## Promoting Measures Supporting Regional Revitalization

## Efforts Directed at Augment Regional and Private Self-reliance and Discretion

## (1) Expanding and improving on administration on various subsidies

By providing the “Regional Renovation Infrastructures Reinforcement Subsidies” aimed at developing facilities of similar functions in a unified manner, and grants for regional rehabilitation strategies for driving effective efforts with regional ingenuity and devices to address issues faced by the regions, regional vitalization is promoted in view of reconstruction.

In addition, smooth and effective development of regional comprehensive strategies by local governments and implementation of good measures relating to this were supported through the advance-type grants for regional revitalization. Furthermore, we have started discussions on creating new types of grants to support autonomous and proactive efforts of local governments to deepen regional revitalization.

## (2) Supporting local regional revitalization efforts

In addition to (1) above, the Regional Economy and Society Analyzing System (RESAS) was developed and enhanced and disseminated to the public as information support.

Also, human support is provided through, among other programs, the regional revitalization concierge that sets up a consultation desk at each ministry and the regional revitalization personnel support system in which government, private company, and other organizations' personnel are sent to small-sized local governments. In December 2015, the Regional Revitalization Human Resources Plan was formulated, setting forth the policy of securing and developing specialized human resources who take roles in regional revitalization in joint efforts of the public and private sectors.

Regional activities relating to favorable social overhead capital are awarded with Handmade Hometown Prizes by ministers to promote further approaches to individualistic and charming regional planning across Japan. In FY 2015, marking the 30th anniversary of the program, the selection review was conducted by holding open presentations with the presence of organizations gathered from across Japan, and 22 award winners, including a regional development with cherry blossoms and Japanese dog’s tooth violet (carried out by the local project team of greening in Ya community) were selected (7 for grand prize division and 15 for general division). Furthermore, the information was sent by newsletter as good case examples that are useful for regional development Note.

## (3) Promoting use of know-how and funds originating from private sectors

Excellent private urban redevelopment projects, such as those linked with an urban renaissance and development project undertaken by a local public entity and accredied by the Minister of MLIT are entitled to investment, joint implementation or any other form of support granted from general incorporated foundation Organization for Promoting Urban Development (hereinafter simply called MINTO). Support is also extended to a resident participation community development fund, which subsidizes community development projects carried out with local resident parcipation or the like.

The MLIT supports those projects relating to the diffusion and promotion of know-how, etc. that is possessed by private associations advanced in the practice of community development activities and that leads to continuing sources of certain profitability in the course of such activities so it can be horizontally extended to other

Figure II-4-2-1

Example of a private urban redevelopment project accredited by the Minister of MLIT

Source) MLIT

Note