News Gunma remains most attractive prefecture for second year

Gunma ranked first for the second straight year in 2025 among prefectures people hope to move to. Tochigi placed second, followed by Nagano, Shizuoka and Fukushima. All offer relatively easy access to Tokyo, according to survey results released on 24 February.

The pattern points to working-age residents in the Tokyo metropolitan area seeking places that ease the strain between work and daily life, while providing natural surroundings and a setting suited to raising children. The annual top 20 ranking is compiled by the Furusato Kaiki Iju Koryu Suishin Kiko, which works with local governments to support would-be movers.

The list draws on a survey of first-time visitors to the group's consultation counters. The poll has been conducted since 2009, when the Tokyo-based body operated as a nonprofit under the name Join-Furusato. This year marks the 17th edition. The organisation said Gunma's profile rose after it claimed the top spot for the first time in 2024, prompting more people to consider it as their preferred destination. Most consultations came from people in their 30s raising children.

Interest has also spread among a wide range of people, including those exploring dual-base lifestyles between Gunma and Tokyo. Some even said they discovered Gunma from a generative artificial intelligence recommendation. Gunma Governor Ichita Yamamoto said, "Gunma's appeal, brand strength and future potential have been highly valued." He said the prefecture will put greater effort into creating an environment that helps newcomers comfortably integrate into the local community by increasing opportunities such as casual social gatherings where people can easily drop in.

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2025 ranking of most desired relocation destinations, 2024 ranking in parentheses. (-) indicates outside the top 20.

1. Gunma (1)
2. Tochigi (3)
3. Nagano (4)
4. Shizuoka (2)
5. Fukushima (9)
6. Miyagi (7)
7. Hokkaido (6)
8. Fukuoka (5)
9. Yamaguchi (10)
10. Tokyo (14)
11. Yamanashi (8)
12. Wakayama (12)
13. Chiba (13)
14. Toyama (15)
15. Kanagawa (17)
16. Hiroshima (11)
17. Yamagata (-)
18. Kagoshima (18)
19. Hyogo (16)
20. Gifu (20)