Facing the Crisis of Remote Islands: Co-Creation Conference 2025 for a Promising Future

Facing the Crisis of Remote Islands: A Call for Collective Action

The remote islands of Japan, known as a microcosm of the nation, are facing an unprecedented crisis driven by rapid population decline, reduced ferry services, and the fading of social infrastructure. Currently, approximately 1 million residents reside on around 417 islands, accounting for merely 0.5% of Japan’s total population. With essential services like healthcare and education dwindling, these communities are becoming increasingly vulnerable.

Recognizing the urgency of these issues, the nonprofit organization, Ritokei, led by Atsuko Kuwamoto, is organizing the Future of Islands Co-Creation Conference 2025 on October 9 at Tokyo Innovation Base (TIB) in Chiyoda, Tokyo, as well as virtually. This event welcomes guests from various sectors to discuss innovative solutions and share ideas aimed at securing a sustainable future for these islands.

A Gathering of Key Players

The co-creation conference, which first launched in 2024, has gained traction as an essential platform for stakeholders to address urgent challenges facing island communities. The inaugural event attracted around 300 participants, including residents of remote islands, various governmental entities, NGOs, academics, and representatives from both large corporations and startups. Each session focused on themes such as disaster prevention across islands, sustainable financial circulation, and long-term livability of remote communities.

The conference adopts a ‘Shima Thinking’ approach, emphasizing the importance of community bonds and shared values among island residents. Conversations lead to the establishment of new initiatives, like the Shima-Bito University, created to foster continuous learning and adaptability among island inhabitants.