81.4% of Municipalities Report Results in 'Relationship Population' Initiatives: National Survey of 473 Local Governments
Key facts
- 81.4% of Municipalities Report Results in 'Relationship Population' Initiatives: National Survey of 473 Local Governments
- The General Incorporated Association for Local Government DX Promotion (GDX) released findings from a nationwide survey of 473 municipalities on digitalization and migration promotion. Key results show 81.4% of municipalities active in 'Relationship Population' creation recognize tangible results. While 68.3% evaluate the upcoming 'Furusato Resident Registration System' positively, DX implementation for migration tasks remains under 50%, highlighting a gap between interest and execution.
- Source: PR Times
- Date: May 18, 2026
Direct answer
The General Incorporated Association for Local Government DX Promotion (GDX) released findings from a nationwide survey of 473 municipalities on digitalization and migration promotion. Key results show 81.4% of municipalities active in 'Relationship Population' creation recognize tangible results. While 68.3% evaluate the upcoming 'Furusato Resident Registration System' positively, DX implementation for migration tasks remains under 50%, highlighting a gap between interest and execution.
- Citation
- 81.4% of Municipalities Report Results in 'Relationship Population' Initiatives: National Survey of 473 Local Governments (May 18, 2026), PR Times
- Source
- PR Times
- Date
- May 18, 2026
The General Incorporated Association for Local Government DX Promotion (GDX) released findings from a nationwide survey of 473 municipalities on digitalization and migration promotion. Key results show 81.4% of municipalities active in 'Relationship Population' creation recognize tangible results. While 68.3% evaluate the upcoming 'Furusato Resident Registration System' positively, DX implementation for migration tasks remains under 50%, highlighting a gap between interest and execution.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 18, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: May 18, 2026 at 10:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 18, 2026 at 11:32 (1h 1m after Collected)
The General Incorporated Association for Local Government DX Promotion (GDX), based in Minato-ku, Tokyo, has released a report commissioned by Masato Ito (Lecturer) from the Center for Global Communications (GLOCOM) at the International University of Japan. The report, titled 'National Survey on DX and Telework Migration / Migration Without Job Change, Relationship Population Policy, and Furusato Resident Registration System,' analyzes responses from 473 municipalities across Japan.
### Survey Background
Amidst population decline and extreme concentration in Tokyo, the Japanese government has introduced policies such as 'Relationship Population Creation,' 'Migration Without Job Change,' and the 'Furusato Resident Registration System.' Notably, for the Furusato Resident Registration System, guidelines (Ver. 1.0) were issued in March 2026, heading toward full operations in FY2026. This survey aimed to provide quantitative data on how local governments are receiving and implementing these policies.
### Key Findings
1. **High Success Rate in Relationship Population Initiatives**
65.7% (310 municipalities) reported implementing relationship population measures. Among them, 81.4% (249 municipalities) recognized positive outcomes (20.3% 'successful' and 61.1% 'somewhat successful'). Meanwhile, 18.6% did not perceive significant results.
2. **Positive Evaluation of Furusato Resident Registration System**
68.3% (313 municipalities) evaluated the system's direction positively ahead of its FY2026 launch. However, 31.7% (145 municipalities) gave a negative evaluation, indicating divided opinions on the finer details of the system design.
3. **Interest vs. Implementation Gap in Migration DX**
83.1% expressed interest in Digital Transformation (DX) for migration promotion. However, among the 430 municipalities working on migration, only 48.8% (210 municipalities) have actually implemented DX measures, while 51.2% have not.
4. **DX Focus on Information and Consultation**
For the 210 municipalities implementing DX, the activities are concentrated on 'Information Dissemination' (93.8%) and 'Consultation Support' (71.4%). Utilization of DX for 'Interaction Support,' 'Status Monitoring,' and 'Impact Assessment' remains limited, representing a major challenge for the future.
5. **Work on 'Migration Without Job Change'**
58.1% (275 municipalities) are actively working on policies that support migration without requiring job changes, often leveraging telework capabilities promoted by the national government.
### Survey Background
Amidst population decline and extreme concentration in Tokyo, the Japanese government has introduced policies such as 'Relationship Population Creation,' 'Migration Without Job Change,' and the 'Furusato Resident Registration System.' Notably, for the Furusato Resident Registration System, guidelines (Ver. 1.0) were issued in March 2026, heading toward full operations in FY2026. This survey aimed to provide quantitative data on how local governments are receiving and implementing these policies.
### Key Findings
1. **High Success Rate in Relationship Population Initiatives**
65.7% (310 municipalities) reported implementing relationship population measures. Among them, 81.4% (249 municipalities) recognized positive outcomes (20.3% 'successful' and 61.1% 'somewhat successful'). Meanwhile, 18.6% did not perceive significant results.
2. **Positive Evaluation of Furusato Resident Registration System**
68.3% (313 municipalities) evaluated the system's direction positively ahead of its FY2026 launch. However, 31.7% (145 municipalities) gave a negative evaluation, indicating divided opinions on the finer details of the system design.
3. **Interest vs. Implementation Gap in Migration DX**
83.1% expressed interest in Digital Transformation (DX) for migration promotion. However, among the 430 municipalities working on migration, only 48.8% (210 municipalities) have actually implemented DX measures, while 51.2% have not.
4. **DX Focus on Information and Consultation**
For the 210 municipalities implementing DX, the activities are concentrated on 'Information Dissemination' (93.8%) and 'Consultation Support' (71.4%). Utilization of DX for 'Interaction Support,' 'Status Monitoring,' and 'Impact Assessment' remains limited, representing a major challenge for the future.
5. **Work on 'Migration Without Job Change'**
58.1% (275 municipalities) are actively working on policies that support migration without requiring job changes, often leveraging telework capabilities promoted by the national government.
FAQ
Are initiatives for 'Relationship Population' effective?
Yes, according to the survey, 81.4% of participating municipalities reported positive results, proving it's an effective way to revitalize regions without relying solely on permanent residents.
When will the Furusato Resident Registration System launch?
The system is scheduled for full implementation in fiscal year 2026, following the release of official guidelines by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in March 2026.
What is the main challenge for migration-related DX in municipalities?
While interest is high (83%), implementation is below 50%. The current focus is limited to information dissemination, with a lack of advanced tools for relationship management and impact assessment.