Driving factors of gentrification: Evidence from the three major metropolitan areas of Japan
Journal
Cities
Journal Volume
167
Start Page
106318
ISSN
0264-2751
Date Issued
2025-12
Author(s)
Abstract
As the global discourse on gentrification progresses, the driving factors of nationwide gentrification in Japan are yet to be explored. Focusing on three major metropolitan areas of Japan from 2005 to 2020, this study highlighted the specificity and driving factors of metropolitan gentrification processes in the Japanese context. We introduced the Industry and Occupation INDEX and the Housing Supply INDEX to categorise the pattern of gentrification nationwide based on traditional factors of gentrification, including household change rate, high-rise ratio change rate, homeownership rate, white-collar ratio, tertiary industry ratio and land price. Based on these six factors, we developed 20 regression models for comparative analysis across five regional samples. Findings revealed that white-collar employment change is a consistent driver of gentrification. The INDEX quadrant framework allowed for spatial classification and identified regional disparities. To test its applicability at smaller scales, we further analysed six wards based on projected population trends. The approach revealed intra-urban variations, confirming the utility of this framework for capturing localized gentrification patterns.
Subjects
Gentrification
Japan
Land price
White-collar employment
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Type
journal article