Changes in Intercity Relations in the Tokyo Suburbs: The Case of Ryugasaki New Town

Keywords: Migration, Commuting, Intercity relations, Ryugasaki New Town(RNT), Tokyo suburbs
Session Type: Virtual Paper Abstract
Day: Sunday
Session Start / End Time: 2/27/2022 02:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/27/2022 03:20 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 13

Abstract

This study analyzed the intercity relationships between central Tokyo and the Tokyo suburbs, with a special focus on changes in migration and commuting patterns over time. Using population censuses for 1980, 2000, and 2015, we investigated changes in move-in/out and household composition for both Ryugasaki New Town (RNT) and central Tokyo. We also distributed questionnaires to all households in RNT to identify migration and commuting patterns across that time span among the first and second generations (n = 11,719, response rate = 18.2%). Results revealed that: (1) the first RNT generation (1980s) comprised mainly migrants from rural Japan who purchased suburban homes—most male residents commuted to central Tokyo and their spouses tended to be housewives; (2) from the first decade of the 21st century onwards, many RNT residents began to retire, newer migrants began to move in from nearby areas, and most double-income RNT couples commuted to nearby areas to maintain family and job duties; and (3) due to a downward movement in socioeconomic status among generations, some younger people grew up in RNT have had to remain in parental home. Therefore, over time, RNT has become more connected to other suburbs than to central Tokyo.