Kenta Hiramoto, Director of REBN
I was appointed as the director of this center in October 2020, and although my contribution may be small, I am committed to supporting its operations. Thank you for your cooperation.
2020 was meant to be a memorable year for Tokyo and Japan as they were set to host the grand event of the Tokyo Olympics, and people from all over the world were expected to visit. However, the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic has made it a memorable year in a different sense.
COVID-19 has caused various changes in the world, including a significant shift in the concept of “regions,” which is the focus of research at this center. Although it is true that many jobs still require direct contact, such as visiting a hair salon or physical delivery from online shops, with the rise of telework and online activities such as meetings, lectures, and social events, the importance of “where” seems to have diminished somewhat.
The way people view regions is changing significantly, with workers considering moving from urban centers to suburbs or rural areas, and workation becoming increasingly popular. Moreover, the traditional urban versus rural dichotomy is shifting, and inter-regional competition between chosen and abandoned regions may become even more pronounced.
Our center is taking a direct approach to studying regions and their essential issues and challenges from economic, management, and network perspectives. To achieve our objectives, we conduct regular research meetings, symposiums, and publish annual reports. However, researching regions requires a multi-layered network of researchers, practitioners, administrative officials, and above all, people from the region. We hope you will be interested in our various activities and continue to support us.
Kenta Hiramoto, October 2020
