Vocabulary
Prefecture / 都道府県 (名詞) – a district or region in Japan
Kanagawa Prefecture is close to Tokyo.
神奈川県は東京に近いです。
Coastal / 海沿いの (形容詞) – near the sea
The Shonan area is a popular coastal region.
湘南エリアは人気のある海沿いの地域です。
Convenient / 便利 (形容詞) – easy to use or get to
Living near a train station is very convenient.
駅の近くに住むのが便利です。
Atmosphere /雰囲気 (名詞) – the feeling or mood of a place
Hayama has a calm and friendly atmosphere.
葉山は落ち着いていて親しみやすい雰囲気があります。
Attachment / 愛着 (名詞) – a strong feeling of connection
Many residents feel attachment to their hometown.
多くの住民が自分の故郷に愛着を感じています。
Article
Hayama: The Town People Want to Keep Living In
The town of Hayama in Kanagawa Prefecture has been chosen as the best place to live in Japan for the fifth year in a row. The ranking was made by Daito Trust Construction Co., a large Japanese housing company.
In second and third place were Kamakura and Zushi, which are also in Kanagawa. All three towns are part of the Shonan coastal area, famous for its beaches, ocean views, and relaxed lifestyle.
Interestingly, Hayama does not have a train station, and public transportation is not very convenient. Still, many people say they enjoy the beautiful nature, with both the sea and mountains nearby. One resident said, “I like the relaxed, quiet atmosphere.”
The online survey asked people aged 20 and older living in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, and Saitama. A total of 255,548 people joined the survey between 2021 and 2025. They answered the question: “Do you want to continue living where you are now for good?” The answers were rated on a five-point scale — from 100 points (“Yes, I think so”) to 0 points (“No, I don’t think so”).
Other cities in Kanagawa also made the top 10. Chigasaki was in sixth place, Kaisei was seventh, and Nishi Ward in Yokohama was ninth, known for its Minato Mirai area — a popular spot with shops and waterfront views.
Professor Takeshi So, an urban planning expert at Reitaku University, said people want to stay in a town for two main reasons: convenience and emotional attachment. He explained that the Shonan area is special not only because it’s convenient but also because people feel proud and connected to their community.
Source: Mainichi Japan
Comprehension Questions
Answer the questions following the article in English.
- Which town was ranked the best place to live for five years in a row?
- What are two things that make the Shonan area popular?
- Why is it surprising that Hayama ranked first?
- According to Professor So, what are two reasons people want to stay in a town?
Summary
Talk about these topics with your tutor.
In your own words, attempt to summarise the article in 4 sentences or less.
Discussion
Discuss these topics with your tutor, and support your answers with examples or experience.
- What makes your hometown or city a good (or not-so-good) place to live?
- Would you rather live in a convenient city or a quiet town like Hayama? Why?
- How important is emotional connection when choosing where to live?
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