#Japan #Osaka #Kansai #Daito Kentaku #Happiness Rankings

Overview of the 2025 Happiness and Livability Rankings in Kansai

Daito Kentaku Co., a leading rental company based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has conducted an extensive satisfaction survey that culminated in the release of the "2025 Happiness Rankings and Desired Living Rankings in Kansai". This year's rankings are based on the most comprehensive data collected over the past several years, highlighting which areas in the Kansai region offer the highest level of resident satisfaction.

Methodology of the Survey

The survey assessed residents' happiness by asking respondents to rate their overall contentment on a scale from 1 (very unhappy) to 10 (very happy). This data was subsequently converted into a score out of 100 to create the rankings. Similarly, to measure livability, participants answered whether they would prefer to continue living in their current city, with a scoring system ranging from 0 to 100 points based on their responses.

Top Highlights from the Rankings

Happiness Rankings (Municipalities)

1. Hidaka-cho, Hidaka-gun, Wakayama Prefecture - For the first time ever, this municipality has claimed the top position in the happiness rankings.
2. Toyono-cho, Toyono-gun, Osaka Prefecture - Retaining a strong second place, showcasing consistent resident satisfaction.
3. Tajiri-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka Prefecture - Rising from 10th place last year to third, demonstrating a marked improvement in happiness.

All three top performers are classified as towns in rural areas, each achieving impressive scores in the 70s for their emotional valuations.

Livability Rankings (Municipalities)

1. Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture - Topping the livability chart for the third consecutive year, highlighting its appeal to long-term residents.
2. Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture - Close behind Ashiya for the same three-year period, indicating its stable desirability.
3. Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture - Another consistent performer, securing third place for the second year in a row.

Happiness Rankings (Stations)

1. Taniyama Station, Kobe - Climbing from third place last year to first, indicating an increase in happiness for locals.
2. Toyokawa Station, Ibaraki - Following closely in second, the station achieved an impressive happiness rating.
3. Kasanui Station, Isogi-gun - Rounding out the top three with significant resident approval.

Livability Rankings (Stations)

1. Kamenoko Station, Wakayama City - Successfully jumping from 22nd to 1st place in its inaugural ranking.
2. Ashiyagawa Station, Ashiya City - Maintaining its second-place status, proving its attractiveness to current residents.
3. Unobeno Station, Ibaraki City - Retaining third place for the second year, reflecting its reliable livability.

Noteworthy Observations

• - The top-performing municipalities and stations all displayed scores reflecting high levels of pride and attachment among residents, showcasing a correlation between happiness, livability, and emotional commitment to their communities.
• - The rankings are based on an extensive survey conducted between 2021 and 2025, gathering responses from nearly 147,000 participants across the Kansai region.
• - The methodology also incorporated demographic insights, revealing a balanced gender distribution and age range within the population, which enhances the validity of the data collected.

Conclusion

These rankings provide valuable insights not only into the places that residents find most satisfying and wish to remain in, but they also highlight the importance of local pride and community attachment. As cities strive to improve their livability, these rankings serve as a benchmark for success, encouraging municipalities to foster environments where residents feel happy and rooted.

For further details and full rankings, please refer to their official website.