Core Viewpoint - A mature society should accommodate lives that are "not so ambitious" [3] Group 1: Diversity of Social Needs - A healthy society is composed of diverse individuals, not just "elites" who thrive in competitive environments [5] - Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences suggests that human abilities are varied, indicating that not everyone is suited for high-pressure urban jobs [5][6] - Economic theories, such as David Ricardo's comparative advantage, support the idea that different types of individuals contribute uniquely to society, with no one type being more important than another [6] Group 2: The Danger of a Single Standard - The narrow definition of "success" in society creates a form of "social violence," limiting individuals' life choices [8][9] - The dominance of instrumental rationality over value rationality leads to a focus on efficiency and results, often at the expense of personal fulfillment [8] - Many essential jobs are undervalued due to a narrow understanding of success, which simplifies individual worth [9] Group 3: Supportive Systems and Culture - A supportive system and culture are necessary for individuals to choose a slower-paced life in smaller cities [11][12] - Japan's "regional revitalization" strategy illustrates how government initiatives can encourage young people to move to smaller cities [12] - Cultural shifts are needed to respect diverse lifestyles, moving away from the notion that only urban success is valid [13] Group 4: Young People Returning to Self - There is a noticeable trend of young people choosing to stay in their hometowns or smaller cities, reflecting a shift in values towards quality of life [14][15] - This choice is seen as a sign of social progress, as it indicates a focus on personal desires over societal expectations [15][16] - The current generation is challenging the illusion of a single path to success, advocating for a broader range of life choices [17]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the contrasting lifestyles and societal expectations in Japan and China, highlighting the pressures of urban life versus the appeal of a simpler, rural existence, and the need for a more inclusive understanding of success and personal fulfillment [2][4][21]. Group 1: Societal Changes and Cultural Reflections - The collapse of Japan's economic bubble led to a significant shift in societal values and attitudes, resulting in a "lost decade" that influenced both work culture and personal aspirations [1][2]. - The emergence of two distinct narratives in Japanese media reflects the struggles of young people: one pursuing success in urban environments and the other seeking peace in rural settings [2][3]. Group 2: Diverse Needs and Values in Society - A healthy society requires a diversity of roles and talents, as not everyone is suited for high-pressure urban jobs; different lifestyles should be respected and valued [6][7]. - The concept of "comparative advantage" suggests that individuals should focus on their strengths, leading to optimal resource allocation in society [7]. Group 3: The Impact of Narrow Success Standards - The article critiques the narrow definitions of success that dominate societal expectations, which can lead to anxiety and a lack of fulfillment among individuals [9][10]. - The dominance of "instrumental rationality" over "value rationality" in modern society often prioritizes efficiency and outcomes over personal satisfaction and meaning [11][12]. Group 4: Institutional and Cultural Support - Effective societal change requires supportive institutions and cultural acceptance of diverse life choices, ensuring that individuals can pursue different paths without stigma [17][19]. - Japan's "regional revitalization" strategy aims to address urban-rural disparities by providing incentives for young people to move to smaller cities, reflecting a commitment to diverse living conditions [17]. Group 5: Shifts in Young People's Aspirations - There is a noticeable trend among younger generations moving away from traditional urban ambitions towards valuing quality of life and personal desires [21][23]. - The article emphasizes that societal progress is reflected in the ability of individuals to choose paths that resonate with their true selves, rather than conforming to mainstream expectations [22][26].

Group 1 - The core point of the article highlights the increasing trend of net population inflow into Tokyo, with approximately 79,200 people moving to the city in 2024, marking a continuous growth for three years and nearing 2019 levels [1] - The report indicates that 40 out of 47 administrative regions in Japan are experiencing net population outflow, underscoring the ineffectiveness of the government's decade-long "regional revitalization" policy [1][2] - Young individuals aged 15 to 24 constitute the majority of the net inflow population in Tokyo, with an increasing number of young people and women moving to the city for employment and higher education [1] Group 2 - The Japanese government has been implementing measures to address the uneven population distribution, including the "regional revitalization" policy launched in 2014 and the "regional revitalization migration support project" initiated in 2019 [2] - The new cabinet is promoting a "regional revitalization 2.0" initiative to correct the over-concentration of resources in Tokyo and create a more balanced development framework between urban and rural areas [2] - Despite these efforts, the trend of population concentration in the Tokyo metropolitan area has not been effectively curbed, leading to worsening population loss in rural areas [2][3] Group 3 - The Tokyo metropolitan area, including Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba, is projected to have a net inflow of approximately 135,000 people in 2024, continuing a three-year growth trend [3] - The influx of population into the Tokyo area has resulted in rising land prices, increased living costs, traffic congestion, and environmental pollution, commonly referred to as "urban diseases" [3] - There is a growing interest among individuals to move out of Tokyo to rural areas, driven by the desire for better natural environments for raising children and the sharp increase in housing prices in Tokyo [3]