#Japan #Yamagata #Daito Kentaku #Living Rankings

Yamagata’s Living Rankings 2026: Key Insights

Daito Kentaku Corporation, headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has conducted one of the largest satisfaction surveys to date, unveiling two significant rankings: the Living Comfort Rankings and the Desired Cities Rankings for 2026 in Yamagata Prefecture.

Living Comfort Rankings Insights

Top 3 Cities

1. Higashine City
2. Tendo City
3. Yamagata City
Yamagata City has secured the third position for seven consecutive years.

Higashine City has jumped from its previous second place to take the top spot this year. Renowned for its cherry and apple production, this city boasts superior transportation options, including Yamagata Airport and the Shinkansen stop at Sakuranbo-Higashine Station. Its extensive commercial facilities and healthcare institutions further enhance its appeal, contributing to its rise in the rankings.

Fifth place was captured by Shirataka Town in Nishio Kitama District, which is blessed with rich natural landscapes framed by the Mogami River. This area received high marks for serenity and safety as well as friendliness.

The Living Comfort Rankings aggregate responses from a five-year span, from 2022 to 2026. If certain municipalities fall short of the minimum required responses for any given year, earlier responses from preceding years are included to achieve the necessary numbers.

Desired Cities Rankings Insights

Top 3 Desired Cities

1. Sendai City (maintaining first position for six years)
2. Tokyo 23 Wards
3. Yamagata City

Sendai City continues to excel, holding its top position for six years straight. Following it, Tokyo's 23 Wards and Yamagata City remain solidly in second and third place respectively for three consecutive years. Tendo City is ranked fourth for five years in a row, and in fifth place is Yokohama City, having secured that position for the last two years.

Interestingly, a significant 73.6% of respondents express a favorable view toward their current living conditions. This includes 55.9% indicating they have no particular preference for a new city, while 17.7% are satisfied with their current locales.

The Desired Cities Rankings were formulated using responses collected specifically from current residents in Yamagata for 2026, representing a comprehensive cross-section of the population. Administrative districts were aggregated for this ranking.

Rankings Overview: Yamagata's Top 10 Cities and Key Factors

• - Top 10 Areas for Living Comfort: Here, local municipal evaluations offer valuable insights into various rankings including amenities, safety, and the friendliness of neighborhoods.
• - Notably, Kawanishi Town in the Higashiokitama District ranked third in tranquility and safety.

Survey Methodology

The survey was carried out by Macromill, which distributed questionnaires via the internet to individuals over the age of 20 residing in Yamagata Prefecture. The sample of 6,498 respondents illustrated a balanced demographic profile.

Data Collection Period

• - 2026 Survey: February 10 - March 22, 2026 (1,516 respondents)
• - 2025 Survey: February 21 - March 10, 2025 (1,302 respondents)
• - Additional years: The same pattern applies to the previous years up to 2022.

In summary, these rankings not only highlight the current living standards and aspirations of Yamagata's residents but also serve as a valuable resource for urban planning and community development. Residents’ feedback and satisfaction can significantly shape future living environments of the region.

For more information, visit the Living Comfort Rankings website or check the press release.