Explores policy approaches to depopulation on Japan's islands, and proposes a series of recommendations which may help inform the development of future island depopulation.
15 areas of learning for future island depopulation policies in Scotland.
1. Acknowledging the importance and diversity of islands.
2. Understanding the demographic contexts and trends in islands.
3. Ensuring clarity about the goals of demographic-focused policy interventions.
4. Providing a flexible policy framework to enable locally tailored interventions and initiatives.
5. Incorporating 'hard' and 'soft': taking a holistic approach to depopulation challenges.
6. Engaging with island communities in co-designing policy interventions.
7. Exploring the 'positives' of demographic ageing as well as retaining/re-attracting young people.
8. Building on shifts in values, lifestyles and practical work and living preferences relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.
9. Appropriately using islands as test-beds for innovative policy responses.
10. Recognising and building on the resources and positive benefits of depopulated/depopulating areas.
11. Providing a range of support for in-migrants.
12. 'Translating' the Japanese concept of Kankeijinkōto island Scotland.
13. 'Translating' Japan's Community Co-operative Support initiative (chiiki okoshi kyōryokutai) to island Scotland.
14. Incorporating renewable energy and digital investment considerations into demographic initiatives.
15. 'Translating' the Akiya bank concept to island Scotland.