subsidy that gives more liberty to regional public organizations and enables them to make the most of their ingenuity.

## (2) Developing a unitary system that supports regional revitalization

Through the regional invigoration supporting team, the enhancement of a consulting system for efforts towards regional revitalization is being carried out locally. At the same time, in response to needs, the nation's regional branches and municipalities work together to form “Specific Regional Project Teams” towards the realization of concrete projects. Also, useful information $ ^{1} $ for regional development is communicated to support regional revitalization.

## (3) Promoting the utilization of private sector expertise and funds

To plan the reinforcement of the growth and competitive power of local cities, support is provided for the Private Sector City Development Project approved by the Minister of MLIT, which cooperates with Community Renovation Subsidy projects performed by regional public organizations. At the same time, support is also provided for the local-participation-type community renovation fund, which gives help to community renovation projects by regional residents.

Example case of the Private Sector City Development Project approved by the Minister of MLIT. Sendai Joint Building Plan.

In the Sendai metropolitan area, complex facilities consisting of project/business/exchange functions are being built together with public facilities such as pedestrian spaces, atrium and roof gardens, etc. to centralize higher level urban functions and to create attractive urban spaces in an integrated manner.

(Completed in March 2009)

### 2. Comprehensive Initiatives to Realize Intensive-Type Urban Structures

In the context of a rapidly declining and aging

population, to cope with the earth’s environmental problems and the efficiency enhancement of city management, it is necessary to change the nature of city development, which has been focused on the expansion and growth of the city in the past. In light of this, the realization of “Intensive-type Urban Structures” is important.

For the realization of such urban structures, it is important to gather the necessary urban functions for living in a place near the main streets and the traffic hubs in the city, such as medical services, nursing/welfare, education, and cultural facilities; to improve the convenience of public transportation; and to ensure opportunities for various gatherings and lively exchanges. By carrying out these measures, positive effects can be expected, i.e. it will be possible for people from every district of the area to enjoy these services, and the creation of new industries and employment chances will be initiated. Moreover, through promoting

the “development of walkable communities” focused on three forms of transportation, which are walking, bicycles and public transport; and improving the energy efficiency by taking advantage of centralization, the effect of environmental burden reduction can also be expected.

Additionally, Japan is also supporting community renovation of every region and city by taking various measures, which are the promotion of a comprehensive traffic strategy that includes public transportation development such as LRT, traffic hub improvement and environmental development for bicycles and pedestrians; the promotion of the street development strategy such as the formation of gathering spots through street vitalization and

promotion of living downtown, as well as controls on new street development in suburban areas; the formation of green networks such as the effective utilization of natural/unused energy; the development of urban parks; the conservation/creation