A Study on Residents' Attitudes Towards Foreigners in Rural Areas

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K20082
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 80020:Tourism studies-related
• Research Institution: The University of Fukuchiyama
• Principal Investigator: Zhang Mingjun 福知山公立大学, 地域経営学部, 准教授 (20785307)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 農村地域 / インバウンド観光 / 多文化共生 / 異文化受容意識 / 健康被害回避意識

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study examines the attitudes of residents in rural areas towards the increasing presence of foreign tourists and workers, aiming to propose regional revitalization measures. Findings show that residents recognize economic benefits but are concerned about cultural acceptance, concerns heightened by COVID-19. The study emphasizes the need to enhance cultural awareness and acceptance through education and communication to reduce cultural friction and stress. Health risk management, balancing infection prevention with tourism promotion, and tailored strategies for different regions are crucial. By addressing cultural acceptance, health safety, and economic benefits, the study promotes sustainable development and positive impacts from tourism and foreign labor. Furthermore, fostering local pride and attachment through tourism programs can improve residents' attitudes towards visitors.

Free Research Field

地域社会学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は農村地域における対外国人意識とその影響要因を明らかにし、COVID-19パンデミックによる健康被害回避意識が訪日客歓迎意識に与える影響を具体的に検証した点で、新たな視点を提供する。地域住民の異文化受容意識と経済的利益認識の相互作用を解明し、持続可能な地域活性化に向けた理論的枠組みの発展に寄与する。農村地域でのインバウンド観光推進と外国人労働者受入への対応を向上させ、健康被害回避意識を考慮した観光振興政策や異文化受容教育の導入を提案し、リスクコミュニケーションを強化することで地域住民と外国人との円滑な交流を促進する。そして地域の持続可能な発展と社会的安定、文化的多様性の尊重が期待される。