Ministry of Land, Infrastrucutre and Transport
The 5th Comprehensive National Development Plan "Grand Design for the 21st Century"

PART III

Basic Direction of Regional Improvement

To establish the basis for implementing the plans made in this "Grand Design for the 21st Century" for creating a multi-axial land structure, it is important to encourage each region to become independent and to enable people to take pride in their local regions. Each region must develop itself based on mutual participation and cooperation under its own responsibilities, and the plans will play different roles in each region. However, the various entities participating in regional development must share the same concepts of regional improvement and take action to attain the core objectives in a well-organized manner.

The "Basic Direction of Regional Improvement" will reveal the good economic, cultural and natural characteristics and the potential of each region, on which the long-term development policy shall be based. Regional development measures in different fields are discussed further in Part II under the four strategies set out in the plan.

Of the major infrastructure development projects including those for transportation for interregional cooperation and exchange, Part III describes the projects that will be implemented after the period 2010 to 2015 and those that need substantial surveys before implementation. Such projects require coordination and consideration of the economic and financial situations. It is also important to draw up and implement specific project plans after conducting cost analyses, environmental assessments, technological development, cost reductions and reviews of the structural criteria, fund-raising, coordination of cost sharing, and cooperation by regional citizens.

Each region should develop regional development plans in line with those proposed in this document, but not limited to them.

The regional blocks discussed below are those given in the past plans. This document, however, proposes strategies beyond the framework of the existing regional blocks, including the development of regional cooperation corridors and the formation of international spheres of interaction. The national government, local governments and the private sector will make specific plans based on the plans, and each region will implement measures as decentralization and administrative reform progress.

1.Hokkaido
- Frontier to create a new northern culture -

(1)Basic direction of improvement

Hokkaido covers a large area and has a rich natural environment, good resources and cool weather. It is positioned as a base to connect the northern region with the Asia-Pacific region, and has developed its own northern culture and lifestyles including the Ainu culture. In the future, Hokkaido will develop into a unique region as a "Frontier to create a new northern culture" based on its pioneering spirit and frankness, as well as its natural and geographic features and cultural riches. Along with it, lifestyles will change in the 21st century in the Asian region including Japan.

It is necessary to create nature-rich residential areas that also serve as bases for the supply of food and lumber to other areas throughout Japan. At the same time, develop unique industries based on the characteristics of each area of Hokkaido. Also, create independent and unique areas by promoting diverse cooperation among areas and strengthen cooperation between the central cities in Hokkaido and the residential areas. In addition, utilize information and communications to strengthen cooperation between areas. Furthermore, for creating an international sphere of interaction on a large scale to communicate with the northern region and Asia-Pacific region, promote international exchanges in economics and technology. Hokkaido will serve as a sightseeing and recreational base, especially for Asian people, based on its unique, attractive natural environment including magnificent views and snow. By implementing these measures, develop Hokkaido into a more attractive region that has more versatility, taking a long-term view towards the formation of the North-Eastern National Axial Zone and the Japan Sea Coastal National Axial Zone.

(2)Development of measures

To create nature-rich residential areas based on the unique natural environment and climate characteristics of a northern region, establish and improve advanced communications infrastructure, regional transportation infrastructure and living infrastructure. Also, provide smaller, regional cities with better functions. In addition, improve the production, processing and distribution infrastructures for the supply of food and lumber. Develop productive large-scale farms, promote resource management and cultivation in fisheries in the three sea areas including the Sea of Okhotsk, which is a key fisheries area. Improve the lumber supply system and forest conditions including those of wild forests. Develop value-added agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and promote the marketing of brands and diversified management of multiple industries. Besides, preserve and restore the rich natural environment including the primeval forests and marshlands registered under the Ramsar Convention. At the same time, promote Ainu culture that has been developed in harmony with nature, and preserve and develop other unique traditional cultures of Hokkaido. Besides, create new cultures mainly in the Teshio, Mukawa, and Sarugawa basins in order to develop unique regional cultures and publicize them. Furthermore, to develop safe and convenient communities suitable for the northern climate, provide better resistance to snow and cold weather and improve conditions for the elderly. At the same time, strengthen the disaster prevention measures and improve coastal safety against earthquakes, floods, avalanches and landslides, taking into consideration the cold and snowy climate, vast area and volcanic regions.

Hokkaido is a broad area. To develop independent regions centering on core cities with local characteristics, focus on the urban centers of Asahikawa, Hakodate, Kushiro, Obihiro, Kitami and Abashiri, and improve the functions of cities. In the process, consider the elderly in response to the aging society. In each area of Hokkaido, cooperation will be promoted between central cities and the surrounding municipalities under "Partnership Projects." To support these Projects and to promote cooperation and exchanges within and outside of Hokkaido, improve the principal roads (Hokkaido Longitudinal Expressway and Hokkaido Traverse Expressway), and the connecting roads, including the following: Hakodate-Esashi Expressway located in southern Hokkaido, Hidaka Expressway in the central part, Fukagawa-Rumoi Expressway in the central and northern parts, Asahikawa-Monbetsu Expressway connecting the northern part with the Okhotsk area, and the Obihiro-Hiroo Expressway in the Tokachi area. Besides, improve the standard of roads of each area including the Kushiro-Nakashibetsu Expressway. Also, make greater use of commuter airlines, and establish and improve airports, harbors, high-speed railway networks and advanced communications infrastructures. For the Hokkaido Shinkansen, implement projects in line with examinations by governmental committees. Implement software and hardware measures to promote cooperation between areas, and use the industrial base in central Hokkaido, while promoting exchanges between different industrial sectors including agriculture, forestry, fisheries and manufacturing and cooperation between industrial, academic and governmental sectors. At the same time, promote unique R&D using the cold weather in winter, and encourage the take-up of R&D results by industry. Thus, develop new, modern industries that utilize local resources. For the Seikan area, examine ways to further utilize the Seikan Tunnel and new transportation systems based on a long-term view. The area is located at a crossroads, extending over Hakodate in Hokkaido and Aomori in the Tohoku region and is located around the Straits of Tsugaru that connects Japan with the Pacific Ocean and the Japan Sea. It is therefore expected to develop into an exchange zone between the regional blocks. Promote further exchanges and cooperation by establishing advanced communications infrastructures and by promoting the sharing of information.

To create an international sphere of interaction on a large scale that is open to the world, covering the northern region and the Asia-Pacific region, establish strong central communities and improve urban functions around Sapporo. In each area of Hokkaido including the Furano-Taisetsu and the Niseko-Yotei-Toya areas, promote green tourism using local resources such as the magnificent views of the dairy farming areas, beautiful hills and mountains, rich natural forests, snow, icebergs and hot springs that are among the best in Japan. Establish large sightseeing and resort areas, and create an attractive network for tourism that links the established areas with other tourist attractions inside and outside Hokkaido. In addition, by conducting PR activities worldwide, especially the Asian region, and by attracting more foreign tourists, create world-class sightseeing and recreation facilities. Also, improve Shinchitose Airport, Tomakomai Port and Kushiro Port that serve as international exchange hubs and build new airports and harbors that provide access to the northern region near Hokkaido. Thus, make northern Japan an international gateway, and improve the transportation infrastructure. Besides, improve the distribution and R&D functions of the areas surrounding the transportation bases to international standards. Through these efforts, promote exchanges and cooperation with the northern area and coastal areas of the Japan Sea. At the same time, based on a long-term view, give greater support to development projects in the Russian Far East. Especially, establish a base for supporting energy development in Sakhalin.

In the eastern district of Tomakomai, emphasis has been placed on constructing production facilities and energy facilities including a national oil storage base. Based on recent socioeconomic changes and by utilizing the benefits of good access to air and marine transportation facilities as well as urban centers, and past infrastructure improvements, examine development measures, including the utilization of airport function to respond to the demands for international interaction, and implement plans accordingly.

2.Tohoku
- Frontier that develops new, well-balanced lifestyles towards the 21st century -

(1)Basic direction of improvement

The Tohoku region has mountainous parts with rich forests and basins, and coastal areas with variations. In addition to such geographic characteristics, the region has different natural conditions within itself. For example, the climatic conditions are different on either side of the mountain ridge, although the region is generally cold and snowy in winter. The region also has rich local culture, lifestyles, industries and technologies, including ruins from the Jomon Era throughout the region including the Sannaimaruyama ruins. The Tohoku region serves as a major center of production for food, lumber and energy, and the cities are growing in importance as hub cities or prefectural hub cities as high-speed transportation infrastructures are improved.

The region is expected to develop into an attractive area that is in harmony with nature, based on its characteristics and potential. To achieve this, it is necessary to further develop the individual features and strengths of the hub cities and the prefectural hub cities. At the same time, build nature-rich residential areas with high living standards in the smaller cities as well as coastal and mountainous areas that are suffering depopulation and aging problems. By strengthening cooperation between these areas, make the region a "frontier that develops new, well-balanced lifestyles towards the 21st century". In addition, develop regional corridors that traverse horizontally and vertically across the Tohoku region. Concurrently, strengthen the functions of the region as a gateway for international cultural and economic exchanges in the Far East Asia, particularly the areas near the Japan Sea in cooperation with the Hokuriku region. Besides, improve the functions as a gateway in the Pacific region in cooperation with Hokkaido and the Kanto region, and thus form international spheres of interaction on a large scale. Through these efforts, wide-area interregional exchanges and cooperation will be promoted, the Tohoku region will further develop, and the basis for creating the North-Eastern National Axial Zone and the Japan Sea Coastal National Axial Zone will be established.

