The Japanese government has embarked on several initiatives to reverse rural depopulation, but what are some of the investment opportunities? Which areas have the greatest business potential? Parker, joined by Asia strategic communication specialist David Wagner, look at how rural Japan offers businesses lower operating costs, access to less-expensive labor, reduced competition, and even an abundance of natural resources. We explore some the possibilites offered by rural Japan in the conclusion of our first series.

Immigration is the only quick solution to Japan's declining workforce. But is Japan ready for a large influx of foreigners? Parker, joined by Asia strategic communication specialist David Wagner, discuss the current immigration policies, how social and economic factors limit the prospects for a larger immigrant population, and share recommendations on how Japan could take a more pragmatic approach to fix labor shortages in rural areas.

How can technology and healthcare impact rural Japan? Parker, joined by Asia strategic communication specialist David Wagner, explain the role innovations in technology and healthcare can play in alleviating rural depopulation, how these innovations could produce long-term solutions, and raise remaining challenges hindering technology and healthcare from making a bigger impact on rural Japan.

What has the Japanese government been doing to revitalize the Japanese countryside? Has it been effective? What could bring more sustainable progress? Parker, joined by Asia strategic communication specialist David Wagner, explain the plethora of Japanese government initiatives focused on rural revitalization, analyze each of them, and provide ideas on how the government could take further steps to bring people and companies back to rural Japan.

What are the current realities in the Japanese real estate industry? How has that made living in rural communities an unattractive option? Can the Japanese government do something about it? Parker, joined by Asia strategic communication specialist David Wagner, explain how Japan's current real estate situation hinders rural revitalization, and discuss what kind of initiatives might convince more people to move to the Japanese countryside.

What can real energy independence provide Japan? Is there a path forward for nuclear energy after the 2011 Fukushima meltdown? What role will the government play in improving energy independence, while Japan currently relies on imported fossil fuels for over 75% of its energy? Parker, joined by Asia strategic communication specialist David Wagner, explain what led to the Japanese depopulation crisis that brought about the need for rural revitalization, and discuss how movements toward energy independence could play a key role in improving the economic fortunes of Japan's countryside.