Elements for Encouraging Non-Residents to Maintain Collaboration with Residents in Rural Communities: A Case Study on Kumadani, Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture

Abstract

This study aims to reveal elements that encourage non-residents, who are not residents’ family members, to maintain collaboration with residents in rural communities, by focusing on the case of Kumadani, Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture. Three non-residents were interviewed. Our research revealed that the following elements generate positive emotions in non-residents: Residents or people involved in a community: 1) create an opportunity for non-residents to learn, 2) provide support to expand non-residents’ networks and develop relationships in a community, 3) recognize non-residents individually, 4) create an environment for non-residents to try and exercise their abilities, 5) develop non-residents’ sense of belonging to a community, 6) develop non-residents’ sense of gaining confidence or credibility, and 7) develop non-residents’ independence to be involved in a community. From these elements, 1), 3), 5), and 7) encourage non-residents to maintain collaboration.