(2)Development of measures

Although the historical and cultural environments and lifestyles differ between the two sides of the Ou Mountains, promote cooperation and exchange in living, industry and culture to ensure well-balanced development of the entire Tohoku region. Furthermore, form regional cooperation corridors connecting Iwate and Akita, Miyagi and Yamagata, and Fukushima and Niigata. Besides, promote regional cooperation mainly in the Towada and Hachimantai area, and in the Sendai, Fukushima and Yamagata cities to form large areas of interaction in the North and South of Tohoku. Besides, strengthen cooperation at the cross-border areas of prefectures including Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures. For this purpose, further improve the following high-standard principal roads: the Tohoku Longitudinal Expressway (Hachinohe Line), Japan Sea Coast Tohoku Expressway, Joban Expressway, Tsugaru Expressway, Sanriku Longitudinal Expressway, Hachinohe-Kuji Expressway, Tohoku Central Expressway that connects the cities in central Tohoku, and the Tohoku Traverse Expressway that connects the cities on the Pacific and Japan Sea sides (Kamaishi-Akita Line and Sakata Line). Besides, improve the local high-standard roads, which complete the network of the principal roads, including the Miyako-Morioka Traverse Expressway. Furthermore, improve the airports, harbors and railways. For the Tohoku Shinkansen, continue the project for the Morioka-Shinaomori section based on the examination by the governmental committee. In addition, establish advanced information and communications infrastructures. For the Seikan area, because it is located at the crossing of the Japanese Islands that stretch from south to north and the Straits of Tsugaru that connects the Pacific Ocean and the Japan Sea, the area is expected to develop into an inter-block interaction area. To achieve this expectation, examine ways to further utilize the Seikan Tunnel and new transportation systems based on a long-term view. Promote further exchanges and cooperation by establishing advanced information and communications infrastructures and by promoting the sharing of information in the area. For the Japan Sea coastal areas and Sanriku coastal areas, use the rich local marine resources and advanced technological industries to create bases for R&D, physical distribution, and for marine recreation in harmony with the environment. Promote exchanges and cooperation among the coastal cities and the inland areas. In the Abukuma area, based on the high-speed transportation systems now being built, make and implement wide-area comprehensive plans.

To form international spheres of interaction on a large scale, establish and improve the urban functions that can be accessed from the world in the provincial urban hubs centering around Sendai and Niigata. These urban functions will include expertise and facilities for central management, R&D, commercial and services, physical distribution, conventions, advanced education, culture and sports. Besides, upgrade the Sendai and Niigata Airports and Shiogama and Niigata Ports that will serve as the bases for international interaction, and improve the transportation infrastructures to provide better access to the bases. Thus, establish diverse transportation infrastructures and international sightseeing and recreation bases with links both within and outside of Japan. Furthermore, to create areas where new industries and technologies will be developed, improve the higher education institutions as well as examination and research institutes. By promoting networking and cooperation between the industrial, academic and governmental sectors in the Tohoku region, stimulate unique R&D activities and help establish the region as a center of international R&D. In addition, develop venture enterprises through the support of regional industrial groups, and make better use of the results of R&D and developed technologies. At the same time, utilize the research results and technologies of the advanced industries in the region, and create the bases for making value-added products that meet the needs of the age.

Towards the creation of nature-rich residential areas, utilize the historical and traditional resources developed in the rich natural environment including the Shirakami-sanchi that is registered as a world Natural Heritage site, conserve and utilize the local natural environment and cultural heritage through the activities including the regional development in harmony with nature in the Mogami area and the regional development by using local resources in the Oku-aizu area. Besides, create and introduce new cultures that are characteristic of the Tohoku region, which is also called "Michinoku." Improve and develop the hot spring facilities that are distinguished throughout the country, sports facilities in which international competitions can be held, advanced information and communications infrastructures and the regional transportation infrastructures. Strengthen countermeasures against floods, avalanches, landslides and other natural disasters and improve the safety of the coastal areas. Thus, develop a living and cultural environment that is safe and in harmony with nature, improve the sightseeing and recreational facilities, and thus promote exchanges both within and outside the region. Furthermore, improve the smaller cities that will serve as the bases of each area, and implement measures to provide medical and welfare services in response to the aging society. Promote the development and utilization of natural energies such as geothermal energy and wind power. Improve the production and living environment to develop communities that are better able to withstand snowfall. In the basins including Kitakami and Abukuma, improve the circulation of water and support efforts to promote diverse interaction and cooperation within the basins.

The Tohoku region is an important center of production of food and lumber for Japan. Expand the scale of agricultural management by improving the production, processing and distribution infrastructures, and promote better multiple management of agriculture by plant breeding and the development of new cultivation technologies. For forestry, improve forest growth by thinning, etc., improve the system for supplying lumber, and promote research on the effective use of forest resources. Besides, turn the forests into areas for mental and physical refreshment for people. For fisheries, maintain the fishing environment, promote cultivation, and improve the production, processing and distribution infrastructures and marketing systems. Furthermore, establish production and distribution systems that can meet diverse consumer needs by using information networks. At the same time, promote multiple management and green tourism by using local resources, rich agricultural, forestry and marine products and one of the most natural environments in Japan. Thus, improve the production and living infrastructures according to local conditions.

In the Mutsu-Ogawara district, a national oil storage base, nuclear fuel cycling facilities and research facilities have been constructed. Based on recent socioeconomic changes and past infrastructure improvements, examine development measures, including the construction of more facilities, and implement plans accordingly.

3.Kanto
- A key metropolitan area in the 21st century that provides a well-balanced relationship between business, living and nature -

(1)Basic direction of improvement

The Kanto region has led Japan's growth. It is comprised of the vast Kanto plains and the surrounding areas, centering around Tokyo, the capital of Japan. With a population of 40 million and its advanced functions, the region has become a huge metropolitan area unlike any other in the world. The Kanto region will continuously contribute to the growth of Japan as a key metropolitan area in the 21st century, and will provide a well-balanced relationship between business, living and nature. This will be achieved based on cooperation among the Tokyo metropolitan area, north Kanto and inland west areas, using the huge accumulation of facilities and infrastructures.

The Tokyo metropolitan area will continue to play a central role both domestically and internationally as a modern, energetic city. Urban activities will be promoted while industrial activities will be improved to survive global competition. To achieve this, promote role-sharing and cooperation between the Tokyo ward area and core business cities, and convert the pyramid-typed regional structure into a network structure. At the same time, create a good residential environment where people can lead a high standard of living and enjoy culture in harmony with nature. By implementing these measures, renovate the Tokyo metropolitan area for the long-term development of the Western Japan National Axial Zone.

The northern Kanto and inland west areas offer good development prospects because they are near to Tokyo, have manufacturing infrastructures and a rich natural environment. Strengthen cooperation between the areas, establish advanced urban functions including international interaction functions, and develop advanced technological industries in the areas. By these measures, the areas will become more independent of Tokyo and will serve as gateways to form regional cooperation corridors between the Kanto region and other areas including Tohoku, Hokuriku and Chubu. Besides, in the smaller cities and rural areas including hilly and mountainous areas, create attractive nature-rich residential areas. Centering round the northern mountain ranges and surroundings, a natural network will be formed and inter-city cooperation will be promoted, extending from the mountain areas in the Chubu region to the Tohoku area. As a result, the basis for creating the North-Eastern National Axial Zone will be formed.

(2)Development measures

In the Tokyo metropolitan area including the Tokyo ward area and the coastal area around Tokyo Bay, make the following improvements in line with the characteristics of each area.

To correct the city structure that is overly dependent on the Tokyo ward area and to create a network structure between each area, establish according to new needs core business cities with concentration of various functions such as business functions. Besides, improve the principal transportation networks such as ring roads like the Metropolitan Center Ring Expressway and Tokyo Outer Ring Expressway. At the same time, improve the expressways in Tokyo including the Tokyo Bay Shore Road to reduce the traffic jams. To ensure smooth access to the Nagoya metropolitan area, etc., promote the Second Tomei Expressway project. Furthermore, establish high-standard roads in each area. For example, make specific plans for trunk roads connecting the core cities. To reduce congestion at rush hours, enhance the transportation capabilities by building new urban railway services such as the New Joban Line, constructing new monorails or by increasing the tracks of existing railways to four lines. At the same time, prepare housing sites according to the construction of new railways. Besides, establish river boat routes to help reduce the environmental load. For the Tsukuba Research and Academy City, strengthen its functions as a center of study, research and development. As countermeasures against large-scale earthquakes, redevelop urban areas congested with old wooden houses, establish disaster-prevention bases, and strengthen the earthquake resistance of public facilities. At the same time, take countermeasures against natural disasters such as floods and against accidents, and conserve coastal areas. Besides, create attractive urban areas that have sophisticated and creative cultural facilities and unique designs that symbolize the mature culture of Japan. Implement comprehensive measures beyond administrative districts concerning the following: First, as countermeasures against frequent water shortages, improve the stable supply of water and water network. Second, properly dispose of waste. Third, preserve large green zones and plant broad-leaved forests. In addition, promote the introduction of urban systems that impose less load on the environment. For example, save water by recycling water including sewage after treatment and through utilization of rainwater, and promote cogeneration systems.

In the Tokyo ward area, build secondary centers with unique and multiple functions. At the same time, redevelop the centers of the areas and encourage people to live in these centers by creating attractive sights and by providing enough green and open spaces. Thus, promote the conversion to an urban structure that has multiple centers. In the waterfront subcenter, promote multiple, balanced use of business, residential, disaster-prevention, culture and amenities.

In the coastal areas surrounding the Tokyo Bay, preserve and restore the natural environment through consistent efforts. At the same time, improve the urban functions, industries, and environment and make the city more disaster-resistant. Then, develop the coastal areas into strategic bases to create a new Tokyo metropolitan area with various features. To link the strategic bases, establish a network of principal ring roads. Utilize the Tokyo Bay Crossing Road, Tokyo Bay Shore Road, etc. to strengthen cooperation among the areas surrounding Tokyo Bay including the Keihin, Keiyo and Kazusa districts, and strengthen the business, R&D and international physical distribution functions of the areas. Draw up specific plans for the Second Tokyo Bay Shore Road. For the Tokyo Bay Entrance Road project, conduct surveys while considering technological developments related to long bridges and local activities toward regional exchange and cooperation. In line with the progress of the surveys, examine the influence of the project on the surrounding environment, cost effectiveness and the methods of cost sharing. In the Keihin and Keiyo industrial areas, strengthen the cooperation between industrial, academic and governmental sectors, and encourage venture enterprises to set up to create new industries or revitalize existing industries by using the technologies and human resources in the areas. Review the regulations on land use to encourage the take-up of unused or under-utilized land such as large sites where factories used to be. Thus, convert the land use and improve the urban infrastructures.

