While almost half of Japan's city mayors see the need for mergers between municipalities, only 20 percent are actually considering such moves, according to a recently released survey by publisher Toyo Keizai Inc.
The survey is based on replies collected late last year from a total of 455 heads of municipalities throughout Japan, the Tokyo publisher said.
The survey showed that 46.7 percent see the need for a merger, while 27.2 percent said it would be effective to establish a federation with other municipalities. They far exceeded the 16.7 percent who said they see no need for mergers.
When asked if any specific actions have been taken in connection with a merger, only 21.3 percent said they are actually considering such a move, while 55.1 percent said they are not engaged in any specific examinations of such action.
The central government is promoting municipal mergers as it believes small municipalities are becoming unable to meet the diversifying needs of administrative, welfare and other services provided by local governments.