A Comprehensive Overview of the 2026 Ehime Prefecture Living Satisfaction Rankings

In a recent survey conducted by Daiwa Lease Co., Ltd., significant insights regarding residential satisfaction in Ehime Prefecture have emerged. This extensive inquiry has yielded two main reports: the "2026 Ehime Prefecture Living Satisfaction Rankings" and the "2026 Ehime Prefecture Desired Living Area Rankings". This year's findings reveal a continued appreciation for Matsuyama, a city that remains at the forefront of public sentiment.

Living Satisfaction Rankings Highlights

Matsuyama has secured the top position in the living satisfaction rankings for the seventh consecutive year. Following Matsuyama are Saijo and the Iyo district's Matsuyama, ranking in second and third place respectively. Matsuyama, as Ehime’s capital and the largest city in Shikoku, boasts impressive infrastructure developments.

The city's ongoing large-scale redevelopment around the main station has created a vibrant urban landscape. Notably, various commercial establishments, including shopping streets and department stores, have contributed to the region's convenience. Additionally, Matsuyama is home to Japan's oldest hot spring, Dogo Onsen, and significant cultural sites such as the Shiki Memorial Museum, enriching the city’s appeal. The rankings particularly highlight the high scores in categories like “convenience of life,” “friendliness,” and “vibrancy,” which have solidified Matsuyama's reputation as a sustainable and enjoyable place to live.

Ranking Methodology

The Living Satisfaction Rankings are compiled using aggregated responses over five years from 2022 to 2026. In instances where the number of respondents does not meet the required threshold for each municipality, previous years' data has been added, ensuring robust results. Each city's satisfaction is measured on a scale that ensures comprehensive coverage of public opinion.

Desired Living Area Rankings Highlights

For the Desired Living Area Rankings, Matsuyama once again takes the gold, maintaining its position as the most desirable city to live in for eight consecutive years. Tokyo 23rd Ward ranked second, holding steady for five years, while Fukuoka City climbed to third place from last year’s fourth. Notably, Hiroshima City newly emerged in the top five ranks.

Current Living Preferences

The current trends indicate a positive attitude toward existing living conditions, with 79.9% of respondents expressing satisfaction with their current locations. A substantial 57.6% believe they have no particularly desired area to relocate, while 22.3% wish to continue living in their current city. This sentiment reflects an ongoing appreciation for their neighborhoods among many residents.

Additional Insights from the Rankings

Beyond the top-ranked cities, several lesser-known municipalities received attention in various individual categories.

- Safety: The top-ranked town for silence and security is Kitakuchiyama Inukko, followed by Kitauwa District's Kikonsei Town, and Minamiuwa District's Ainano.
- Friendliness: Minamiuwa District's Ainano also indicates strong community friendliness rankings.
- Disaster Preparedness: Kitauwa District's Kikonsei Town is recognized for notable disaster readiness measures.

The rankings are based on average scores derived from current resident evaluations of their areas, reflecting their overall satisfaction levels and experiences.

Survey Overview

The comprehensive survey, executed by Macromill, targeted residents aged 20 and over, gathering responses from 8,483 participants across the prefecture. The survey included diverse demographic backgrounds, ensuring a well-rounded representation of the prefectural population. The survey ran from February 10 to March 22, 2026, collecting insights to shape these compelling narrative rankings.

In light of these results, it is clear that Matsuyama offers a unique blend of commerce, culture, and comfort, establishing itself as a model for desirable urban living in Ehime and beyond. With ongoing developments and community-focused initiatives, the city looks set to remain a favorite among residents for years to come. Stay informed on further updates via our dedicated website, or delve deeper into the housing rankings on the respective links provided.