The role of a real estate agency in migration to Yakushima

Abstract

I investigated the role of a real estate agency dealing with property on Yakushima Island and the effect this has had on migration to the island. I examined the information provided and the services offered by the agency and how migrants received them. Furthermore, I looked at how migrants and local residents got on with each other. Through my research, I have clarified what the process of migration to Yakushima actually involves. Yakushima is an island located to the south of Kagoshima, Satamisaki. It was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993 for its rich array of flora and warm-temperate ancient forest. Many people have migrated to Yakushima from urban areas hoping to live a life surrounded by nature. The movement of people from urban to rural districts to live is called an 'I-turn'. People who migrate to the country need a certain amount of information in order to begin living in a new area with which they have few connections. They also need information so that they can adapt to the rural community. It was apparent that the agency played an important role in the process of migration to Yakushima. Specifically, when the agency provided local information that was not available through the general media, migrants acquired the ability to make decisions, making the migration process much smoother. Obtaining local information on such things as reliable builders and employment opportunities, as well as meeting with local ward leaders and other migrants, was necessary to begin living in a new place, but it was difficult for migrants to do these things as individuals. Therefore, the role of the agency in providing information and arranging meetings was important. Problems still arose due to differences in the thoughts and feelings of the migrants and local residents.