To strengthen the gateway function to promote exchanges and cooperation between the Tokyo metropolitan area and other areas both within and outside Japan, complete the second runway at the New Tokyo International Airport. Also, build earthquake-resistant international marine container terminals in the ports of Tokyo Bay to improve the physical distribution facilities of the ports. Furthermore, improve the transportation infrastructures to provide easier access to the airports and ports.

To respond to the increasing demand for domestic air transportation, quickly complete the offshore development project of the Tokyo International Airport and conduct surveys on the construction of new hub airports.

In the north Kanto and inland west areas, develop advanced urban functions as in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and improve the core urban areas to create advanced technological industries based on the expertise and know-how of the local manufacturing industry. At the same time, improve the residential environment and make the urban areas more independent of Tokyo. By developing a regional cooperation corridor that connects Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Nagano, Yamanashi and Shizuoka, promote role-sharing and cooperation between these independent urban areas.

In the north Kanto and Toso areas, upgrade the North Kanto and East Kanto Expressways and the Hitachinaka Port, and establish advanced communications infrastructures to strengthen the cooperation between the areas. At the same time, establish new distribution systems that do not depend on the Tokyo metropolitan area, and strengthen the international interaction functions. By utilizing the industrial infrastructures established in Utsunomiya and the R&D facilities and expertise in the Tsukuba Research and Academy City, develop advanced technological industries and strengthen the R&D functions of the existing manufacturing industries. By developing a regional cooperation corridor between the north Kanto and Niigata or Fukushima, promote links with the Tohoku region. In the inland west areas, improve the industrial infrastructure in Kofu, implement the Chubu Traverse Expressway project and establish advanced communications infrastructure.

To create nature-rich residential areas, for instance, improve facilities in cities to be centers of the areas, improve the living environment. Taking advantage of the short distance to areas of mass consumption, improve the production, processing and distribution infrastructures, and promote value-added agriculture, forestry and fisheries in the areas as supply bases of such products and fresh food. Promote green tourism to increase exchanges between urban and rural communities. Besides, in the Sagami and Tama basins, preserve the water quality based on cooperation between the basin areas, and encourage citizens to participate in activities to protect and improve the rivers and forests. Furthermore, in the mountainous areas and highlands in the north Kanto and inland west areas, in the coastal areas of the Boso Peninsula, and in the islands including the Ogasawara islands, improve the forests and conserve nature in coastal areas. At the same time, in response to demand for recreation, establish more convenient transportation services between these areas and the Tokyo metropolitan area and establish a large sightseeing, sports and recreation zone by utilizing the rich natural environment and tourist attractions of the areas.

4.Chubu
- Region that serves as the world's center of advanced industrial technologies, where diverse interactions are actively made worldwide -

(1)Basic direction of improvement

Demographically, the Chubu region is in the center of Japan. The region is an ideal location for physical distribution and interaction functions nationwide. In the region, advanced industries and technologies such as automobiles, precision machinery, electronic machinery, aerospace and fine ceramics have been developed and agriculture, forestry and fisheries are managed innovatively. It has attractive natural and historical resources that represent Japan, and these resources are in the vicinity of the urban areas.

Based on these characteristics, the Chubu region will likely develop into a region that serves as a world center of advanced industrial technologies, with diverse global interactions. For the Nagoya metropolitan area, based on the existing industrial facilities, strengthen its role as a world-class industrial and technological center. Internationally, develop it into a center for diverse activities; and domestically make it a base for the movement of people and goods across the nation. Through close exchanges with other areas both inside and outside Japan, develop the area into a sphere where new wisdom and values will be created for the 21st century. For the inland and southern areas, develop them into attractive areas with intellectual opportunities, which are composed of nature-rich residential areas and small urban communities that have state-of-art technologies in specific fields. For the eastern areas, develop them into independent areas that are open to the world, where unique industries can develop in the industrially creative climate and interactions through cultural activities related to the local industries can flourish.

For implementing the plans described above, create a wide-area international sphere of interaction covering central Japan. Promote renovation in the Nagoya metropolitan area, and create nature-rich residential areas in the Chubu mountainous areas, east Kishu and Mikawa Bay that are blessed with a rich natural environment. Furthermore, by establishing regional cooperation corridors both inside and outside the Chubu region, develop independent and vigorous areas. In addition, strength countermeasures against the Tokai Earthquake.

By these measures, the following zones will eventually be formed. The Japan Sea Coastal National Axial Zone and the North-Eastern National Axial Zone will be formed in the Chubu mountainous areas and the inland areas. The New Pacific Ocean Coastal National Axial Zone will be formed extending from east Kishu to the coastal and peripheral areas of Ise Bay, and the Western Japan National Axial Zone will be formed in the Pacific belt and the peripheral areas.

(2)Development of measures

In the major core city area mainly comprised of the Nagoya metropolitan area, Shizuoka and Hamamatsu, and in the prefectural hub city centering round Nagano, promote the Chubu International Airport project. Establish highly earthquake-resistant international marine container terminals at the ports in Ise Bay, and improve the facilities of Shimizu Port. In addition, improve the transportation infrastructure to provide easier access to the airport and ports. At the same time, according to the scale and characteristics of each city, establish facilities for international exchanges such as physical distribution bases and convention centers or R&D facilities. Also, utilize the historic, cultural and industrial heritages such as the houses with a steep rafter roof in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama that are registered as world Cultural Heritages and cultural local craft as tourist attractions. Based on the tourist attractions, promote tourism both domestically and internationally, including the invitation of foreign tourists. Furthermore, by holding the World Exposition 2005, Japan, create more opportunities for exchanges. By these measures, form a large-scale international sphere of interaction that spans the Chubu and peripheral areas.

In the Nagoya metropolitan area, improve the residential environment and redevelop the areas where old wooden houses are densely built within Nagoya City. Utilize large tracts of land that is not used at all or not fully utilized and promote the conversion of land use and infrastructure improvements in the built-up areas. Also, improve the water quality of Ise Bay through integrated efforts in the coastal areas. In addition, establish or improve the expressways including the Nagoya No. 2 Ring Road to ease urban traffic. At the same time, improve city railways to reduce congestion at rush-hour to help renovate the area. Link the cities that are sparsely distributed around the central city of Nagoya. Based on cooperation and role-sharing between the cities, strengthen the advanced urban functions of the entire area, including educational cultural and international exchange functions, and establish R&D bases for advanced industrial technologies and designs. To support these efforts, promote the Tokai Ring Expressway project, etc. and to ease traffic flows between large metropolitan areas, promote the Second Tomei Expressway and Second Meishin Expressway projects.

In the core urban areas centering round Shizuoka and Hamamatsu, based on role sharing and cooperation with the Nagoya and Tokyo metropolitan areas, strengthen urban functions including central management, R&D, information provision and international exchange functions. In addition, help industries to develop by conducting R&D in new fields, etc. based on cooperation between the industrial, academic and governmental sectors in basic and applied research. In the core urban areas centering around Nagano, improve the urban functions including commercial, service, educational and cultural functions by utilizing the easier access to the Tokyo metropolitan area thanks to the high-speed transportation system. In the smaller but important provincial cities that have unique, world-standard technologies in electronics and precision industries, etc., strengthen cooperation with the peripheral areas and other urban areas. Also, construct R&D facilities and improve the conditions as an industrial location, while ensuring harmony with nature.

As countermeasures against large-scale earthquakes such as the Tokai Earthquake, improve the disaster-prevention facilities and strengthen the disaster-prevention systems. To minimize the influence of earthquakes on the transportation systems, promote countermeasures against disasters in the areas in which principal transportation facilities are concentrated, and establish multiple transportation networks.

To help create nature-rich residential areas, develop unique and attractive communities by preserving or utilizing the following: the natural environment of the mountain districts such as the Chubu mountainous areas including the Japan Alps and the areas surrounding Mt. Fuji; the natural marine environment extending from the Sea of Kumano to Sagami Bay; and the precious cultural heritages that have been passed down over the generations as the Chubu region has served as the corridor linking east and west Japan. For this purpose, improve smaller cities as the centers of communities. Improve the local transportation infrastructure and living environments, and provide people with more opportunities to come into contact with nature. Maintain unique rural attractions, create unique local cultures and develop attractive communities with good amenities. Improve the production, processing and distribution infrastructures for agricultural, forestry and marine products, and establish better systems for supplying lumber. Promote management and cultivation of marine resources and conduct plant breeding and develop brands for fruit and vegetables. Add value to agriculture, forestry and fisheries by integrated management of multiple industries. Create sightseeing routes and hold events related to hot springs, etc. to utilize local resources based on cooperation between sightseeing locations. By these measures, boost the leisure industry through interactions between rural communities and cities. In addition, invite industries to set up in the areas, especially those that have freedom of choice regarding the location of their facilities thanks to the progress of information technology. Furthermore, promote cooperation in the basins of the Oi, Abe and Yahagi Rivers to rejuvenate the upstream areas, improve the forests and preserve the natural environment and the water quality. At the same time, implement countermeasures against natural disasters such as floods or landslides and improve the safety of coastal areas.

Develop regional cooperation corridors that include cities that have climate suitable for building new industries and nature-rich areas across a wide range. In east Mikawa, Enshu, and south Shinshu, revitalize areas through technological and human interactions between different business sectors. At the same time, form the following corridors of regional cooperation.

