#Japan #Hiroshima #Okayama #Living Satisfaction #Chugoku

The 2025 Happiness and Livability Rankings in Japan

In a comprehensive study conducted by Daiko Kentaku Co., Ltd., the Happiness Ranking of Towns 2025 (Chugoku Version) and the Livability Ranking of Towns 2025 (Chugoku Version) have been released. This year's results showcase significant shifts in rankings, identifying towns in the Chugoku region that provide exceptional living conditions for their residents.

Key Findings of the 2025 Happiness Ranking

The towns that topped the happiness index are:
1. Kumano Town, Aki County, Hiroshima Prefecture (previously ranked 3rd)
2. Yurihama Town, Tohaku County, Tottori Prefecture (previously 12th)
3. Hayashima Town, Tsukubo County, Okayama Prefecture (previously 8th)

Kumano Town, having moved up from 3rd place last year, stands out for its community spirit and engaging local culture, confirming its top position in 2025. Tottori’s Yurihama Town made an impressive leap, elevating eleven ranks in just one year, reflecting its growing appeal and livability. Hayashima Town also showed progress, moving up a few spots to secure its position among the top three.

Most notably, seven of the top ten towns are rural areas from Hiroshima, Tottori, Okayama, and Yamaguchi, emphasizing the unique attributes and charm of these communities. The town's happiness index has been computed from cumulative responses over five years (2021-2025), ensuring that the data reflects genuine sentiments from residents.

Insights into the 2025 Livability Ranking

For the Livability Ranking, the leading towns were:
1. Yakage Town, Oda County, Okayama Prefecture (up from 6th place)
2. Fuchu Town, Aki County, Hiroshima Prefecture
3. Hayashima Town, Tsukubo County, Okayama Prefecture (maintained 3rd position for two consecutive years)

Yakage Town climbed to the first position, showcasing its residents' pride and attachment to the area. Fuchu Town stood out as it topped multiple metrics, including pride and living comfort. The steadfast position of Hayashima Town highlights its consistent appeal to its residents.

The rankings show that the towns resonate strongly with their inhabitants' values, such as comfort in living, pride in their community, and emotional attachment to their environment. The rise of Yaizu Town into the top ten from 35th place demonstrates the positive changes and enhancements being made in community satisfaction overall.

Ranking Analysis and Statistical Insights

Within the top 20 of the happiness and livability rankings, towns like Otake City in Hiroshima Prefecture rose significantly from 45th to 13th, illustrating the evolving perceptions of these towns. Furthermore, Takehara City and Higashi Zone in Okayama City also made notable progress, indicating a trend of improving living conditions across various towns.

A closer examination reveals a high evaluation (standard deviation scores) among the top two towns, both achieving over 70 in their satisfaction ratings, while the remaining top-ranked towns hovered around the 60 range, reflecting their solid standing among residents. The data indicates a strong correlation between the perceived comfort of living, as well as sense of pride and attachment to the respective municipalities.

Methodology of the Research

The survey was conducted by MacroMill, utilizing an online format where respondents from across the Chugoku region were invited to share their thoughts on their happiness and living conditions. A total of 48,437 individuals participated over the years, yielding valuable insights into what makes a town a great place to live. The survey ensured diverse participation, comprising 46.9% men and 53.1% women, while capturing different family structures, age ranges, and living experiences.

This research serves as a crucial tool for town planners and local authorities aiming to foster quality living environments that prioritize residents' satisfaction. For a detailed look at the full ranking, data, and methodologies, visit the detailed rankings on the Ehey.net website. Further press release specifics can be found here.

The findings reflect a dedicated effort to understand and improve the standard of living across different communities, emphasizing the importance of resident voice in shaping vibrant, livable towns in Japan.