Japan is witnessing a demographic shift as populations decline and age, prompting the adoption of compact city strategies. These policies aim to consolidate urban facilities and direct residents towards areas with better transit access.
While these strategies are designed to enhance urban living, there are concerns that they may inadvertently increase the burden on healthcare systems in smaller urban areas.
Evidence suggests that as more residents are concentrated in transit-served hubs, the demand for healthcare services could rise, potentially straining existing resources.