Nagano and Niigata prefectures attract foreign and domestic migration
- Adam German
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
On August 7th, The Nikkei Shimbun reported that while Nagano and Niigata prefectures continue to see overall population decline, a handful of towns and villages are experiencing growth - driven largely by foreign residents and domestic migrants.
Typical Nagano prefecture skyline. Note the very clear water the area is famous for. Photo by 泉 龍都 on Unsplash
As of January 1, Nagano's population fell by 15,736 people (0.78%) to 2,012,399, while Niigata's dropped by 26,918 (1.26%) to 2,110,754, according to figures released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications on August 6th.
In Nagano, seven municipalities bucked the trend. Ski resort areas like Hakuba, Otari, and Nozawa Onsen saw foreign nationals drive population gains, often relocating to open hotels or restaurants aimed at international tourists.
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Hakuba’s population increased by 366 - the fifth-largest rise among towns and villages nationwide. Its 4% growth rate ranked second, while its foreign resident population jumped by 505, the third-highest increase.
Otari posted a 3.12% growth rate, ranking fifth nationally. Local governments are responding with multilingual communication and promoting etiquette awareness among newcomers.
Miyota, Karuizawa, Hiraya, and Matsukawa drew domestic migrants, particularly families seeking space and affordability. Miyota, located next to upscale Karuizawa, saw a population gain of 219 - ninth nationwide.
Its growth rate reached 1.32%. With strong demand and limited housing supply, Miyota has launched a major residential development project on the former town hall site. The plan includes 100 subdivided lots across more than 5 hectares, with a total project cost of ¥7 - 10 billion and completion targeted for 2027.
In Hiraya Village - Nagano’s least populated municipality with under 400 residents - local policies aimed at attracting young families are showing results. The village’s elementary school currently has 20 students, half of whom moved in through parent–child relocation programs.
In Niigata Prefecture, only Yuzawa Town recorded growth, rising by 1.80%, the tenth highest among all towns and villages. Its net social increase was 3.26%, the highest in the prefecture.
Yuzawa has repurposed around 15,000 bubble-era resort condos for its relocation programs. Since fiscal 2021, a “trial relocation” program has let prospective residents live in a condo for up to 30 days at a rate of ¥2,000 per night. In fiscal 2025, couples whose combined age is 85 or younger will be eligible for a ¥1 million relocation subsidy.
Private sector efforts are also growing. Kiraboshi, a relocation and career-change support group commissioned by the town, plans to build new family housing, noting that most resort condos have layouts too small for long-term family use. The company is currently negotiating land purchases and aims to complete its first building by fiscal 2026.
Foreigners now account for 8% of Yuzawa’s population - the highest share in Niigata Prefecture. Many operate short-term rentals or have taken over inns and hotels. While this supports the tourism economy, issues such as improper waste disposal and noise have created some tensions. In response, Yuzawa has added English and Chinese signage at garbage stations and is encouraging foreign residents to join local neighborhood associations.
Elsewhere in Niigata, municipalities such as Minamiuonuma, Seiro, and Myoko have also seen increases in foreign residents, all in the 2% range. In Myoko, as in Yuzawa, many are involved in tourism-related businesses.
Source:
Nikkei Shimbun (Japanese only; paywalled)
