Identification of shrinkage patterns in Japan’s four major metropolitan areas based on nighttime light and population data
Urban shrinkage has become a critical global issue, influencing the sustainable development of cities across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. In Japan, which is characterized by an aging population and low birth rate, this phenomenon has now extended to metropolitan areas, presenting...
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Elsevier
2025-02-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Applied Earth Observations and Geoinformation |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S156984322500038X |
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| author | Hao Zheng Runsen Zhang |
| author_facet | Hao Zheng Runsen Zhang |
| author_sort | Hao Zheng |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Urban shrinkage has become a critical global issue, influencing the sustainable development of cities across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. In Japan, which is characterized by an aging population and low birth rate, this phenomenon has now extended to metropolitan areas, presenting new challenges for urban sustainability. Although many studies have been conducted regarding urban decline in rural regions, the shrinkage dynamics within Japan’s major cities are poorly understood. Addressing this knowledge gap is crucial for devising targeted urban-planning strategies that ensure the long-term viability of urban areas. Here, we integrated Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership–Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite nighttime light data with WorldPop population data to examine the patterns of urban shrinkage from 2012 to 2020 in Japan’s four largest metropolitan areas: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Using Theil–Sen median trend analysis and K-means clustering, we developed a method to quantify both shrinking and growing areas within these regions. It was found that Tokyo exhibited the highest urban vitality, with minimal shrinkage, whereas Nagoya and Osaka faced greater declines. Fukuoka displayed a distinct east–west spatial pattern of urban shrinkage. This study introduces the “triple V” theory, which evaluates urban vitality through the lenses of robustness and activity levels. Our analysis highlights the spatial complexities of urban shrinkage, emphasizing the importance of region-specific urban planning. By providing new insights obtained from a data-driven analysis, we offer a framework for policymakers to promote sustainable urban development in the face of demographic and spatial challenges. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-901ba212c7b745cc8e4f6427c990f94c |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1569-8432 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Applied Earth Observations and Geoinformation |
| spelling | doaj-art-901ba212c7b745cc8e4f6427c990f94c2025-02-06T05:11:17ZengElsevierInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observations and Geoinformation1569-84322025-02-01136104391Identification of shrinkage patterns in Japan’s four major metropolitan areas based on nighttime light and population dataHao Zheng0Runsen Zhang1Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 2778563, JapanCorresponding author.; Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Kashiwa 2778563, JapanUrban shrinkage has become a critical global issue, influencing the sustainable development of cities across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. In Japan, which is characterized by an aging population and low birth rate, this phenomenon has now extended to metropolitan areas, presenting new challenges for urban sustainability. Although many studies have been conducted regarding urban decline in rural regions, the shrinkage dynamics within Japan’s major cities are poorly understood. Addressing this knowledge gap is crucial for devising targeted urban-planning strategies that ensure the long-term viability of urban areas. Here, we integrated Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership–Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite nighttime light data with WorldPop population data to examine the patterns of urban shrinkage from 2012 to 2020 in Japan’s four largest metropolitan areas: Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka. Using Theil–Sen median trend analysis and K-means clustering, we developed a method to quantify both shrinking and growing areas within these regions. It was found that Tokyo exhibited the highest urban vitality, with minimal shrinkage, whereas Nagoya and Osaka faced greater declines. Fukuoka displayed a distinct east–west spatial pattern of urban shrinkage. This study introduces the “triple V” theory, which evaluates urban vitality through the lenses of robustness and activity levels. Our analysis highlights the spatial complexities of urban shrinkage, emphasizing the importance of region-specific urban planning. By providing new insights obtained from a data-driven analysis, we offer a framework for policymakers to promote sustainable urban development in the face of demographic and spatial challenges.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S156984322500038XMetropolitan AreasNPP–VIIRS Nighttime Light DataPopulation Raster DataShrinkage PatternUrban ShrinkageUrban Vitality |
| spellingShingle | Hao Zheng Runsen Zhang Identification of shrinkage patterns in Japan’s four major metropolitan areas based on nighttime light and population data International Journal of Applied Earth Observations and Geoinformation Metropolitan Areas NPP–VIIRS Nighttime Light Data Population Raster Data Shrinkage Pattern Urban Shrinkage Urban Vitality |
| title | Identification of shrinkage patterns in Japan’s four major metropolitan areas based on nighttime light and population data |
| title_full | Identification of shrinkage patterns in Japan’s four major metropolitan areas based on nighttime light and population data |
| title_fullStr | Identification of shrinkage patterns in Japan’s four major metropolitan areas based on nighttime light and population data |
| title_full_unstemmed | Identification of shrinkage patterns in Japan’s four major metropolitan areas based on nighttime light and population data |
| title_short | Identification of shrinkage patterns in Japan’s four major metropolitan areas based on nighttime light and population data |
| title_sort | identification of shrinkage patterns in japan s four major metropolitan areas based on nighttime light and population data |
| topic | Metropolitan Areas NPP–VIIRS Nighttime Light Data Population Raster Data Shrinkage Pattern Urban Shrinkage Urban Vitality |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S156984322500038X |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT haozheng identificationofshrinkagepatternsinjapansfourmajormetropolitanareasbasedonnighttimelightandpopulationdata AT runsenzhang identificationofshrinkagepatternsinjapansfourmajormetropolitanareasbasedonnighttimelightandpopulationdata |