The Korea Local Administration Review

This research aims to develop a feasible and sustainable regional regeneration model in the age of New Normal characterized by low economic growth and natural decline in population through lowest-low fertility and fast-paced aging. It mainly focuses on the case of downtown revitalization in Takamatsu, a local city in Japan, under the context of shrinking society. The objectives and contents of Takamatsu regeneration model can be summarized in threefold: industry, environment, and population. First, this model strives to revitalize local economy and industry. Second, it forges an eco-compact city in which locally produced goods are consumed nearby via networking and circulating local resources. Third, it not only preserves and revitalizes existing local communities, but also fosters intergenerational solidarity through renovating local amenities for both young and old residents. This regional regeneration strategy provides several meaningful implications. The Takamatsu model is based on the principle of community-led resource circulation, while minimizing the dependence on budgetary subsidies from central and local governments. Hence, it can be durable and sustainable without regard to the fiscal support of regional regeneration. It also conceives local natives, who are predominantly aged, not so much as weakness but as strength and resource. Further, instead of being affected by myopic short-term performances, it has been progressed over two decades with long-term visions. As a conclusion, urban and neighborhood renewal schemes in Korea should put more emphasis on building local consensus without isolating native dwellers, sharing long-term visions, and ensuring sustainable systems.

□ Keywords: Takamatsu, Downtown Revitalization, Regional Regeneration, Resource Circulation, Eco-compact City