Text-Mining Analysis of Qualitative Characteristics of the Substantial Community-Based Master Plan in an Unfavorable Area in Japan: A Case of the Sanin Region

Abstract

This study examines the qualitative characteristics of the substantial community-based master plan using a text-mining analysis based on free descriptions of master plans in the Sanin region of the Chugoku area in Japan. We obtained the following results: First, community activities play an essential role in formulating a community-based master plan. Second, the relevance of frequent words varies with the scale of farmland preservation in a district. In areas with unfavorable farming conditions, the measures differ in each district because of the different farmland conditions, farm types, and conditions for accepting new farmers. In addition, local resources, farmland liquidation, and agricultural infrastructure significantly influence paddy field agriculture in hilly and mountainous areas. Rural revitalization measures in each region should consider the characteristics of the region so that the implementation of policy responses is based on residents’ awareness.