Factors Influencing Participation Rates in Cultural Events at Prefectural Literary Museums: The Case of Japan

Abstract: This study examines the relationship between the participation rate in nine prefectural literary museums in Japan and regional data, including income, educational events, subsidies, the ratio of senior people, family structure, and distance from Tokyo, using panel data analysis from 2011 to 2021. The participation rate is important for fostering and strengthening regional culture. The estimation results show the following three points. First, subsidies are important for increasing the participation rate. Second, a higher ratio of senior people and larger family size increase the participation rate. Third, income and distance do not necessarily have a relationship with the participation rate. Keywords: Literary Museum, Participation Rate, Cultural Activities, Japan JEL Classification Number: O53, Z10