Towards a Society Where Everyone Supports One Another Locally: What Is a “Community-Based Inclusive Society”?

The “Community-Based Inclusive Society” is a policy initiative spearheaded by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. It aims to build a society where all individuals live together while mutually supporting one another within their local communities. This article provides an overview of the initiative, its challenges, and model case examples.

• What Is a Community-Based Inclusive Society?
• What Barriers Make Mutual Support Difficult?
• A Look Ahead: What Can We Do to Make It a Reality?
• A Model in Action: The Kirari Yoshijima Network (Yamagata Prefecture)
• Making It “Your Own Issue”: You Are Part of the Solution

What Is a Community-Based Inclusive Society?

The “Community-Based Inclusive Society” is defined as “a society in which local residents and diverse stakeholders go beyond the conventional ‘siloed’ system of welfare services, as well as the dichotomy of ‘supporters’ and ‘recipients,’ to connect across generations and sectors. Through these connections, they collaboratively shape fulfilling lives and vibrant communities.” [1][2] 

The concept arose in response to rising social isolation due to weakened family and community ties, and the growing number of individuals falling through the cracks of public support systems—such as elderly people living alone, isolated child-rearing households, and individuals with disabilities or youth who struggle to seek help. [3]

With the guiding principle of “leaving no one behind,” the goal is to create a society where everyone, regardless of age or ability, participates and collaborates to resolve issues—not as helpers and helped, but as equal community members.

The “Community-Based Inclusive Society”

出所：厚生労働省 地域共生社会のポータルサイト

The term “Community-Based Inclusive Society” first appeared in national policy in 2016 through the “Japan’s Plan for Dynamic Engagement of All Citizens.” Subsequently, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare established the “Wagakoto-Marugoto Promotion Office,” which released a reform roadmap in 2017 titled Toward the Realization of a Community-Based Inclusive Society  ^[4] . Concrete efforts are now underway across the country.

What Barriers Make Mutual Support Difficult?

What are the key challenges involved in implementing a community-based inclusive society at the local level?

Source: Compiled by the author

1．Administrative Silos

Due to the fragmented operation of systems for medical care, long-term care, welfare, and child-rearing, families dealing with multiple challenges often receive disjointed support. Increasingly complex issues like “double care” (simultaneous childcare and eldercare) and the “8050 problem” (elderly parents caring for socially withdrawn middle-aged children) highlight the need for cross-sector collaboration.

2．Shortage of Human Resources

As the number of people needing support increases, the supply of supporters—particularly volunteers and welfare workers—is decreasing, especially in rural areas where aging populations pose an additional challenge[1].  Limited budgets also necessitate more efficient and effective support systems [5].

3．Weakening Community Ties

The erosion of family and neighborhood connections exacerbates isolation. The number of elderly people living alone continues to rise. Voices such as “I’m struggling, but I can’t tell anyone” or “There’s no one I can call for help” are heard even in mid-sized cities. While building everyday support networks is ideal, it remains a challenge.

A Look Ahead: What Can We Do to Make It a Reality?

Strengthening Comprehensive Support Systems

Source: Compiled by the author

According to the Ministry, there are four main pillars for realizing a community-based inclusive society ^{[4] [6]}。

• Enhancing problem-solving capacity at the community level
• Strengthening community-wide connections
• Bolstering comprehensive support systems rooted in the local area　
• Maximizing and reinforcing the roles of professional personnel

Based on these pillars, legal reforms in 2020 introduced the Comprehensive Support System for Persons with Complex Needs. This initiative provides seamless support through an integrated framework of consultation services, social participation promotion, and community-building support.  ^[4] . Full-scale implementation began in 2021, and municipalities across Japan have been introducing it since.

Specific initiatives include the establishment of comprehensive consultation centers where people feel confident seeking help with any issue; the introduction of one-stop services without restricting eligibility; guidance and encouragement for socially isolated individuals to participate in community activities; package support services such as employment assistance, financial management, and housing support; and the development of networks among local residents, NPOs, and businesses.^{[7] [8]}

The goal is to provide “wrap-around” support for individuals and households with complex, overlapping needs—and to foster community solidarity. ^{[7] [8].}

Harnessing Digital Tools

Digital technology can also play a key role. In Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture, smart city efforts employ AI and 5G to support mobility, shopping, and health monitoring. In Tagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, digital tools are being used in partnership with NTT to stream local sports and improve transportation services ^[9][10]. These innovations can especially benefit communities with limited human resources.

Collaboration Is Key

Building a community-based inclusive society requires the collaboration of local governments, social welfare organizations, businesses, community groups, and residents—treating local issues as personal concerns.

For example, the 2020 Social Welfare Corporation Collaboration Promotion System allows multiple welfare organizations to form alliances to provide wider, more efficient services ^[4] . These collaborative corporations maintain their autonomy while sharing personnel, co-hosting training, pooling purchases and facilities, and jointly developing services. They can also respond more effectively during disasters ^[11] .

To further encourage resident participation, ideas such as point-based community currency for volunteer work and participatory budgeting are being explored.

