“Youth council” to resolve declining birthrate first meeting in Kunohe village, reflecting real voices | Iwate Nippo IWATE NIPPO

A “Youth Conference” has begun in Kunohe Village, Iwate Prefecture, where young people can share ideas for village development. In light of the current situation where there is no stopping the declining birthrate, the plan calls for measures to be taken from a new perspective. The number of births in 2023 is expected to be six, lower than the lowest ever in 2020, and we aim to reflect real voices and create a “village that people want to live in.”

The first meeting was held on the 14th at the village community center and was attended by about 40 men and women in their 20s and 30s who live or work in the village. Divided into seven groups, they raised issues such as, “There are few places where young people can gather,” “It would be good if there were subsidies for building houses,” and “There are closed areas, so we need to create a space that makes people want to join the community.” We discussed improvements and hopes.

Ayumi Tainaka (39), a farmer from Araya in the same village, said, “Opinions were raised about the lack of public transportation and playgrounds for children.The village has a ski resort and campground, so it’s a good environment for outdoor enthusiasts. I hope you will spread the word more on social networking sites (SNS).”

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For the full article, please see the Iwate Nippo newspaper dated November 18th.