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This article was published December 7, 2015 at 7:18.
The last change is the December 7, 2015 at 07:43.
Kamiyama – will be Internet and telecommuting to save the Japanese rural communities endangered by the rapid trend of depopulation and aging? Some, at least, is likely yes, judging by what is happening in a remote valley on the island of Shikoku, the province of Tokushima. Kamiyama (over an hour’s drive from the airport) is a country that had over 21,000 inhabitants in the early 70s and now makes less than 6 thousand. The novelty lies in a 2.5% of the population, will be new arrivals stimulated by the creation of a network of communications infrastructure that is better than that available in Tokyo.
A project by the governor of the province, Kamon Iizumi, that to stand out from other regional initiatives (who only offer tax incentives to companies) has even launched the concept “Versus Tokyo”: the capital, dewatering of the resources of the nation, is the comparative benchmarking, imaginary enemy, on which stagliare local advantages of the province – from a broadband more advanced course much lower overhead costs.
” ICT Strategy for Creative Tokushima “has recorded successes in attracting branches of technology companies based in Tokyo. A dozen are those transferred in Kamiyama, especially after the tsunami of 2011 has convinced many top managers think of structures-satellites distant from headquarters to allow the operation even in the event of disasters metropolitan. “Our efforts to revitalize the local community had begun with different projects – says Shinya Ominami, director of NGO Green Valley – For example, programs to invite artist residency abroad or benefits for those who want to leave the city for live in a more natural environment. The arrival of technology companies gave the impetus to socio-economic changes that now you can feel good. “
Ominami speaks of” depopulation creative “to highlight the possibilities for revitalization of rural areas to also rapidly aging and strong decrease of the population (through a balance of demographics and a diversification and expansion of employment opportunities available, even in the acceptance of the reality of an overall decline in the population). The key lies in attracting economic activities and with them young people, with effects “multipliers” such as the retail business.
A pioneer in the establishment of a satellite office in Kamiyama was Sansan, a company active in Tokyo services for advanced management of personal identification cards. Some members of his staff have packed up, others spend periods of two months. “A cut compared to urban life that stimulates creative ideas,” he says the engineer Hironori Iwashita, swing in a hammock outside his office converted from a former barn. In the center of the country the Plat-Ease Corporation (active in the provision of advanced broadcasting) has renovated a large “Kominka” (traditional house) and opened its Center Kamiyama calling Engawa Office (office-veranda). The holder, Tetsu Sumita, now thinks that – combining business needs and social responsibility – his “mission” corporate is also to create jobs in Kamiyama and try to revitalize collateral sectors (such as the wood industry). Meanwhile side all’Engawa Office arose a coffee-French-style bistro, where stand out the posters of the film festival next year will become international. In the prefecture Tokushima city, the governor Iizumi speaks of “Versus Tokyo” and the participation in Expo Milano. He adds: “With the opportunities offered by ICT, live and work in the country, really, is not that bad. If someone wants to come to us from Italy …. “
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