Spaces & Flows: Ninth International Conference on Urban and ExtraUrban Studies

Abstract

Migrators are often welcomed especially in depopulated areas. In this situation, the depopulated areas tackling the population issue through migration policies tend to become multicultural. It is true that increasing the population has positive impact on the communities but the drastic change by becoming multicultural can lead to some problems between migrators from abroad and local residents. As mentioned in the SDGs by UN, it is of importance that we make “cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable” based on the concept of “leaving no one behind”. In this context, case studies in Tottori were conducted. Tottori is the least populous prefecture in Japan. It has a population of approximately 570 thousand and its population keeps decreasing. As a measure to revitalize the communities, each municipality in Tottori has launched various migration policies. This paper reveals the characteristics of the relationship between non-Japanese migrators and Japanese local residents in depopulated communities in Tottori focusing on cross-cultural competence. In order to scrutinize this, questionnaires were administered and analyzed. Along with this, semi-structured interviews for both non-Japanese and Japanese residents in Tottori were conducted. Based on the results, this paper discusses the characteristics of the relationship between non-Japanese migrators and Japanese local residents in Tottori and how cross-cultural competence affects their daily life especially at schools and workplaces. In addition, it also suggests a new way of communication which can enhance the relationship toward a sustainable society.