1 Formation of a national network of geographical axes
In order to create a desirable national framework in the 21st century,
it is necessary to correct the polarization towards Tokyo and other
Pacific Coast regions, and in aiming for balanced national development,
to adopt a structure of numerous geographical axes.
To realize its potential as a base in the Chugoku and Shikoku
region for exchange in the Japan Sea rim, and as an affluent regional
community, Shimane Prefecture supports the formation of a 'Japan Sea
Coast Axis', a 'Western Japan Central Cooperation Axis', a 'Chugoku
and Shikoku Regional Cooperation Axis' and a 'San-in Regional Cooperation
Axis'.
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2 Promotion of exchange within the Japan Sea Rim
As exchange in such fields as culture and industry with those
countries bordering on the Japan Sea flourishes and a Japan Sea
rim exchange bloc develops, we are entering a new Japan Sea era
in which the potential of our neighbors' abundant forest and underground
resources is realized. For that reason it is necessary in those
coastal regions which face our neighbors across the Japan Sea, as
the gateway to exchange in the Japan Sea rim, to proceed with improvements
in infrastructure having regard to such distinctive characteristics
as are found in local industry and geography.
Shimane Prefecture will be a base in the Chugoku and Shikoku
Region for exchange in the Japan Sea rim.
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3@Creation of natural residential areas
In a region of agricultural and fishing villages, containing small
to medium sized cities and moderately mountainous areas, it is sought
to create autonomous communities which combine the services and
comforts of metropolitan regions with abundant natural surrounds,
based on regional self-determination and in cooperation within and
outside the region.
Shimane Prefecture aims for the 'creation of natural residential
areas', using the favorable conditions with which it is endowed,
such as its abundant natural environment and distinctive cultural
heritage.
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4 Establishment of Security Functions
The Great Kobe Earthquake of 1995 demonstrated that with the present
polarized and one-dimensional national structure, in the case of
an emergency such as a major earthquake, where transport and information
networks are cut off, the nation risks paralysis. To avoid such
a situation it is necessary to create a Japan Sea Coast Axis and
axes of regional cooperation, establishing an infrastructure which
can function as a substitute transport and communication network
in the case of emergency.
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