A Model in Action: The Kirari Yoshijima Network (Yamagata Prefecture)

One standout model is the Kirari Yoshijima Network, founded in 2007 in Kawanishi Town, Yamagata Prefecture ^[12] .

This community organization includes nearly all 750 households in the district, forming a rare “all-residents participation” model in Japan. Under the motto “We protect our community ourselves” and “We pass this region on to the next generation,” residents engage in diverse activities—from elderly care and snow removal to child support, sports, disaster prevention, and organizing events ^{[12] [13]} .

What makes the Kirari Yoshijima Network unique is its equal, inclusive participation structure, where the distinction between supporter and recipient disappears.

It operates independently of government, driven by resident initiative and sustainability. Residents see themselves as local “managers,” building a resilient, self-sustaining society—years before the national policy framework even emerged ^[12][13] .

Making It “Your Own Issue” 
-  You Are Part of the Solution

While replicating the Kirari Yoshijima model everywhere may be difficult, what matters is that each person begins to see themselves as a participant in creating a community-based inclusive society. This initiative isn’t limited to governments or welfare experts.

Maybe there’s someone near you who needs a little support—helping an elderly person with their groceries, chatting with a neighbor, or joining a local event can be a first step.

Ultimately, the success of this initiative depends not just on systems, but on our individual involvement. We must each embrace this vision and take part in shaping a society where everyone—regardless of age, ability, or circumstance—can live with dignity and purpose.

Building a sustainable society for Japan depends on the principles of a community-based inclusive society. While it may seem like a welfare policy for now, its reach should extend far beyond—to town planning, regional economies, and even immigration policy. It’s time to broaden the conversation and act together.

References

1. 1. 厚生労働省（2023）「『地域共生社会』とは村人Aが主役になる社会で会える【地域共生社会を考えるvol.1】」、地域言共生社会を考えるコラム、https://mhlw-communication-gov.note.jp/n/ned64272900cf （2025年3月26日閲覧）。
2. 2. 厚生労働省「地域共生社会とは」、地域共生社会のポータルサイト、https://www.mhlw.go.jp/kyouseisyakaiportal/（2025年3月26日閲覧）。
3. 3. 石橋敏郎・木場千春（2020）「『我が事・丸ごと』地域共生社会の構想とその問題点」、アドミニストレーション 第26巻第2号pp.9－30、http://rp-kumakendai.pu-kumamoto.ac.jp/dspace/bitstream/123456789/2051/1/260207_ishibashi_koba_9_30.pdf（2025年3月26日閲覧）。
4. 4. 厚生労働省「『地域共生社会』の実現に向けて」https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/newpage_00506.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com（2025年4月3日閲覧）。
5. 5. 三菱UFJリサーチ＆コンサルティング（2018）「地域包括ケア研究会 2040年：多元的社会における地域包括ケアシステム-『参加』と『協働』でつくる包摂的な社会-」https://www.murc.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/houkatsu_01_1_2.pdf（2025年4月3日閲覧）。
6. 6. 全国社会福祉協議会（2018）「地域共生社会の実現に向けた地域福祉計画の策定・改定ガイドブック」https://www.shakyo.or.jp/tsuite/jigyo/research/20190405_book.pdf（2025年4月3日閲覧）。
7. 7. 厚生労働省（2024）「地域共生社会の実現に向けた重層的支援体制整備事業の実施について」https://www.cfa.go.jp/assets/contents/node/basic_page/field_ref_resources/0f4a703f-3401-41d8-a066-f6359f892b8d/148da68f/20240911_councils_jisou-kaigi_r06_29.pdf（2025年4月3日閲覧）。
8. 8. 三菱UFJリサーチ＆コンサルティング（2021）「重層的支援体制整備事業に 関わることになった人に向けたガイドブック」https://www.murc.jp/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/houkatsu_09_1-1.pdf（2025年4月11日閲覧）。
9. 9. MOVE NEXT UTSUNOMIYA HP、https://supersmartcity.u-movenext.net/detail/220726-ssc（2025年4月3日閲覧）。
10. 10. 福岡県田川市（2022年）「田川市、NTT ドコモ、NTT コミュニケーションズ デジタル技術の利活用による共生社会の実現に関する連携協定を締結」https://www.ntt.com/about-us/area-info/article/20220927_2.html （2025年4月3日閲覧）。
11. 11. 厚生労働省「地域共生社会の実現のための社会福祉法等の一部を改正する法律（令和２年法律第52号）の概要」、https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000640392.pdf（2025年4月11日閲覧）。
12. 12. 「きらりよしじまの創造」、きらりよしじまネットワークHP、https://www.e-yoshijima.org/（2025年3月26日閲覧）
13. 13. 内閣府男女共同参画局（2011）「地域の活力と魅力を生み出す男女共同参画活動事例集」pp.12－13、https://www.gender.go.jp/research/kenkyu/chiiki_danjyo_kyoudou/pdf/chiiki_danjyo_kyoudou_02.pdf （2025年3月26日閲覧）。

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