Strengthening "Connections" among Community Residents: Japan’s Measures to Address Loneliness and Social Isolation

Abstract

The phenomenon of "loneliness and isolation" in Japan is a product of profound social structural changes over the past half-century, primarily manifested in the surge of people living alone, the alienation of interpersonal relationships, and the resulting serious social problems such as "lonely deaths." Japan has successively introduced corresponding systems and measures at both the national and regional levels to address these issues. "Loneliness and isolation" result from a loss of "connection" with one's surroundings. This article starts with policies related to "connection" among local residents, analyzing the importance of strengthening "connections" between local and community residents. Establishing "connections" between people is undoubtedly one of the important ways to solve the phenomenon of "loneliness and isolation."