- Regional cooperation corridor for a new lifestyle by achieving harmony between urban functions and nature

- Regional cooperation corridor that links the international exchange base in the Nagoya metropolitan area with that of the Hokuriku region, taking advantage of the Chubu region's location in the center of Japan

- Regional cooperation corridor that overlaps the regional cooperation corridor connecting Suruga Bay and the Koshin area, surrounding the Tokyo metropolitan area and that extends to the Joetsu area. In this regional cooperation corridor, each area shares international exchange functions and natural blessings and cooperates together to take countermeasures against disasters.

- Regional cooperation corridor that connects Mie, Shiga and Fukui through tourism. The three water areas in this regional cooperation corridor - the Pacific Ocean, Lake Biwa and the Japan Sea will play an active role to promote tourism by taking advantage of the extensive, attractive food culture that has developed thanks to the existence of these water areas and through cooperation in the preservation of the marine environment.

- Regional cooperation corridor starting from Yamanashi and ending at Fukui via the central part of Nagano and Hida. This corridor forms a wide-area sightseeing route based on the rich nature and traditional culture of North Japan Alps and the Japan Sea.

- Regional cooperation corridor that provides more attractive and comfortable places by linking the rich nature of Iseshima, Yoshinokumano and Setouchi with the historic heritages passed down from olden times to the present.

For the high-standard principal roads, promote the projects of the Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway that connects the coastal parts with the inland areas, Chubu Longitudinal Expressway, Chubu Traverse Expressway, and the San-en-nan-shin Expressway that connects the coastal parts with the inland areas. At the same time, in the peninsula area, promote the projects of the Kinki Expressway Kise Line Extension and the Izu Longitudinal Expressway. Draw up specific plans for the Komatsu-Shirakawa Connection Road project for establishing high-standard local roads. To strengthen cooperation in the areas connecting Tokai and Nankai extending from the east to the west coast of the Kii Peninsula, examine plans to improve the transportation networks. For the Ise Bay Entrance Road project, conduct surveys in line with technological development related to long, large bridges and with the progress of exchanges and cooperation with the local communities. Then, examine the influence on the peripheral environment and the cost sharing methods, and conduct cost-effect analysis, and implement the project based on the results. For the Hokuriku Shinkansen, based on the results of examination by the governmental committee, implement the project for the Nagano and Joetsu section, construct a new airport in Shizuoka, and establish a high-speed railway, airport, harbor, and advanced communications infrastructures in order to support a wide range of activities.

5.Hokuriku
- Region that leads interregional cooperation and international exchanges between the areas surrounding the Japan Sea -

(1)Basic direction of improvement

The Hokuriku region is blessed with abundant resources including rich nature and large water resources from the heavy snowfall. The region has developed as one of the best residential districts in Japan, based on the growth of agriculture and other industries as well as on the many unique regional cultures. In line with the trend towards more cultural lifestyles in harmony with nature, and growing regional development based on interregional cooperation and international exchanges, the Hokuriku region is expected to develop into a region that leads interregional cooperation and international exchanges between the areas surrounding the Japan Sea. In addition to the advantages of its rich natural and cultural environment, the region has geographical advantages: the prefectural seats are located near to each other. The region is also near to each of the three largest metropolitan areas and has links with the countries across the Japan Sea, and serves as the center of the areas surrounding the Sea.

Based on the characteristics and roles of the region, preserve the affluent natural and cultural assets based on wide-area cooperation between areas in the region, and develop communities that are in harmony with these assets and in which the residents can take pride. Convert the industrial structure to suit the needs of the new age, and create large-scale nature-rich residential areas. In addition, for advanced urban functions such as central management and international exchange that remain inadequate, promote such functions based on cooperation and role-sharing between cities in the area, taking advantage of the fact that the core cities of the region are located near to each other. Through these efforts, create a wide-area international sphere of interaction that serves as the core for exchanges among the Japan Sea coastal areas and the areas across the Sea. Furthermore, develop a large-scale regional cooperation corridor with the adjacent regions. This corridor will allow greater use of natural advantages, and urban functions will develop further. The mutually supplemental relationship with the large metropolitan areas on the Pacific Ocean side as well as cooperation with the Japan Sea coastal areas will be strengthened. Eventually, the Japan Sea Coastal National Axial Zone will be formed.

(2)Development of measures

To create nature-rich residential areas, develop attractive communities based on unique local characteristics, including historic and cultural heritages such as the houses with steep rafter roofs in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama that are registered as world Cultural Heritages, Hakusan and Tateyama that are religious mountains, traditional crafts such as Wajimanuri and Kutaniyaki, and the rich marine resources of the Japan Sea. To achieve such development, improve the local environment including the natural environment, sights of the streets, and living environment. Improve the smaller cities as the centers of the nature-rich residential areas, and establish better transportation infrastructures and advanced communications infrastructures. At the same time, implement the following measures. Promote local brands, establish sightseeing routes and their bases, promote artistic activities and exchanges between the urban and rural communities, and create new industries by using advanced communications systems. In the piedmont areas that extend from eastern to southern Hokuriku, expand the transportation infrastructures to strengthen the links within the areas and with the adjacent areas such as the Chushin and Hida areas that are difficult to access from the piedmont areas because of the geographical conditions. Support efforts to develop sightseeing based on the rich natural environment in the Tateyama area and the Hakusan-Okuetsu-kogen area. In the Noto area, implement measures to activate the area. For example, improve the transportation infrastructure including the construction of the new Noto Airport, and introduce new industries. In the coastal area of Wakasa Bay, improve the areas taking advantage of the nuclear power plants, and promote the Kinki Expressway Tsuruga Line project to activate the area based on links with the resort network of the northern Kinki area. Furthermore, support exchanges between the basin areas such as the basin of the Kuzuryu, and strengthen safety against natural disasters and accidents such as floods, heavy snow and landslides in each of the areas, and improve the safety of coastal areas. For agriculture, forestry and fisheries, establish local brands, promote multiple management, strengthen competitiveness and add more value by improving the production, processing and distribution infrastructures. In the process, upgrade the production infrastructure by expanding the scale of production, especially that of rice growing. Also, promote industries based on local characteristics such as woodworking or by cultivating deep sea marine resources.

In the cities of Kanazawa, Toyama and Fukui in the Hokuriku region, implement the following through role-sharing and common use of facilities. Activate the central districts by using land that is not now utilized at all or not fully utilized such as the sites where railways or universities used to be. Improve the R&D functions, create central business areas and international exchange bases, establish advanced educational facilities, cultural halls and museums, and increase electronic information resources. Based on broad cooperation centering around the urban hubs, improve the urban functions including the international exchange functions. Promote traditional cultures by developing traditional crafts and maintaining the repair technologies. At the same time, invite state-of-art companies to relocate to the region, and support corporate activities. Implement welfare measures to create barrier-free communities, and develop new urban areas that are cultural and comfortable surrounded by nature-rich residential areas. Based on cooperation between the urban areas and other areas in the region, establish a system for accepting foreign students and trainees, and improve the infrastructure for international conferences and international tourism. In this way, create a large international center for interaction and exchanges (cultural exchanges, cooperation on environmental issues and international distribution) among the areas surrounding the Japan Sea. Enhance the international transportation functions mainly in the urban hubs, and promote role-sharing within and outside of the region, and improve the physical distribution facilities and transportation infrastructures to improve access to the airports and harbors that will serves as the bases for international exchanges such as Fushiki-Toyama Port.

Based on cooperation within the nature-rich residential areas and the urban hubs within the region, and cooperation between the region and cities on the Pacific Ocean side or the inland areas, develop new communities in diverse fields including industry, culture, sports, health, medicine, welfare and sightseeing. For this, establish the following regional cooperation corridors.

- A regional cooperation corridor that traverses the central part of Japan from the Noto Peninsula to the Nagoya metropolitan area

- A regional cooperation corridor that traverses the Chubu mountainous area from Fukui (east) to Yamanashi (west)

- A regional cooperation corridor that connects Fukui, Shiga and Mie

Based on the cooperation and exchange activities, improve the transportation infrastructures including roads, railways, airports and harbors and establish advanced communications networks by building substitute routes for land and marine routes. In this process, the Hokuriku region should play an integral role in the national infrastructure for physical distribution, communications and industries. Also, implement measures to activate diverse exchange activities. For high-standard principal roads, promote the projects of the Tokai-Hokuriku, Chubu Longitudinal, and Naoetsu Expressways, and establish or improve local high-standard roads. For example, draw up specific plans for the road connecting Komatsu and Shirakawa as the center of the local transportation network. For the Hokuriku Shinkansen project, based on the results of the examination by the governmental committee, implement the project for the Itoigawa-Uozu, Isurugi-Kanazawa, and Nagano-Joetsu sections, and do the required works for the other sections.

6.Kinki
- Cultural and creative hub that makes Japan attractive to the world -

(1)Basic direction of improvement

The Kinki region is comprised of the Kansai metropolitan area that has been long playing a central role in Japanese politics, economy, culture and international exchanges with its advanced urban functions, and its surrounding areas with the Japan Sea, Pacific Ocean, lakes and forests. Although the Kinki region has been decreasing in importance as Japan's population and functions have concentrated in Tokyo, it is still a center of Japan's economic and social activities.

The Kinki region will play an important role in Japan's development in the 21st century, and will develop as a highly cultural and creative hub that makes Japan attractive to the world. In the entire region, therefore, improve the local environment to enable people to lead safe and comfortable lives by utilizing its historic and cultural assets and the rich natural environment, while developing regional cooperation corridors. At the same time, establish an environment that is open to the world by forming a large-scale international sphere of interaction.

