Attitudinal differences toward riversides based on the distance between local resident and users with the Arakawa River, Japan

Abstract

The role of rivers includes flood control and irrigation, as well as offering a place for people to interact with nature in daily life, especially for physical exercises and sports in Japan. However, in Japan, many people do not view the riversides as places for recreation; the rules for use, and the process of getting permission is also very complicated. This research argues that partial revision of existing rules regarding the use of riversides will increase the diversity of activities. The objective of this research is to clarify attitudinal differences towards riversides based on the distance between local resident and users, with the Arakawa River in Japan. In May 2017, questionnaire survey items were derived from the Arakawa Future Image Plan of 2010. This survey was administered from the end of May until the middle of July in 2017. A chi-square test was applied for the result analysis. An attitudinal difference between local resident (n = 121) and users (n = 63) was examined in two parts: regional understanding, and the utilization of riversides. According to the study results, the perceptions towards riversides are influenced by the distance from the river and the river’s utility pattern. Particularly, differences were seen in people’s viewpoints concerning riverside usage patterns