The 80 years since the end of World War II has seen a steady concentration of Japan's people and wealth in Tokyo, widening the gap with regional areas. Now, local communities are being shaken by the dual forces of Tokyo centralization and the declining birth rate.

This year, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications released data on Tokyo's dominance. At the end of World War II in 1945, the Tokyo metropolitan area (Tokyo plus Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba prefectures) accounted for 13% of Japan's population. After the period of rapid economic growth centered on the Pacific Belt -- areas strung roughly along the Pacific coast from Ibaraki Prefecture northeast of Tokyo to Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan's southwest -- the figure reached 23% by the time of the Osaka Expo in 1970.

The trend has only continued. As of last year, 30% -- nearly one in three people in the country -- lived in the Tokyo area. It would not be an exaggeration to call this "80 years of Tokyo centralization."

Meanwhile, the birth rate has been falling even faster in recent years. Japan's population is now expected to fall below 100 million earlier than the government's 2056 projection. Many regional communities are increasingly anxious about their very survival.

National policy has fueled the imbalance

Some argue that "even if rural communities disappear, as long as Tokyo drives the economy, it's fine." But if the regions that have preserved Japan's natural environment, agriculture and culture fall into decline, the entire nation will suffer. Tokyo centralization has become a chronic illness for Japan.

Why has this trend been so hard to stop? The government has tried five times to achieve "balanced national development" through comprehensive national plans, prioritizing infrastructure such as transportation networks to lift the regions. Yet, the population has only been further absorbed into Tokyo.

Central government-led policies, which imposed uniform models, have also stripped regions of their unique character. Since 2014, the "regional revitalization" initiative has used grants to support local development, but with little visible success.

Real estate prices in Tokyo have soared, and the cost of living and education is high. Many young people would prefer to live in regional Japan if possible.

Still, the main reason people do not move outside the capital region is the lack of job opportunities. Japan must maximize the benefits of digitalization, and strengthen agricultural revitalization as well as tax incentives for companies to relocate.

Even if the birth rate rises or Tokyo centralization is eased, the overall trend of population decline will not change. Regions must now take a different approach to ensure the survival of their communities.

In July, Sayo, Hyogo Prefecture, declared itself a "shukuju" (shrink and enrich) town. After two years of discussion, the town is seeking ways for residents to live fulfilling lives together, even as the population "shrinks."

"Shukuju" is a concept advocated by community designer Ryo Yamazaki, who supports local development. It aims for a resident-driven society suited to an era of low growth and is attracting attention nationwide.

Sayo, located on the border with Okayama Prefecture, was formed in 2005 by merging four towns. Its current population of about 14,000 is roughly 8,000 fewer than at the time of the merger. The town is now looking ahead to an even smaller future.

Sustaining communities through resident participation

For example, residents might discuss whether local festivals are the right size for the community or how to encourage more young people to participate, and then make changes together. Some residents say, "Shrinking sounds negative," but a town official explains, "We're just getting started. We want to broaden understanding and participation."

It is time for regions to prepare for population decline. In the medium to long term, they will need to prioritize infrastructure renewal and make cities more compact.

While maintaining essential services such as water, electricity and schools, regions should actively use new technologies to create new rural lifestyles. The government should focus support on self-driving vehicles, drones and IT.

A review of the division of roles between prefectures and municipalities is also needed.

Two major merger waves have reduced the number of municipalities in Japan from about 10,000 following the war to about 1,700 today. Even so, it is becoming difficult for a single municipality to provide a full set of public services, such as general hospitals and cultural facilities. Neighboring municipalities must work together to consolidate public facilities and services.

Until now, decentralization has focused on transferring administrative tasks to municipalities. It may be time to consider returning standardized tasks to prefectures, while municipalities maintain services close to residents.

While Japan's regions have declined as Tokyo has prospered, their diversity remains a source of national richness. Residents themselves must discuss and shape a vision for a sustainable society, even as the population shrinks, and national and local governments should support these efforts. "Shukuju" is not just a dream -- it is a real path forward.