Impacts of multi-functionality of urban agriculture on the CCs in Japan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to build a model on the relationship between multi-functionality of urban agriculture (MFA) and the creative classes (CCs) focusing on those who are thinking creatively (TC) through examining Tokyo metropolis in Japan. The impacts of multi-functionality of urban agriculture on the CCs are clarified empirically based on a questionnaire survey targeting at the residents in Tokyo. The results of questionnaire survey clarified that multi-functionality of urban agriculture are preferred by the CCs especially those who are TC. Furthermore, among the CCs, those who are TC have a high level of social capital (SC) and are favorable to diversified lifestyle as well. Therefore, it is concluded that the multi-functionality of urban agriculture has positive impacts on the residence of the creative classes with a high level of SC and the diversity of lifestyle which is thought to be important for the development of cities. Policy implication drawn from the research encourages the city leaders to put more attention on the MFA in Japan, because it is favorable to the CCs especially those who are thinking creatively.