Old “New Towns” in Kobe and Future Perspectives of Inhabitants in Shrinking Detached Housing Areas – Case of Takakuradai in Kobe City

Abstract

A large amount of housing units was constructed in the suburban areas of Japan in the 1950s and 1960s in order to meet the needs of the rapid population growth, which often resulted in uncontrolled urban expansion. Census data from the year 2000 indicated that the ratio of the aged population in some of Kobe’s suburban housing areas developed during this early stage of suburbanization was higher than the city average. A discussion on older “New Towns” has been initiated with a number of studies in order to understand the present situation and possible futures of these areas. This study focuses on the case of Kobe Suma New Town's area called Takakuradai.