Shimojō, Nagano

Shimojō
下條村
Village

Location of Shimojō in Nagano Prefecture
Shimojō

Location in Japan

Coordinates: 35°24′N 137°47′E / 35.400°N 137.783°E / 35.400; 137.783Coordinates: 35°24′N 137°47′E / 35.400°N 137.783°E / 35.400; 137.783
Country Japan
Region Chūbu
Kōshin'etsu
Prefecture Nagano Prefecture
District Shimoina
Area
 • Total 37.66 km2 (14.54 sq mi)
Population (2003)
 • Total 4,169
 • Density 110/km2 (290/sq mi)
Time zone Japan Standard Time (UTC+9)
Website www.vill-shimojo.jp

Shimojō (下條村 Shimojō-mura) is a village located in Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

Considered to be a "miracle village," the village of Shimojō has defied the declining birthrate noted in Japan as well increasing capital revenue by increasing worker efficiency. In 2003-2005, the village birthrate, "was 2.12...against the national average of 1.25 in 2005" while, "...personal expenses were cut by ¥450 million".[1] Reforms have thus allowed the village to grow without government subsidies due to its sufficient capital which has allowed the village, as village head Ito Kihei remarks, to offer, "places to enjoy...such facilities as a mobile library, a swimming pool and a culture hall [while] enriching the child-raising environment and assistance by making medical expenses free for children through junior high school."

A Roadside Station "Shinanoji Shimojō" along route 151 at Shimojō, Nagano

As of 2003, the village had an estimated population of 4,169 and a density of 110.70 persons per km2. The total area is 37.66 km2.

Shimojō Land Youth Hostel

See also

References

  1. ↑ Kohei, Yano. "'Another Road' Shown by Small Villages - Ooshika & Shimojo in Nagano Pref." Japan Spotlight: Economy, Culture & History. (2007).


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