In 2026, Daito Kentaku Co., Ltd. conducted a comprehensive survey focused on living comfort and desirable cities, particularly highlighting the Kagawa Prefecture. This survey marked the largest exploration of residential satisfaction, revealing significant findings in the rankings for both livability and desirability in urban areas.
Living Comfort Rankings
For the third consecutive year, the top spot for the livability in Kagawa Prefecture was claimed by Utazu Town in Ayauta District, followed closely by Takamatsu City in the second place and Marugame City in third.
1. Utazu Town: A Consistent Winner
Situated on the shores of the Seto Inland Sea, Utazu Town may be among the smallest municipalities in the prefecture, yet it has seen substantial progress in tourism and commercial infrastructure, with ongoing construction of mid-rise buildings. Its well-maintained urban landscape contributed to its high scores across various factors such as convenience of living, transportation accessibility, administrative services, friendliness, and vibrancy, earning it the number one rank.
2. Urban and Suburban Areas Shine
Takamatsu City, along with Marugame City, remains prominent in the top rankings. Nearby towns such as Utazu, Miki, and Kotohira also recorded impressive positions, reflecting a solid community perspective.
Desired City Rankings
The desirable city rankings revealed that Takamatsu City has secured the top position for a remarkable seventh consecutive year, with the second and third spots held by the Tokyo 23 wards and Kobe City, respectively.
1. Preference for Takamatsu City
The persistent preference for Takamatsu City suggests a strong evaluation from residents, while the second rank for Tokyo's 23 wards and the third for Kobe City also underscores the allure of urban life, even beyond the prefecture.
2. High Satisfaction with Current Living Conditions
Interestingly, 81.6% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their current living arrangements, contributing to a favorable view of their cities. This was noted by the high rate of individuals who identified no particular desire to move to a different city, with others committed to remaining in their current locations.
Survey Methodology
The rankings were derived from a comprehensive analysis of responses collected between 2022 and 2026, mainly aimed at residents aged 20 and above in Kagawa Prefecture. Adjustments were made by integrating past data from earlier years when necessary to ensure a robust dataset.
From the collected data of 6,315 individuals, the demographic mix was fairly balanced, with 49.6% male and 50.4% female respondents. The age distribution varied, showcasing a broad representation of both younger and older citizens, indicating a diverse set of perspectives.
Additional Insights
The detailed rankings also presented various factors influencing the perception of livability, with Utazu Town notably recognized for tranquility and safety. The unique methodologies for gathering opinions included internet surveys, allowing meaningful engagement from the community.
In conclusion, the 2026 living comfort and desired city rankings shed light on the preferences and satisfaction levels of Kagawa prefecture residents, showcasing a strong sense of community and a preference for urban centers like Takamatsu, underscoring the ongoing trends in residential choices in Japan.
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