Community Development in Tsuruga, Japan
Where is Tsuruga?
Tsuruga is a historic port city located in Fukui Prefecture, Japan. The city was formerly a bustling port not only for commerical items, but also as one for transit between Japan and Europe via the trans-Siberian railroad. It is also known as a port that took in Polish orphans and Jewish refugees in the 20th century. In recent years, it grew economically as a hub for nuclear power plants, but has seen a demise since the termination of these plants. As of June 2022, the city had an estimated population of 66,123 in 28,604 households and the population density of 260 persons per km2.[1] The total area of the city is 251.39 square kilometres (97.06 sq mi).
What did you do in Tsuruga?
I am a member of the Regional Development Corps and am the second of such development officers to be placed in Tsuruga City,
What is the Regional Development Corps?
The Regional Development Corps are people who move from urban areas to areas with declining or aging populations to support regional development by developing, selling, and promoting local brands and products, engaging in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries, and supporting local residents, while settling in the area.
The local government appoints the members, and the activities, conditions, and benefits vary depending on the local government. The term of office is generally from one year to three years.
What specific projects are you involved in?
I worked on projects to revitalize a historic area of Tsuruga City (Museum Street), and initiated a project to institutionalize the support and intake of Ukuranian refugees in Tsuruga City, and other media-based projects