In November 2024, an event was held in Tokyo to encourage people to relocate to Gunma Prefecture. The prefecture achieved a milestone by ranking first in a relocation desirability survey released on February 25 by a nonprofit organization located in Tokyo’s Yurakucho district. The survey rankings were based on data gathered from first-time relocation consultations at the “furusato kaiki” (return to hometown) support center, which collaborates with local governments across the nation.
Gunma Prefecture outperformed Shizuoka Prefecture, which had held the top spot for four years, and this shift in rankings was attributed to Gunma’s comprehensive efforts. By ensuring that all 35 of its municipalities became members of the nationwide support organization by 2020 and hosting various relocation seminars in Tokyo, Gunma successfully attracted prospective migrants. The prefecture’s previous second-place finish in 2023 had already boosted its media profile, further enhancing its appeal.
The survey, now in its 16th annual iteration since 2009, also highlighted growing trends in relocation consultations, which reached a record high of 61,720 in 2024—a significant increase from past years. Consultation requests have steadily risen, with more inquiries coming from individuals in their 20s and 30s and more than 70 percent originating from Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba. Additionally, Tokyo itself made its debut in the top 20 relocation destinations, ranking 14th.
Other prefectures mentioned include Shizuoka, Tochigi, Nagano, and Fukuoka, with local governments actively promoting relocation through on-site consultation events and customized services. Shizuoka, for instance, is popular due to its accessibility via Shinkansen and favorable climate, while Tochigi has introduced a concierge service to offer personalized guidance for prospective relocators. These coordinated efforts underscore the strong regional interest in relocation and the continuous efforts to accommodate newcomers across Japan.
9 Comments
Raphael
I'm happy to see local governments taking proactive steps to welcome newcomers and make them feel at home.
Leonardo
I think it's important to focus on revitalizing existing communities rather than just moving populations around.
Michelangelo
I'm concerned about the lack of career opportunities in Gunma. Is it really a viable option for young professionals?
Donatello
This whole thing feels like a publicity stunt to me. Gunma can't possibly be _that_ great.
Raphael
Wait, Gunma Prefecture is actually _the_ most attractive place to move to in Japan? Something doesn't add up here.
Michelangelo
It's great to see so many young people considering moving to Gunma. This will bring fresh energy and ideas to the prefecture.
Raphael
I believe relocation can be a win-win for both individuals and communities, as long as it's done thoughtfully and sustainably.
Karamba
This "furusato kaiki" organization seems shady. Are they just trying to manipulate people into moving to Gunma?
Leonardo
I believe this movement towards relocation is a natural evolution of how people are choosing to live and work in the modern world.