The Kansai metropolitan area will serve as the center for the development of the Kinki region. It will function as the center of cooperation between regions on a national scale, and become a region that represents Japan in the fields of culture, science and R&D in the global age. It will also become a more powerful center of exchange between Japan and the world, especially the Asia Pacific region that is rapidly growing. To meet the expectations, implement diverse measures to renovate the metropolitan area, paying special attention to recovery from the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake. In the Harima and Biwako areas, pursue proper role-sharing and cooperation with the Kansai metropolitan area, and establish a close network in the fields of economy, culture, science, R&D and tourism. The promotion of independent development of each area will contribute to the formation of the Western Japan National Axial Zone. The northern Kinki and the Kii Peninsula areas will contribute respectively to the formation of the Japan Sea Coastal National Axial Zone and the New Pacific Ocean Coastal National Axial Zone eventually. Help create nature-rich residential areas in both areas, promote cooperation with the Kansai metropolitan area, and implement new measures to strengthen exchanges with the adjacent areas including the Hokuriku, Sanin, Ise Bay and Shikoku areas.

(2)Development of measures

In the Kansai metropolitan area, establish a good residential environment centering around the coastal area of Osaka Bay, while maintaining the advanced urban functions such as the central management and international exchange that are required as a world-class city. Redevelop the urban areas where old wooden buildings are densely built, and improve urban safety by preserving or improving the green zones near to the urban areas. Also, encourage the conversion of land use and improve the infrastructures in built-up areas by using land that is not used at all or not fully utilized such as the sites where large-scale factories used to be. Preserve and recover the coastal environment and create the river areas with clean water and greenery. By implementing these measures, renovate the metropolitan area and enable people to live in style and an attractive environment in the cities, where work places, residences and recreational facilities are located near to each other. In addition, promote the Second Meishin Expressway and Second Keihan Expressway projects, and strengthen the functions of the Hanshin Expressway by promoting the Osaka Bay Shore Road project. At the same time, by improving the urban railways and constructing the Kobe Airport, reduce congestion during rush-hour and traffic jams, and strengthen the transportation networks within the region as well as between the region and other regions. Furthermore, implement countermeasures against natural disasters such as large-scale earthquake and floods, improve coastal safety, and establish large waste disposal plants. Centering around the Kansai Science City, establish more science and R&D centers to promote culture, communications, a good environment and health in the northern Osaka and Harima areas. Build a network of such bases and develop them into world-class cultural, scientific and R&D centers. Based on these centers, create or strengthen state-of-art industries such as communications and design, and develop industries that attract visitors such as tourism and conferences. Also, activate the traditional craft industries such as textiles and ceramics to create new industries and convert the industrial structure.

To create nature-rich residential areas, enhance urban functions including business management, information, educational and cultural functions in the cities that serve as the centers for the living areas, and ensure attractive employment opportunities based on the accumulation of industrial and technological assets. At the same time, implement comprehensive measures to improve the residential environment based on the characteristics of each area so that the residents can lead safe and comfortable lives. Preserve and recover the versatile and rich natural environment and improve rural communities by using their wonderful natural resources so that the residents can take pride in their communities, and promote exchanges between the rural and urban communities. Furthermore, activate the local industries by the following measures. Improve the local transportation, production, processing and distribution infrastructures. Promote the production of various high-quality items by using new technologies such as biotechnology. Activate agriculture, forestry and fisheries by utilizing the rich forest resources accumulated from old times, and develop value-added industries based on local resources such as historical and cultural resources or traditional technologies. In the northern Kinki area, establish a resort in the Tango area based on its rich natural and cultural assets, and promote the development based on afforestation in the Tamba area. In the Kii Peninsula area, based on cooperation with the adjacent Pacific Ocean coastal areas, establish wide-area forest resorts and marine resorts, cultivate marine resources and encourage the multiple use of local resources. In the Awaji Island, create a "park island open to the world" in harmony with natural environment, which has good living areas and various exchange areas.

To make more exchanges with the world, especially with the Asia Pacific region to which Japan has close relationships both geographically and historically based on cultural, scientific and R&D achievements, form an international spheres of interaction on a large scale. For this, mainly in the Kansai metropolitan area, promote the second project of the Kansai International Airport, establish highly earthquake-resistant international marine container terminals in the ports of Osaka Bay, and improve the transportation infrastructure for providing better access to the facilities. Establish or improve international centers where international conferences can be held and international business conducted, including the guest palace in Kyoto, and strengthen international cultural, sports and sightseeing functions. Also, strengthen cooperation with the businesses in the surrounding areas that are also trying to develop. In addition, in the northern Kinki area, based on cooperation with the adjacent Japan Sea coastal areas, make exchanges with the areas across the Japan Sea in numerous fields including culture, science, economy and the environment as part of the exchanges among the areas surrounding the Japan Sea.

To develop attractive and vigorous communities by utilizing urban functions in a wide area and by creating high-quality living and cultural areas, develop the following regional cooperation corridors to promote exchanges and cooperation of people, things and information between the regions that have different history and cultures.

- A regional cooperation corridor that connects Kyoto, Hyogo, Tokushima and Kochi, extending from the Japan Sea coastal area to the Pacific Ocean coastal area

- A regional cooperation corridor that connects Fukui, Shiga and Mie

- A regional cooperation corridor that connects Iseshima, Yoshinokumano and Setouchi

- A wide-area sphere of interaction covering Kyoto, Shiga, Nara and Mie.

Furthermore, to recognize again the value of existing cultural resources and to create new cultures by strengthening interregional cooperation, promote the historic route project to develop areas by using numerous historical and cultural resources including those that are registered as World Heritage assets. To support the project and regional exchanges, promote the projects for building high-standard principal roads including the Kyoto Longitudinal Expressway, Keinawa Expressway, North Kinki Toyooka Expressway, and the Kinki Expressway Kise Line. Also, promote the projects for building regional high-standard roads such as the Tottori-Toyooka-Miyazu Expressway, improve the airport, harbors and railways, and establish advanced communications infrastructure. For the Hokuriku Shinkansen, implement the work based on the results of the examination by the governmental committee. Besides, examine how to strengthen the transportation systems to promote cooperation in the areas extending from the east to west coasts of the Kii Peninsula and connecting Tokai and Nankai. From a long-term view, examine the transportation systems to promote wide-area cooperation with the Shikoku region. For the project to construct a road connecting Kii and Awaji, develop technology related to long and large bridges and for promoting local exchanges and cooperation, and conduct surveys. Then, examine the influence of the project on the surrounding environment, analyze the cost effectiveness and consider how to share the costs. Implement the project based on the results of the examinations.

For the basins of Biwako and Yodo, unify the efforts of the areas and implement comprehensive measures. For example, preserve the water quality, cultivate water resources and protect the natural environment. At the same time, implement disaster-prevention measures against water shortage, floods or landslides.

In the areas affected by the Hanshin-Awaji earthquake, urgently solve the basic problems that still affect daily lives, restore the economy and build safe communities. Also, implement special projects to restore the devastated areas as proposed by the Committee for Reconstruction of the Hanshin-Awaji Area.

7.Chugoku
- Region that leads multiaxial, distributed development for global exchanges based on the participation and cooperation of diverse entities -

(1)Basic direction of improvement

The Chugoku region contains small and large cities having diverse functions that are well spaced apart from each other, in a rich natural environment. Each of the areas in the region has been making exchanges with the areas surrounding the Seto Inland Sea and with the countries across the Japan Sea, while promoting mutual relations within the region. Thus the region has long played an important role in marine and land transportation in the Japan Sea areas. In recent years, the areas such as Hiroshima and Okayama have become involved in international activities and sports exchanges with other countries, especially with East Asia, for peace, medical care, environmental protection and human aid. The Chugoku region is a leading international center. The activities of volunteer organizations have built the basis for regional development and the region has steadily developed through the participation of citizens.

In the future, the region is expected to develop as a region that leads multiaxial, distributed development for global exchanges based on the participation and cooperation of diverse entities. This will be achieved by increased participation of citizens in regional development and by using the know-how and expertise of volunteer organizations. The cities and surrounding rural areas should cooperate with each other based on their own characteristics in the safe and favorable residential environment, while enjoying the rich blessings of nature.

For this, encourage the exchange of people, things and information, share diverse resources in multiple areas, and promote mutual supplement and cooperation towards the development of regional cooperation corridors both within and outside the region. By role-sharing and cooperation with the Shikoku region, pursue unified development and create a large-scale international sphere of interaction. In addition, it is important to create attractive nature-rich residential areas full of amenities by using the local resources such as the terraced fields in the rural areas including the hilly and mountainous areas centering around the Chugoku-sanchi as well as by the initiatives of each area.

The Japan Sea Coastal National Axial Zone and the Western Japan National Axial Zone will thus eventually be formed.

(2)Development of measures

Towards the development of the Chugoku region that has versatile characteristics and extends from the Japan Sea to the Seto Inland Sea via the Chugoku-sanchi (mountainous district), promote exchanges and cooperation between the areas in the region that have different history, cultures and urban functions while preserving the identities of each area and creating new cultures. For this, in the industrial areas such as Hiroshima and Okayama, establish advanced R&D bases, activate R&D and develop creative human resources. Establish more networks between companies and industries based on the accumulated technologies in the automobile or shipbuilding industries and reform the industrial structure. In addition, according to the characteristics of each city, strengthen the international exchange, cultural and medical functions, and establish multiple inter-city networks that connect the hub cities, prefectural hub cities, and provincial center cities both within and inside the region and thus form regional cooperation corridors. In the Chugoku region, form the following regional cooperation corridors.

