過疎

• Reading: かそ
• Romaji: kaso
• Kanji breakdown: 過 (ka) — excessive; 疎 (so/utomu) — sparse, estranged
• Pronunciation: /ka.so/

Meaning

Depopulation; underpopulation. Describes a region that has lost a significant portion of its population, typically due to migration to urban areas.

A sociological and policy noun used to describe the phenomenon of rural areas losing residents to cities. Opposite of 過密 (overcrowding). A major policy concern in Japan, with dedicated legislation (過疎法) and government measures to address 過疎化 (depopulation process).

Examples

1. 過疎が進む山村では学校の統廃合が相次いでいる。 In mountain villages where depopulation is advancing, school mergers and closures are occurring one after another.
2. 過疎地域への移住を促進するための補助金制度が設けられた。 A subsidy scheme has been established to encourage migration to depopulated areas.
3. 過疎化を食い止めるには若い世代を引き留める雇用が必要だ。 To halt depopulation, employment that retains the younger generation is needed.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, regional planning, journalism

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound coined in post-war Japan: 過 (excessive) + 疎 (sparse, thin). Contrasts with 過密 (excessively dense).

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal