Japan's population decline and aging will reach a peak in the 2040s. Local governments are already facing serious challenges, such as declining tax revenues, a shortage of government service providers, and difficulties in maintaining local communities. These challenges make it difficult to provide sustainable government services, jeopardize the survival of local communities, and pose the risk of weakening the vitality of the country as a whole. 

This project aims to fundamentally reexamine the nature of local administrative systems in a digitalized, declining-population society, with a particular focus on the role of prefectures. Unlike traditional discussions centered on decentralization, the key emphasis here is on how to maintain and continue government services in a shrinking population. 

By analyzing the structural challenges facing local governments and drawing on international examples, the research seeks to identify a new, sustainable system. It will specifically explore using digital technology to replace administrative services performed by the central government, the prefectures'role in maintaining regional service delivery, and whether to retain or replace the current two-tier local administrative system. Ultimately, the project will present direction and concrete options for reform to sustain residents' welfare and societal vitality despite population decline.