Japan expands financial aid for relocating from Tokyo

Japan will expand financial aid for people moving from Tokyo to rural areas in fiscal 2025. The new eligibility includes jobs in agriculture, medicine, welfare, and self-employment, broadening access beyond those employed by small regional firms. Currently, aid is available mainly to individuals working for small companies outside Tokyo's immediate neighbors. Eligible individuals can receive up to ¥600,000, while households can get up to ¥1 million, plus additional funds for children. The government aims to address regional labor shortages by designating essential roles in healthcare and welfare. Since the program's start, about 16,000 Tokyo residents have relocated, with 7,600 applications approved through fiscal 2023.