If you build it, will they come? Economic revitalization in Kamikatsu, Japan

This study focuses the development of a zero waste center as the flagship project of an initiative to boost sustainable development and in-bound tourism in Kamikatsu, Japan. Undertaking a system-wide impact analysis that was grounded in stakeholder interviews and an assessment of economic data pertaining to the zero waste center and other cascading developments, the case study concludes that the project shows signs of delivering initial modest returns while serving as a promotional beacon for further sustainable development initiatives in the township. However, returns are not promising enough to ensure sustainable revitalization of the town. This will require a more rigorous inflow of economic activity primarily through attracting entrepreneurial investment. Consequently, the paper extends the analysis by introducing a framework to: i) entice entrepreneur interest, ii) encourage business start-ups, iii) boost demand for local products and services, iv) support teething pains associated with the start-up phase, v) enhance business capacity development through workshops and networking events; and vi) develop infrastructure to smooth the settling in process for entrepreneurs.