- A regional cooperation corridor traversing from the north to the south that connects Shimane, Tottori, Okayama, Kagawa, Tokushima and Kochi, extending from the Japan Sea to the Pacific Ocean via the Seto Inland Sea for wide-area cooperation of the covered areas

- A regional cooperation corridor that connects Shimane, Hiroshima, Ehime and Kochi

- A regional cooperation corridor along the coast of the Japan Sea, which includes some of the bases for international exchanges between the areas surrounding the Japan Sea such as Shimonoseki, Hamada, Masuda, Matsue, Yonago, Izumo and Tottori

Furthermore in the coastal areas of the Seto Inland Sea, develop water resources, preserve and restore the rich natural environment, and promote industry as well as high living standards. To promote exchanges and cooperation with the Shikoku and Kyushu regions, form a sphere of interaction in the Seto Inland Sea area. Especially in the west Seto area, while promoting international exchanges with the neighboring East Asian countries, create diverse networks in industries and tourism via the Seto Inland Sea. For this, promote the high-standard principal road projects of the Sanin Expressway, Chugoku Traverse Expressway (Himeji-Tottori Line and Onomichi-Matsue Line) and Higashi Hiroshima-Kure Expressway. Also, establish and improve the local high-standard roads including the Tottori-Toyooka-Miyazu Expressway and the Kofu-Miyoshi Expressway that connect with the principal roads. Furthermore, to promote exchanges within the areas in the region as well as with the areas outside the region, establish or improve the airports, harbors, railways, commuter airline networks and advanced communications infrastructures. For the project to construct a road across the Straits of Kanmon, develop technology related to long and large bridges, promote local exchanges and cooperation, and conduct surveys. Then, examine the influence of the project on the surrounding environment, analyze the cost effectiveness and consider how to share the costs. Implement the project based on the results of the examinations. Also, examine how to strengthen the cooperation between the urban hubs of Hiroshima and Matsuyama, and how to establish transportation systems to utilize these urban functions over a wide area. The examination should be made based on a long-term view in line with progress of the plan, to form a sphere of interaction in the West Seto area.

In line with the formation of the regional cooperation corridors, comprehensively develop the Chugoku region through role-sharing and cooperation with the Shikoku region, while cooperating with the Kinki and Kyushu regions to create a large-scale international sphere of interaction centering around the urban hubs mainly comprised of Hiroshima and Okayama. For this, improve Hiroshima Airport and Hiroshima Port as the bases for international exchanges, and also improve the Sakai Port, etc. located on the Japan Sea side. Through these efforts, strengthen the gateway functions targeting the Asia Pacific region, etc., and improve the transportation infrastructure and access to the functions. Also, by utilizing the experience of Hiroshima City in organizing events for exchanges with Asian countries, world peace and cultural or sports events, improve the city functions including the capacity to host international conferences. Furthermore, to develop internationally attractive sightseeing areas, improve the environment of the central areas and establish support systems, based on the local historic and cultural heritages including the dome that was destroyed by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and the Itsukushima Shrine that are registered as World Cultural Heritage Sites, as well as based on tourist attractions such as the traditional cultures in the attractive, convenient nature-rich residential areas.

To create nature-rich residential areas, the attractive natural environment and traditional cultures such as the "tatara-seitetsu" of the Chugoku region that have been passed down have been further developed. It is proposed to make a "cultural corridor" that links the local history, literature, arts, and so forth. The following activities have also been conducted: prefectural "border summits" to develop the hilly and mountainous areas, efforts to preserve and recover forests in the Chugoku-sanchi (hilly district in Chugoku), promotion of green tourism in local areas, and exchanges and cooperation between the urban and rural communities including through the new tele-working lifestyle. In addition, in the basins of the Ota and Gonokawa, unified efforts are being made to preserve the water quality and ensure safety. Based on the progress of cooperation and exchanges, improve the smaller cities that serve as the centers of each area, and improve the local transportation and advanced communications infrastructures. Also, improve the living environment and welfare to enable people to lead safe and comfortable lives. Promote the synthetic use of the Seto Inland Sea and the Japan Sea resources, and improve the environment so that people can come into closer contact with fields, forests and watersides. At the same time, make areas more resistant to disasters such as floods and landslides and improve the safety of coastal areas. In addition, improve the production, processing and distribution infrastructures of agriculture, forestry and fisheries and make full use of the following: easier access to the markets within the region, in the Kansai metropolitan area and in the Kyushu area by using the Chugoku Longitudinal Expressway; local environment including the sand dunes on the Japan Sea side, the warm climate of the Seto Inland Sea, and gently-sloping mountain in Chugoku-sanchi; and the local resources such as traditional crafts. Besides, promote management and marketing using advanced communications methods, and promote multiple management by creative workers based on local initiatives.

8.Shikoku
- Region that leads development through extensive cooperation both within and outside Japan -

(1)Basic direction of improvement

In the Shikoku region, the Shikoku-sanchi (mountainous areas) traverses the central part from east to west. The region faces diverse sea such as the Seto Inland Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the south. In addition to these geographical conditions, the region is blessed with a rich natural environment and warm climate. The region has good-sized cities that are accumulating appropriate urban functions. Since olden times, the region has actively interacted with other regions via the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean and has developed unique cultures. Furthermore, in recent years, conditions of exchanges with other regions within Japan as well as with regions in other countries have been dramatically being improved. All three bridge routes connecting Honshu and Shikoku are now almost completed, and the airports and harbors in each of the core urban areas are getting better.

In accordance with the expanding exchanges, and with the remarkable potential for independent regional development, the region will become the "region that leads development through extensive cooperation both within and outside Japan." In the process, diverse cooperation with other regions will be promoted and the rich natural blessings and unique culture of the region will be utilized.

To achieve the goal, strengthen cooperation between each area of the Shikoku region, and form diverse regional cooperation corridors by utilizing the three bridge routes connecting Honshu and Shikoku. Encourage exchanges with foreign countries and make the region open to the world, especially to the Asia Pacific region. For this purpose, form a large-scale international sphere of interaction based on comprehensive development with the Chugoku region through role-sharing and cooperation. At the same time, strengthen the functions of each city and create nature-rich residential areas in smaller cities and in the rural areas including the hilly and mountainous areas. Based on these measures, the basis for establishing the New Pacific Ocean Coastal National Axial Zone that extends from Okinawa to the coast of Ise Bay via Kyushu, Shikoku and Kii Peninsula will be formed.

(2)Development of measures

To improve and strengthen the urban functions and to activate the rural communities, create the following regional cooperation corridors among the areas located between the Japan Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

- A regional cooperation corridor that connects Kyoto, Hyogo, Tokushima and Kochi for cooperation

- A regional cooperation corridor that connects Shimane, Tottori, Okayama, Kagawa, Tokushima and Kochi

- A regional cooperation corridor that connects Shimane, Hiroshima, Ehime and Kochi

As the basis for forming these corridors, establish or improve the high-standard principal roads including the Shikoku Longitudinal, Shikoku Traverse, Imabari-Komatsu and East Kochi Expressways. Also, improve the local high-standard roads including the Anan-Aki Expressway. And improve the Tokushima Airport and the harbors, speed up the principal railways, and establish advanced communications systems. In creating the regional cooperation corridors, especially for tourism and recreation, give priority to the following measures. Establish a large sightseeing route that connects the Pacific Ocean, the Seto Inland Sea and the Japan Sea and that utilizes the cultural assets such as the "henro-michi (pilgrim route)" or the natural environment including the Shikoku-sanchi. Then, build streets that reflect history and culture, and establish facilities where people can stay and relax. To promote exchanges and cooperation with the Chugoku and Kyushu regions, create a sphere of interaction in the Seto Inland Sea area. Especially in the west Seto area, establish numerous networks via the Sea for tourism and other industries. Furthermore, based on a long-term view, examine the transportation systems for cooperation between Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu. For the project to construct the road over the Hoyo Straits, develop technology related to long and large bridges and for promoting local exchanges and cooperation, and conduct surveys. Then, examine the influence of the project on the surrounding environment, analyze the cost effectiveness and consider how to share the costs. Implement the project based on the results of the examinations. Also, examine how to strengthen the cooperation between the urban hubs of Hiroshima and Matsuyama, and how to establish transportation systems to utilize the urban functions of the hubs over a wide range. The examination should be made based on a long-term view, paying attention to the progress of the plan to form a sphere of interaction in the west Seto area.

To promote independent international exchange activities with the Asia Pacific region, establish international exchange bases including the Kochi New Port and improve the transportation infrastructure to provide better access to the bases, while sharing roles and cooperating with the urban hubs in the Chugoku region. At the same time, improve the infrastructures for hosting international conferences as well as for R&D, and create a large-scale international sphere of interaction. Besides, to provide more advanced international exchange functions, improve access to the Kansai International Airport.

While creating the large-scale international sphere of interaction, strengthen the advanced urban functions including business management, R&D, advanced education, culture and information provision in the urban hubs and core urban areas centering around Matsuyama, Takamatsu, Kochi and Tokushima, based on cooperation between the cities. Also, improve the urban infrastructures that support the urban functions, activate the urban centers, and establish the basis for regional development. In the coastal areas of the Seto Inland Sea, to respond to the recent changes in industrial structure, upgrade the existing industries and invite state-of-art technology industries and advanced service industries that have high growth potential to relocate to the coastal areas. Furthermore, for human and technology development, establish or improve advanced educational institutions and research institutes, and promote R&D and technological exchanges between different businesses based on cooperation between the industrial, academic and governmental sectors.

For the creation of nature-rich residential areas, strengthen the functions of small cities that serve as the centers of the areas, and establish advanced communications infrastructures and improve the transportation and living infrastructures. Provide better medical and welfare services to meet the needs of the aging society. Develop industries that have more freedom to choose their location, and activate industries by utilizing local resources such as the terraced paddy fields. For this, promote local activation by using advanced communications technologies and local development by using rich agricultural, forestry and marine products and the natural environment in the southwestern area of the Shikoku region. Also, promote exchanges among foreign students and the creation of industries by using the deep-sea water in the eastern area of the Shikoku region. In the basins of the Yoshino and Shimanto, promote afforestation through exchanges between urban and rural areas, and develop the areas while preserving the limpid streams. Then, improve the forest conditions in the riverhead areas, preserve the water quality, and make rivers much natural, based on the participation and cooperation of diverse entities. Furthermore, conserve and recover the natural environment in the Seto Inland Sea and the Ashizuri-Uwa Sea, and establish spaces where people can have contact with nature. To boost agriculture, forestry and fisheries, strengthen the functions of the region as a production center of fresh food, taking advantage of the reduced time to travel between the region and the Kansai metropolitan area. Establish a system for supplying lumber, improve forests by thinning, and promote fisheries cultivation. At the same time, improve and sophisticate the production, processing and distribution bases and add more value to agricultural, forestry and marine products by establishing special brands, etc. On the other hand, to enable people to lead safe and comfortable lives, strengthen countermeasures against disasters such as floods and landslides and improve the safety of coastal areas. In response to the frequent water shortages mainly in the coastal areas of the Seto Inland Sea, create a water-saving society and develop water resources according to the characteristics of the areas.

