Exploring Dual Residents in Tokyo: Its Policy Implications for Urban/Rural Revitalization

Abstract

This study examines dual residency practiced by urban dwellers in Tokyo and its implications for local and rural revitalization, providing a framework for both Japanese and global policymakers. Using Latent Class Analysis (LCA), the research identifies six distinct types of dual residency, exploring their socio-cultural, economic, and policy implications. Findings reveal that certain dual residency types, such as Remote-work family dual residency, present novel opportunities for revitalization, as these residents tend to exhibit strong commitments to both social and economic engagement with their second municipalities. The study also highlights the potential of mobile, flexible urban dwellers as agents of change in shrinking communities, emphasizing the need for policies that support flexible workstyle and encourage local socio-economic participation. Moreover, it underscores that dual residency should be seen as a dynamic lifestyle, requiring adaptive policy frameworks to address the evolving needs of these residents and promote sustainable urban/rural revitalization in the face of the nationwide depopulation challenge.

Keywords: urban shrinkage, rural shrinkage, depopulation, revitalization, second home, dual residency