Society

More than half of Japan municipalities are now classified as 'depopulated'

Apr 02 (NHK) - The Japanese government says more than half of the country's municipalities are now classified as "depopulated" under law.

The Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry on Friday released a new list of depopulated areas based on the results of the 2020 census.

Sixty-five municipalities were added to the list, bringing the total to 885 out of 1,718 cities, towns and villages.

This is the first time that depopulated municipalities account for a majority, since the relevant law that lays out the conditions for the classification took effect in 1970.

Sharp declines in population and weak funding are the deciding factors under the law.

By prefecture, all 19 municipalities in Shimane, western Japan, meet the conditions. The southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima has 42 depopulated areas, which means all municipalities except its prefectural capital. In Akita, northern Japan, all but two of 25 municipalities also made the list. ...continue reading

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