Paper short abstract:

Retirement and elderly migration plays a significant role within revitalization schemes of Japan's shrinking cities. Based on migration data and revitalization strategies this paper will examine the perspectives of two middle sized cities to prevent population decline.

Paper long abstract:

Recent census data (2015) show further ageing of the Japanese society (26.6%) accompanied by a shrinkage of the overall population. However, ageing as well as population decline is unevenly distributed. Major urban eras keep on growing, but have also reached high levels of population ageing with heavy repercussions on the welfare institutions, while the population declines further in most rural regions and smaller cities.

These severe demographic developments have induced municipalities to compete for people who may become their new inhabitants for the last two decades. Within these revitalization schemes retirement and elderly migration has played a significant role. They have especially targeted the postwar baby boomers (or dankai sedai) as these age cohorts are relatively affluent and may partly be receptive to new living environments due to their diversified lifestyles. By now, they have all reached retirement age. On the basis of census and other population data I will examine the migration of Japan's older population to other cities and prefectures over last few years, before taking a closer look at two specific cities, their demographic change, and prospects concerning population sustainability.