The Choice of “Smart Shrink” in an Age of Population Decline (Prof. Takao Komine, Visiting Professor, Taisho University Institute of Regional Development / Board Member & Senior Research Fellow, Japan Center for Economic Research）

OVERVIEW実施概要

Date & Time 14:00-15:30, Friday, September 11, 2026 Application Deadline 12:00, Wednesday, September 9 Theme The Choice of “Smart Shrink” in an Age of Population Decline Briefer Prof. Takao Komine, Visiting Professor, Taisho University Institute of Regional Development / Board Member & Senior Research Fellow, Japan Center for Economic Research

Brief Bio:

Born in 1947. After graduating from the Tokyo University Faculty of Economics in 1969, joined the Economic Planning Agency and was director of its Economic Research Institute, Price Bureau, and Research Bureau before becoming a professor at Hosei University. Since 2017, he has been a visiting professor at the Taisho University Institute of Regional Development. Specializes in Japanese economic theory and economic policy theory. Has many works including The Economics of Regions and Population Decline: The Choice of Smart Shrink (Chuko Shinsho, 2026). Language Japanese, with consecutive English interpretation

After reaching a peak in 2008, the population of Japan has been declining, and with regional areas facing a declining and aging population, and reduced tax income, traditional regional administration based on an assumption of growth is becoming difficult. Preparing for an “80% society” in 2040, when it is forecast that the main labor force will drop to 80% of current numbers, is also a pressing issue. In these conditions, “Smart Shrink,” a strategy in which population decline is assumed and public services and city functions are intelligently consolidated and made more efficient while maintaining or improving residents’ happiness, has been receiving attention. In its November 2025 proposal, the National Governors’ Association explicitly mentioned “the perspective of Smart Shrink,” and it has become an important concept when considering regional development in an age of population decline.

The FPCJ has invited Prof. Takao Komine, a visiting professor at the Taisho University Institute of Regional Development and a board member and senior research fellow at the Japan Center for Economic Research, to discuss the background behind the need for Smart Shrink and its significance, implementing it while maintaining wellbeing, and pioneering examples from local governments.

Please note that you cannot physically attend this briefing, as it will be a Zoom webinar.

Embassy representatives and FPCJ supporting members may also participate in the briefing as observers (admission free).

As in our standard press briefings, there will be a Q&A session at the end.
*In principle, questions will only be accepted from members of the foreign press.

Members of the Foreign Press:

Please send any questions for the briefer or topics you are interested in to [email protected] by 12:00 on Friday, October 9. As there will only be a limited amount of time to ask questions during the briefing, we will collect questions and provide them to the briefer in advance.

Embassy representatives and FPCJ supporting members may also watch the briefing as observers (admission free).

■How to Apply: Please refer to the email we sent.
*We will not be accepting applications by email.