Spatial exploration of rural capital contributing to quality of life and urban-to-rural migration decisions: a case study of Hokuto City, Japan

• DOI: 10.1007/s11625-023-01427-9
• Publication Date: 2024-01-12T12:02:53Z
• Authors: Yasuo Takahashi; Takahiro Yoshida; Sawako Shigeto; Hiroyuki Kubota; Brian Alan Johnson; Yoshiki Yamagata
• Keywords: Natural Capital; Capital (architecture)

Abstract Globally, urbanization constitutes one of the major underlying drivers global ecological degradation. Hence, deurbanization, i.e., demographic shift from urban to distant rural areas in a way that increases quality life (QoL), can be key pathways address this challenge. In study, we investigated contribution nature and other types capital QoL people’s decision migrate by studying residents Hokuto City, popular urban-to-rural migration destination Japan. An integrated analysis 414 responses questionnaire survey open commercial geospatial datasets representing natural, built, human, cultural, financial revealed contributions specific elements QoL. These included natural (farmland, symbolic sites, mountain peak view, lower temperature, tranquility), built (highways, railway stations, shops, restaurants), (employment). Many these are related reasons migrants, including return one-way chose their present home location indicating intention increase migration. Particularly, migrant homes were located predominantly on higher up slopes with temperatures, forest cover, near parks, yet easier access stations employment. results provide valuable evidence base for spatial planning increased attracting migrants considers ecological–social feedbacks, hence supports deurbanization.