일본의 고령화와 공민관의 역할

Aging in Japan and the Role of Kominkan

Kominkan isa local social educational facility established during the postwar period with democratic policy of Japan in 1946, and its attitude and role have changed according to the social changes. In the postwar period, it had made an effort as a comprehensive institution for culture and general education for national education in the era of revival, and for regeneration of local community and regional revitalization in response to the collapse of community caused by the urbanization in 60s and 70s. But Japan is entering a new era of low fertility and superaged society. This study summarizesthe roles of Kominkan in the aging era as follows. First, it will be a place providing an opportunity to contact others by inviting local residents(the aged) to it as well as a study place. Second, it must play a role enabling local community, the aged and isolated people to enter into a relation as a base for building a local network for solving regional problems(problems of the aged). Problems surrounding the aged may happen to anyone. In the modern society when family structure, values, and lifestyle are changing, and it is necessary to make a relation with many people consciously in daily life. Problems of the aged can be solved with a relation network with individuals.