9.Kyushu
- Kyushu that develops together with the Asian region -

(1)Basic direction of improvement

The Kyushu region is in close proximity to other Asian countries both geographically and culturally and has played an important role in the exchanges between Japan and Asia. The region, therefore, serves as an ideal gateway to Asia and is expected to grow in the 21st century. However, the Kyushu region is facing severe regional competition with neighboring countries in various fields such as industry, agriculture, fisheries and tourism. The region has good-sized cities spread at appropriate distances, and there are also nature-rich isolated island, peninsula and mountainous areas. Thus the region provides both urban convenience and a rich natural environment. The region has been leading regional development and in recent years has implemented new projects based on regional cooperation.

Based on these conditions and characteristics, the region will evolve into "Kyushu that develops together with the Asian region," and will go beyond simply serving as Japan's gateway to Asia.

For this, form a large-scale international sphere of interaction together with the adjacent regions, especially targeting Asia, and promote wide exchanges and cooperation with Asia in economy, culture, etc. While developing the region in a comprehensive manner, create nature-rich residential areas that play important roles as Japan's bases to supply food and lumber, and develop unique and attractive urban communities. At the same time, develop regional cooperation corridors for diverse exchanges and cooperation, and expand the areas where the residents can enjoy both urban conveniences and nature. By these measures, the New Pacific Ocean Coastal National Axial Zone that widely covers the Kyushu region will eventually be formed. With the Kyushu region as the staging point of the west side, the Japan Sea Coastal National Axial Zone and the Western Japan National Axial Zone will also be formed, and the region will become the node of the Zones in the west Japan.

(2)Development of measures

Establish safe and comfortable urban environments in the major core city area and prefectural hub cities including Fukuoka and Kita-Kyushu, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Oita, etc. Enhance the advanced urban functions including the central management, R&D, advanced education and culture according to the scales and characteristics of each urban area, and promote role-sharing and cooperation between the areas.

To create a large-scale international sphere of interaction based on the geographical and historical characteristics, establish international cultural bases, convention halls and other exchange facilities, and promote unique international exchange activities in the region. Furthermore, to respond to the increasing number of international passengers and rising demand for physical distribution, examine measures to strengthen the international airport functions as the gateway of the region. At the same time, strengthen the infrastructures for international exchanges and physical distribution by establishing earthquake-resistant international marine container terminals at the ports in north Kyushu and improve Shibushi Port, etc. In addition, improve the transportation infrastructures to provide better access to the facilities.

Based on exchanges with foreign countries including Asian countries, sophisticate and diversify economic and cultural activities. Create new industries and improve the international competitiveness of the existing industries. To strengthen the functions as the bases for R&D and technical training in Asia, promote cooperation between the industrial, academic and governmental sectors by using the accumulated know-how and expertise of the existing electronics and machinery industries, for example. Improve the educational institutions and experiment and research institutes, and strengthen the R&D functions by networking among them. In addition, in line with international specialization especially in Asia, improve the environment of the Kyushu region as an industrial location, and invite foreign firms to relocate to the region. Furthermore, support technological cooperation projects including the transfer of advanced environmental technologies, establish systems for accepting foreign students and trainees, and hold international conferences and athletic meetings to promote exchanges. Especially, in response to the recent increase of visitors from neighboring Asian countries, improve the environment as an international sightseeing destination. Establish a large, round-trip sightseeing route that utilizes the attractive natural environment including Yakushima island that is registered as a world Natural Heritage, a number of hot springs, as well as tangible and intangible cultural assets. Through tourism, promote exchanges with foreigners including Asian people.

In the areas that are isolated from the urban functions including the mountainous areas in the center of Kyushu, create nature-rich residential areas by promoting agriculture, forestry, fisheries and tourism, and strengthen cooperation within and outside the area by improving the transportation infrastructures, etc. At the same time, improve the living infrastructure, establish advanced communications infrastructures, and enhance the urban functions of the smaller cities to stimulate the areas. Although these areas have a rich natural environment, they are subject to natural disasters such as floods, landslides and volcanic activity from Unzen and Sakurajima, so develop communities that are resistant to disasters and improve the safety of coastal areas. Besides, improve the medical and welfare services to enable people to lead safe and comfortable lives. Furthermore, for proper land management, improve the safety of forests and the production thereof by thinning.

Promote new development of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and encourage people to take up farming based on versatile agricultural production under the favorable natural conditions, and on the rich and mature forest and marine resources. In order for the region to serve as a center of production of food and lumber, improve the productivity, reduce the costs and raise the international competitiveness by improving the production, processing and distribution infrastructures. Also, promote cooperation to share know-how including production technologies, and promote exchanges between the nature-rich residential areas and the urban areas through green tourism and farm experience.

Based on mutual cooperation between the areas, develop regional cooperation corridors both in the horizontal and vertical directions to enable each area to share the rich resources and develop into vigorous communities.

In the northern area of Kyushu, while promoting comprehensive measures concerning water resources by linking the dams, promote international exchange. To achieve this, create exchange bases with Asia in the fields of culture, science and research including establishing research and academic cities or of "historic corridors" and thus form an integrated international sphere. In the east Kyushu area, overcome the remoteness between the urban areas, industrial areas and tourist attractions and develop the area by fully utilizing the potential. Establish better transportation systems and distribution bases, and create attractive industrial and cultural zones. In the west Seto area, to promote exchanges and cooperation with the Chugoku and Shikoku areas, establish numerous networks via the sea in the fields of tourism and other industries.

In the central area of Kyushu where cities are aligned in a vertical direction, promote exchanges and cooperation to enable the cities to share facilities and strengthen industrial cooperation between the cities. In the central Kyushu area, establish transportation systems, improve the sightseeing routes by using nature, and create diverse exchange and cooperation corridors within the area including the cooperation among the basins of the Kikuchi, the Ono, etc. In the coastal areas of the Ariake Sea and the Yatsushiro Sea, implement countermeasures against disasters, establish a network that connects the bases in the coastal areas, and strengthen the functions of the exchange and distribution bases targeting the Asian region. Through these efforts, pursue comprehensive development of these areas. For the areas facing the East China Sea, develop fisheries, tourism, etc. taking advantage of the short distance to Asia, the rich natural environment and the marine resources. For this purpose, create a cooperation corridor that connects the bases on the west coast of Kyushu, and promote exchanges and cooperation. For example, promote inter-city cooperation between the cities on the northwest coast.

In the south Kyushu area, create value-added agricultural areas as an important food supply base, and form an attractive sphere of interaction and establish a sightseeing route to enable people to stay and enjoy the rich natural environment. In the area that extends from south Kyushu to the southern ocean, promote exchanges and cooperation via the Sea in tourism and other industries.

To support regional cooperation, build or improve the high-standard principal roads and promote the projects of Kyushu Traverse, East Kyushu, West Kyushu and South Kyushu West Bound Expressways. Also, establish or improve the local high-standard roads including the Ariake Sea Bay Shore Road and the Central Kyushu Traverse Road. Besides, speed up the existing railways and establish or improve airports and harbors including the New North Kyushu Airport. For the Kyushu Shinkansen Kagoshima Route project, implement the Funakoya-Nishikagoshima section project based on the results of the examination by the governmental committee. For the other sections of the Kyushu Shinkansen Kagoshima Route and for the Kyushu Shinkansen Nagasaki Route, conduct the required works. Besides, examine the transportation system that traverses the Kyushu region from north to south via the central part for strengthening the regional exchanges and cooperation, including how to utilize the existing facilities. Furthermore, from a long-term view, examine the transportation system for broad cooperation with the Shikoku region. For the project to construct a road over the Straits of Hoyo and a road over the Straits of Kanmon as well as for the plan for the Shimabara-Amakusa-Nagashima bridge, develop technology related to long and large bridges, promote local exchanges and cooperation, and conduct surveys. Then, examine the influence of the project on the surrounding environment, analyze the cost effectiveness and consider how to share the costs. Implement the project based on the results of the examinations. In addition to improving the transportation infrastructures, establish advanced communications infrastructures and develop software measures to promote exchanges and cooperation.

10.Okinawa
- Base for peaceful exchanges on the Pacific Ocean (Pacific crossroad) -

(1)Basic direction of improvement

The Okinawa region is located where Japan meets the tropical and subtropical zones including Southeast Asia. The region is comprised of islands and is surrounded by vast seas. It is the only region that has a subtropical oceanic climate in Japan. In this unique natural and geographical environment, and through trade with East Asia and Southeast Asia since olden times, the Ryukyu culture has developed in the region. Since the end of World War II, the region has been influenced by American culture, and has developed very unique, international culture and lifestyles.

The Okinawa region will become a special frontier region in the 21st century or a "base for peaceful exchanges on the Pacific Ocean (Pacific crossroad)" that will contribute to independent regional development and to the development of socioeconomic culture of Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. To achieve this goal, the region will aggressively utilize its geographical and natural characteristics, local resources including cultural assets, and its international sense of accepting diversity and spirit of mutual assistance that have developed.

Develop and strengthen the region's function as the core of the Asia-Pacific region, and promote multiple exchanges in the fields of economy, science and culture, including international contribution such as peaceful exchanges and technological cooperation. Through these efforts, create a large-scale international sphere of interaction that contributes to the world. Also, promote economic independence and ensure employment to build an independent region that contributes to international peace as an integral part of the global community. This will lead to the formation of the oceanic New Pacific Ocean Coastal Zone.

