02 幸福 ver2

Overview

The presenter, Shin Funahashi (Toyama University), argues that Toyama Prefecture’s “high happiness” is supported by both citizens’ survey results and objective socioeconomic indicators.

Evidence from Local Resident Surveys (Subjective Well-Being)

In a survey of Toyama residents:

• In Mino/Toyama City:
  • 91% of respondents said it is a “good place to live.”
  • 84% said they would like to continue living in Toyama City.
• Only 5% wanted to move.
  • The main reason cited was heavy snowfall, referencing the severe snowfall in 2021.

Objective “Happiness” Indicators (National Ranking)

Funahashi also cites a national “happiness by prefecture” ranking based on 40 indicators, stating that:

• Toyama Prefecture ranks #1.

Mechanisms Behind Happiness: Employment and Economic Factors

The presentation links Toyama’s happiness to employment and economic conditions:

• According to Kitanippon Shimbun, Toyama ranks:
  • #3 nationally for the share of regular employees
  • #1 in Japan among young people aged 15–34
• Suggested explanation:
  • Toyama’s strong manufacturing sector relies on highly skilled, technology-based work
  • This encourages companies to provide regular employment to support skill development
• Additional labor-market signals:
  • A very high effective job opening ratio for regular employees
  • Extremely high manufacturing employment: 20.04 per 100 people (#1 in the nation)

Conclusion

Funahashi concludes that these objective factors align with the survey results, supporting the idea that Toyama’s high satisfaction (often framed as a “happiness index”) is not merely anecdotal.

Presenters / Contributors

• Shin Funahashi (Toyama University)