Nonmetropolitan youths and their attachment to hometown in postgrowth Japan

Abstract

This study explores the attachment to hometown among nonmetropolitan youths in postgrowth Japan. The existing literature suggests that they feel attached to their hometowns due to intimate bonds with their families and friends or easy access to shopping and leisure facilities, even amid uncertain employment prospects. However, these observations often assume that those remaining in the provinces have lower academic attainment and a lack of motivation to seek better opportunities in urban centers. In contrast, this study, conducted through online interviews with 22 Japanese youths graduating from prestigious universities in Kyushu, examines their willingness to find stable employment and their decision to remain in their hometowns. Through an examination of their educational and career transitions and exploring their social networks, this study demonstrates that this phenomenon of remaining in rural hometowns reflects emerging cultural and societal attitudes shaped by the prolonged recession and tremendous disasters that impact their residential preferences.