群馬・南牧村長、就任8日後に「消滅」と言われた過去から10年―何が変わったのか [群馬県]：朝日新聞デジタル

In a recent symposium organized by the Population Strategy Conference, attention was drawn to the changing demographics in Japan, particularly the decline in the population of women aged 20-39. The conference highlighted the potential disappearance of numerous municipalities in the coming years due to population shifts.

The analysis, which was first published a decade ago, predicted that nearly half of the cities, towns, and villages in Japan could face the risk of disappearing. This revelation prompted the government to introduce policies for regional revitalization and address the challenges posed by a declining population.

One such municipality that faced the threat of disappearance was Nanmoku Village in Gunma Prefecture. However, after ten years of strategic planning and efforts to attract new residents, the village has seen significant changes and improvements in its population dynamics.

The story of Nanmoku Village serves as a testament to the importance of proactive measures and community engagement in combating the effects of depopulation. It also sheds light on the resilience and determination of local leaders and residents in preserving their communities for future generations.

As Japan continues to grapple with demographic challenges, the experiences of Nanmoku Village offer valuable insights and lessons for other municipalities facing similar issues. By learning from past successes and failures, communities can work together to build a more sustainable and vibrant future.