Nara City will launch the new "Nara City Child-rearing Migration and Settlement Support Program" on July 7, 2026, to reduce the financial burden associated with housing acquisition and relocation for families with children moving into the city from outside, thereby promoting settlement and retention of child-rearing households and maintaining and improving the sustainable vitality of the local community. Through this program, we will strongly promote the brand image of "Nara City, a city chosen by families with children" nationwide. We will package the city's excellent child-rearing support measures with this subsidy and conduct large-scale promotions through official city tools and social media.

Topics

Young families aged 39 or under with children up to junior high school age will receive a 300,000 yen subsidy per household for housing acquisition.

An additional 100,000 yen will be added to the subsidy for moves into residential promotion zones and other areas promoting sustainable town development.

When combined with the Vacant House/Machiya Bank Utilization Housing Subsidy, the grant amount can be "up to 900,000 yen." A strong support system is realized with up to 800,000 yen for vacant houses in the eastern region and up to 900,000 yen for machiya.

In the population dynamics based on the Basic Resident Register in 2025, a net increase of 424 people through migration resulted in a net inflow for the seventh consecutive year since 2019. *Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "Survey of Population, Population Dynamics, and Households based on the Basic Resident Register" *2025 data is based on Nara City's Basic Resident Register.

Chosen as a city that is easy to raise children in

2022 Basic Resident Register Population Movement Report (Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications)

2025 Ranking of Cities Conducive to Dual-Income Families Raising Children

Economy

Medical expense subsidies up to high school, free nursery school fees for second child onwards, free school lunch for junior high school students

Leisure

"Hands-free" drop-off at municipal kindergartens, provision of lunch during long school holidays (after-school care)

Environment

Enhanced child-rearing plazas, air conditioning in all elementary and junior high schools, GIGA School Program

Net migration for 7 consecutive years since 2019 Population Dynamics (Net Migration)

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications "Survey of Population, Population Dynamics, and Households based on the Basic Resident Register" *2025 data is based on Nara City's Basic Resident Register.

Current Status and Needs of Nara City's Migration and Settlement Policies

Phases of Migration and Settlement Policies

Six stages (phases) from consideration of migration to settlement for potential migrants. Various initiatives have been implemented, but this positions them to promote the transition to "settlement."

Statistics on Housing, etc.

Number of detached houses with completed inspection certificates issued in Nara City in 2024: 832 units Source: Nara City Building Guidance Division Purchase rate of newly built homes by age group

13.2% for those under 30, and 43.7% for those in their 30s. Nearly 60% purchase a home by age 40. Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Housing Market Trend Survey (FY2024)

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism "2026 Land Price Publication" (Average residential land price by municipality in the Osaka metropolitan area)

Eligibility Requirements

Subsidy Amount

300,000 yen per household (budget limit 12 million yen, expected to cover 30-40 households) *However, if moving into a "Residential Promotion Zone" or "Residential Environment Maintenance Zone" under the City Planning Act, an additional 100,000 yen will be added to the above amount (400,000 yen subsidy).

Eligible Households/Conditions: All of the following 1-4 must be met

Must have moved into Nara City from outside the city after the application start date.

Child-rearing household (couple aged 39 or under with children up to junior high school age).

Purchaser of a new or used home (new condominiums are also eligible).

Must cooperate with post-migration follow-up surveys for five years after moving in.

For moves to the eastern region, a maximum of 800,000 yen will be provided when combined with the Vacant House Bank Utilization Subsidy (up to 500,000 yen per household).

When combined with the Machiya Bank, up to 900,000 yen will be provided.

What is the Nara City Vacant House/Machiya Bank?

Individuals wishing to use properties can register to view detailed property information, schedule viewings, and receive support until contract. Those who sign a contract through the bank are eligible for the subsidy.

Comparison with Other Cities (Kansai Region Major Municipalities)

Wide range of housing options available, including used homes and condominiums!

Strong support of up to 900,000 yen, outstanding even in the Kansai region!

Maximize land value benefits and achieve spacious living!

Current Status of Nara City's Migration and Settlement Policies

Positioning in Nara City's Comprehensive Strategy and Direction of Migration Policies

Addressing population issues is crucial for the sustainability of Nara City.

The "Net Migration of All Ages in Nara City," an indicator in the 2nd Nara City Comprehensive Strategy, is currently positive and highly likely to be achieved.

On the other hand, although there is growth in the 0-14 age group (3rd in Kansai in FY2022), approaching the target requires an approach to child-rearing households through various measures.

Net Migration (Total All Ages)

Baseline: +298 people (2020) Target: Maintain positive or higher (2026) => +554 people in 2024

Net Migration (Total 0-14 years old)

Baseline: +361 people (2020) Target: +500 people (2026) => +313 people in 2024

Future Schedule

System implementation and acceptance start on July 7, 2026.

Public relations and promotion will begin, focusing on urban areas such as the Kansai and Tokyo metropolitan areas.

Mid-July onwards, sequentially

Promotional activities in collaboration with housing manufacturers and real estate platforms will be sequentially expanded.

Past Initiatives

Information provision through migration brochures and operation of a migration website

Supports the first step of information gathering for potential migrants. Provides information tailored to attributes.

Migration Guidebook/Portal Site "Nararhythm."

Number of migration inquiries (including information requests)

Online Migration Consultation

Started in June 2020. Staff residing in the local area answer questions and concerns of potential migrants.

Migration Participant/Related Population Briefings and Exchange Meetings

Held annually in Tokyo and Osaka. A total of 6 sessions were held last year. Popular among migrants seeking connections in their new place of residence.

Trial Migration Support in Cooperation with Accommodation Facilities in the City

First in Nara Prefecture! "Town walking guide" by owners to start (from June 2026)

Started in October 2021. Subsidizes part of the accommodation costs for stays at designated accommodation facilities (currently 19) for migration experience, etc.

[Up to 400,000 yen] Nara City Child-rearing Migration and Settlement Support Program (Starts July 7, 2026) https://www.city.nara.lg.jp/site/nararhythm/259382.html

Nara is recommended for migration and dual-residence! "Nara City's Migration Support System" https://www.city.nara.lg.jp/site/nararhythm/7242.html

Nakotomigaoka Neighborhood Park Kids Park

Contact Information for this Matter

Nara City Public Relations Division Migration and Settlement Promotion Section TEL: 0742-93-3470

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: 政策