown Living Comfort Rankings 2025." This ranking is the result of one of the largest surveys of residential satisfaction in the country, focusing on towns outside major urban centers, including designated cities and prefectural capitals. The data is a comprehensive accumulation of responses gathered over five years from 2021 to 2025.

Overview of the Survey

The ranking assesses the living experience of participants, gathering insights from more than 50 respondents in various local municipalities. Towns with fewer than 50 responses for the years 2021 to 2025 have the data supplemented with responses from previous years—2020 and 2019—ensuring a robust and reliable ranking.

Notable Highlights from the Rankings

• - Top Rank: For the fourth consecutive year, Higashikawa Town in Kamikawa, Hokkaido, boasts an impressive score of 84.7, making it the only town to achieve a deviation score in the 80s. Residents appreciate the tranquility and accessibility of local amenities.
• - Second Place: Chatan Town in Nakagami, Okinawa, moved up to second place from last year’s third, scoring 79.3. With its vibrant American Village and convenient shopping facilities, it offers a rich blend of culture and modern living.
• - Third Place: Obuse Town, located in Nakano, Nagano Prefecture, jumped from 20th to 3rd place with a score of 76.3, drawing visitors for its historical significance and natural beauty.

Insight into the Rankings

The top ten towns are predominantly situated in rural areas—categorized as "towns" or "villages." In fact, all top placements reflect a strong community spirit, administrative support, and welcoming environments that particularly excel in factors such as "friendliness" and "administrative services."

• - Okinawa Dominance: Okinawa Prefecture stands out with seven towns in the top 30, showcasing the appeal of its vibrant culture and lifestyle.
• - Community Engagement: The rankings reveal an emphasis on community feel, where residents report high satisfaction with governance and local services, fostering a supportive atmosphere for newcomers.

Top Three Towns Detailed

1. Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido (Score: 84.7)
- Known for its stunning natural landscape, including the iconic Asahi-dake, Higashikawa has no municipal water supply, relying instead on rich underground water. The town emphasizes initiatives for families and entrepreneurs and places high value on community engagement.
- Resident Feedback: Compliments about walkable streets and the community spirit highlight why residents find comfort and joy in their daily lives here.

2. Chatan Town, Okinawa (Score: 79.3)
- Positioned on the west coast of Okinawa's main island, the town has transformed former military land into buzzing commercial districts, providing a youthful vibe and modern conveniences with easy access to main roads.
- Resident Feedback: Residents cherish the family-friendly environment and abundant leisure activities, enhancing the overall living experience.

3. Obuse Town, Nagano (Score: 76.3)
- Rich in history and culture, this town features many attractions linked to the famous artist Katsushika Hokusai. Its well-planned urban development respects natural aesthetics, supported by community-driven initiatives.
- Resident Feedback: A peaceful atmosphere that prioritizes residents’ needs while promoting tourism creates a balanced lifestyle.

Rankings Beyond the Top Three

The rankings extend from 1 to 50, revealing more trends and insights worth noting:

• - Clusters of Rural Charm: Most of the top-ranked areas are rural, indicating a preference for quieter, community-oriented living environments.
• - Emerging Towns: New entries include towns that have strong community support frameworks, showcasing Japan's ongoing evolution concerning livability standards.

Conclusion

The "Hometown Living Comfort Rankings 2025" underscored that quality living in Japan is increasingly found in smaller towns. Community support, administrative effectiveness, and environmental beauty are driving factors for residents' satisfaction. This reaffirms the importance of considering quality of life beyond urban life, inviting more people to explore tranquil yet lively atmospheres in rural Japan.

For more details and insights, visit the official website.