Long-term analysis questions whether Japan's depopulation policy can stabilize shrinking communities

The Quick Take

Small and medium-sized cities (SMCs) are essential for balanced national development, yet many are now facing prolonged population loss, aging and weakened labor markets. Japan has addressed this challenge for more than half a century through the Depopulated-Area-Designation (DAD) policy, a national framework that identifies municipalities facing population loss and supports them through infrastru