Responding to Regional Revitalisation and Socio-economic Challenges in Japan: Government Approaches and Use of Advanced Technologies

Abstract

Japan has one of the world's fastest ageing populations, leading to a shrinking workforce and labour shortages in various industries, with consequent impacts on various aspects of Japanese life and society. Economic stagnation and deflation, energy security and environmental concerns, agricultural decline and its socio-economic effects, advances in technology and innovation are now key issues facing Japan, and government policies and initiatives have been designed to address these challenges and concerns. The objective of this paper is to explore the approaches and policies of the Japanese government and the status of the promotion and adoption of advanced technologies to address the socio-economic challenges facing Japan. The research paper examines the policies and approaches of the government, companies and farmers, and the status of the use of advanced technologies in agriculture to address socio-economic challenges, in line with the achievement of globally promoted goals. This research paper highlighted the policies and approaches applied by the government, companies and farmers, and the current status of the use of advanced technologies in agriculture to address socio-economic challenges and global strategic goals. The study shows that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is leading the Japanese government's efforts to promote the use of advanced technologies to increase agricultural production and address socio-economic issues such as an ageing population, rural depopulation and economic stagnation in rural areas, as young people migrate to cities. Meanwhile, the Japanese government continues its initiatives and commitment to the global goals of developing sustainable energy and food supplies.