2013 Fiscal Year Final Research Report
Yasuma Takata's Thought of Depopulation
| Project/Area Number |
24730185
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
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| Allocation Type | Multi-year Fund |
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| Research Field |
Economic doctrine/Economic thought
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| Research Institution | Setsunan University |
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Principal Investigator |
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| Project Period (FY) |
2012-04-01 – 2014-03-31
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| Keywords | 経済思想 |
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| Research Abstract |
Yasuma Takata (1883-1972), a sociologist and economist, asserted that population is the most important factor that contributes to social and economic change. He assumed that the large population results in cultural and economic development. This view formed the basis of his argument that Japan's population growth was necessary for the country to catch up with Europe and the U.S. He criticized the contemporary mainstream thought that Japan was overpopulated and, on the contrary, insisted that Japan's population was low. Therefore, in order to increase Japan's population and develop Japan's economy, society and nation (Minzoku), he also insisted that it was particularly necessary to maintain a large population in rural areas. He continued to demand that the government restrain the influx of population into cities by means of his proposed rural policy and national land planning.
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