(2)Development of measures

Create in the Ryukyu zone a large-scale international sphere of interaction for the exchanges of people, things and information in the Asia-Pacific region, centering around the main island of Okinawa and also including the Amami islands. Improve the urban functions including the central management and international exchanges mainly in Naha, establish new central urban areas in Naha, etc., and develop communities based on the unique historical and cultural background for establishing characteristic urban hubs. Besides, utilize the characteristics of each area to establish exchange bases for international contribution, economic, scientific and cultural activities, and link the bases. To strengthen the gateway function for exchanges with the Asia-Pacific region, improve the Naha Airport and Naha Port, and establish better transportation infrastructures to provide easier access to the facilities. Also, aggressively establish advanced communications infrastructures. Furthermore, promote the Naha Airport Expressway project, establish or improve the local high-standard roads including the Okinawa West Coast Road, and promote the construction of the Okinawa urban monorail. In addition, improve the higher educational and training institutions for human development, especially for the younger generation, to train people who can respond to internationalization and socioeconomic changes.

By implementing these measures, promote international cooperation including the following: exchanges for international peace; technological transfer for the development of tropical and subtropical areas including debugging technology; and acceptance of trainees and students from overseas, especially from Asia. Promote diverse exchanges and distribution of information from the region including international studies on subtropical characteristics such as research on coral reefs, cultural exchanges for continuing and developing the Ryukyu culture, and exchanges concerning tourism and sports.

In the economic field, strengthen the area as a free trade area and establish a new special free trade area. Use tax and financing systems to promote international distribution and transit processing bases. Also, support joint R&D among the industrial, academic and governmental sectors, as well as venture companies to promote R&D related to health, medical care, the environment, food and communications industries.

On the other hand, preserve and utilize the subtropical, oceanic versatile natural environment and the unique culture as national assets. In the northern area and in the areas of Miyako, Yaeyama, etc., create attractive nature-rich residential areas where the residents can lead safe and comfortable lives and make unique exchanges. For this, preserve and recover the habitats of precious subtropical creatures in Yanbaru and Iriomotejima, and the beautiful beach and coral reef sea areas in each area. Also, implement countermeasures to prevent outflows of red clay. In addition, preserve the historic streets and remains, as well as the traditional arts. Create international, year-round sightseeing and resort areas targeting long-stay visitors based on the local resources, and promote supporting industries. For the agriculture, forestry and fisheries that enjoy the advantages of the subtropical climate, improve the production, distribution and processing infrastructures, and consider market needs in implementing multiple measures including cooperation with other local industries. Furthermore, to cope with natural disasters such as typhoons and water shortages, implement comprehensive disaster-prevention measures and construct multi-purpose dams, and develop a water-saving society that utilizes rainfall and recycles sewage after treatment.

In developing these measures, it is important to promote the Okinawa region as a whole. Especially for the northern area, because it will play an important role for the entire development of the main island of Okinawa, it is significant to promote the area by utilizing its characteristics.

For the facilities and districts of the U.S. forces that seriously restrict land use in the Okinawa region, implement the plans described in the final report of the Special Action Committee on Okinawa (SACO), including the return of the Futenma airfield and the scaling-down of the facilities and districts by about 21% (5002 hectares). Based on the results, make plans for using the returned land.

11.Snowy areas, remote islands and peninsula areas
The snowy areas, remote islands and peninsula areas are important for conserving the land and natural environment. They also provide opportunities for new lifestyles in the 21st century in response to the diversification of people's values, based on their historical and cultural resources. It is therefore important to develop a good national land structure by implementing the following measures. Solve the problems involved in creating safe and attractive land, provide more options for residences, activate local industries, and promote exchanges and cooperation within the areas as well as with other areas.

(1)Snowy areas

In the snowy areas, which account for about half of the country, improve measures against disadvantages due to snow and develop communities that can withstand snow damage. Promote industries and activate the areas by using the snow and local cultures. It is also important to promote exchanges and cooperation with other areas both within and outside Japan by utilizing the characteristics of the snowy areas.

To ensure safe, comfortable mobility in winter, improve the system for removing snow properly and timely from transportation facilities including high-speed transportation links such as the high-standard principal roads, high-speed railways and airports as well as the sidewalks. Besides, establish or improve snow-prevention and snow-melting facilities, and implement maintenance and management measures. Furthermore, take countermeasures for frozen road surfaces in response to the regulation on the use of studded tires, improve the performance of tires and vehicles for winter driving, and establish transportation infrastructures that can withstand snow damage. Besides, to provide information about weather, traffic and events, etc., to improve the convenience in daily living and to promote industries, establish advanced information and communications infrastructures. Furthermore, while conserving the rich natural environment and beautiful sights in the snowy areas, improve the living environment and encourage people to enjoy snowy weather and to have more contact with snow to create a new "snow culture". In addition, provide more opportunities to learn and experience the rich natural blessings and traditional lifestyles in snowy areas, and thus promote interregional or international exchanges.

Furthermore, support local snow removing efforts and build more houses that are resistant to snow for the elderly, etc., and establish sports and health facilities and parks, giving special considerations to their use in winter. In the rural communities, construct facilities for lodging in winter, and give more support to the aging communities. In cities, improve the snow melting facilities, bury electric wires underground, and build snow-resistant apartments. Provide rivers and sewage systems with more powerful snow-removing capabilities, and secure the places to dispose of the removed snow in public spaces to develop urban communities that are resistant to snow damage. Besides, implement measures against disasters caused by snow including avalanches, snowstorms, landslides in the spring when the snow thaws, and damages caused by large earthquakes in the snowy season. Also, promote agriculture, forestry and fisheries based on the characteristics of the snowy areas, and develop industries by using technologies to store agricultural products etc. in icehouses. Create snow resorts by utilizing the local natural environment and culture, and develop snow-related products. Furthermore, strengthen the system to monitor snowfall, use machines for disposing of snow, and promote the research and development of technologies to overcome or utilize snow including the use of its cooling energy.

(2)Remote islands

Remote islands are important bases for conserving and managing the land including exclusive economic zones. While considering the roles and different conditions of each island, establish a safe and comfortable living environment and implement diverse measures to improve the infrastructures to activate island areas. It is also important to promote industries by using the versatile and characteristic resources and cultures of the areas.

Based on these views, establish or improve the transportation facilities including ports, airports, roads and bridges over the sea. Introduce high-speed passenger ships and jet planes, provide easier access, and establish transportation networks that connect remote islands or remote islands with Japan proper or with foreign countries in order to expand the sphere of interaction. In addition, establish advanced information and communications infrastructures for transmitting and receiving a wide range of information concerning daily lives, etc. Besides, improve the infrastructures including fishing ports, fishing grounds, farmland, farm roads and forestry roads, as well as the processing and distribution systems. Based on the improvement and through cooperation with related companies, promote the production of specialties of remote islands. Especially, promote fisheries as the basic local industry. Furthermore, provide more tourist attractions by establishing health resorts ("island-therapy") or through "blue tourism" taking advantage of the wonderful natural environment including the oceanic climate.

For the living environment, implement measures against water shortages including the improvement of the dams, conveyance of water from other areas and desalination of seawater. Also, establish and improve the sewage treatment or waste disposal plants and parks, and improve the medical and welfare systems including the provision of emergency medical services. Besides, introduce educational or medical care systems that utilize satellite communications for providing people with equal opportunities to receive education and medical care. Furthermore, establish and improve the land conservation facilities for ensuring land safety including those for flood control, forest conservation and coastal conservation. Besides, implement comprehensive disaster-prevention measures including the establishment of a communication system in case of disaster. In addition, conserve the natural environment, protect the beautiful sights of the communities, and develop the traditional cultures.

Especially for the Amami islands located in the ocean, strengthen cooperation with the Okinawa region and give it new importance in the Asia-Pacific region. For the Ogasawara islands, pursue development by utilizing the peculiar natural environment of the area including the subtropical climate and geographical characteristics of the islands' location in the far south of the country, while strengthening the cooperation with the Tokyo metropolitan area.

(3)Peninsula areas

For the Peninsula areas, it is important to promote exchanges and cooperation with the peripheral areas, to maintain and increase the vigor of each area by utilizing its potential. This should be conducted based on the independent and comprehensive efforts of the areas, in view of the importance of land management and conservation.

Specifically, to strengthen cooperation within the peninsula areas and between the areas and peripheral areas, improve the principal transportation infrastructures including roads such as peninsula ring roads and ports, keeping in mind the geographical conditions peculiar to peninsula areas. Together with this, improve the local transportation infrastructures and establish advanced information and communications infrastructures. Besides, establish and improve the land conservation facilities for forest conservation, flood control and coast conservation, and develop water resources by establishing dams, etc. Furthermore, establish sewage treatment and waste disposal plants and parks to improve the local living environment. In addition, by properly providing the elderly and children with welfare services, improve the standard of living.

In addition, promote the development of new industries by improving the production infrastructures and the processing and distribution systems of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, by developing local industries, and by inviting companies and R&D institutes that need to locate in the rich natural environment. Besides, by promoting cooperation with the coastal areas including the adjoining peninsula areas and remote islands as well as conserving and utilizing the tourist attractions including the natural environment and traditional cultures, create attractive, extensive sightseeing routes. Especially, support the development of unique communities in each area based on the culture peculiar to peninsulas, and create a new "peninsula culture" through cultural exchanges and cooperation both within and outside Japan.

The regional blocs are comprised of the following prefectures.

Hokkaido: Hokkaido

Tohoku: Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima and Niigata

Kanto: Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Yamanashi

Chubu: Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi, Mie

Hokuriku: Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui

Kinki: Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama

Chugoku: Tottori, Shimane, Okayama, Hiroshima and Yamaguchi

Shikoku: Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, Kochi

Kyushu: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki and Kagoshima

Okinawa: Okinawa

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