The Basic Policy on the Construction of Kansai Science City

Text (Introduction)

Introduction

The objective of construction of the Kansai Science City is to contribute to the development of culture and the prosperity of citizens both in Japan and throughout the world through the construction of a city to serve as the core of cultural and scientific research activities based on the Kansai Science City Construction Act (Act No. 72, June 9, 1987, to be referred to as the "Act").

As a result of efforts to promote construction of this city by setting a tone of cooperation and collaboration between the industrial, academic and administrative sectors thus far, in addition to proceeding with the location and integration of universities and research laboratories such as the Keihanna Interaction Plaza, International Institute for Advanced Studies and Nara Institute of Science and Technology, the framework of the city is taking shape through progress in the providing of housing, urban infrastructure facilities and so forth.

In addition to city construction proceeding in this manner and the deployment of various cultural and scientific research activities, amidst the approaching of the stage that allow residents to carry out their normal lives, there are still topics that remain to be dealt with, such as ensuring the convenience of residents and researchers.

On the other hand, the various conditions that surround Japan have recently undergone considerable changes, including the widespread and sophisticated use of information and the rapid progress of unification that goes beyond social and economic national boundaries, the growing seriousness of global environmental issues and other problems relating to the survival of mankind on a global scale, and the occurrence of new international problems stemming from fluidization of world order following the end of the cold war. In addition, in domestic terms, a new trend of the times is being formed that promotes structural changes in Japanese economics and society, including the growing proportion of elderly in society and shrinking family size, a transition towards greater emphasis on quality of life that places more importance on individual choice, heightened importance of culture from various aspects including daily life, economics and society, and growing expectations on the creation of new industries due to concern over the hollowing out of industry. Moreover, the Great Hanshin Earthquake that occurred in January 1995 promoted a reawakening of the importance of safety as the foundation of a rich and comfortable way of life.

At present with the door to the 21st century open before us, in order to accommodate various issues both at home and abroad including human issues within this current trend of the times, broad-based efforts are required, including not only the natural sciences, but also cultural and social sciences as well as an approach from cultural aspects. The role of this city can be truly said to be becoming increasingly important as a scientific and research city crowned with culture.

From this perspective, efforts will be made to promote the construction of this city through the next stage of construction in the form of a so-called second stage based on the following policies in consideration of changes in the economic and social conditions following enactment of the Act, the growing social requirements being placed on this city, and the present state of the city itself.

# ContentsIntroduction
Chapter 1 : Objective of Construction
Chapter 2 : Policy for Cooperation Among Academic, Industrial and Administrative Sectors in City Construction
Chapter 3 : Basic Matters Relating to Population Size and Distribution as well as Land Utilization
Chapter 4 : Arrangement and Policy for Providing of Culture and Scientific Research Districts
Chapter 5 : Basic Matters Relating to Providing of Culture and Scientific Research Facilities
Chapter 6 : Basic Matters Relating to Providing of the Facilities for Exchange of Culture, Scientific Studies and Research
Chapter 7 : Basic Matters Relating to the Construction and Maintenance of Peripheral Areas
Chapter 8 : Basic Matters Relating to Construction of Public Facilities, Recreational Facilities, Residential Facilities and Other Facilities
Chapter 9 : Other Basic Matters Relating to City Construction
Attached Drawing ( related to Chapter 4 )
# Information:
For detailed information and comments, please contact:
Kansai Science City Construction Promotion Office
Metropolitan Areas Development Division
City and Regional Development Bureau
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
at TEL: +81-3-5253-8111 (ext. 32-383) , FAX +81-3-5253-1587
return to General View of Kansai Science City
Go to Home Page of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism