PASCRA annual conference KYOTO

Pacific Asia Shrinking Cities Research Alliance (PASCRA) is a regional network of scholars dedicated to the critical study of urban shrinkage across Asian cities

Pacific Asia, particularly Northeast Asia, has been experiencing urban shrinkage for several decades, and this trend is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. This phenomenon has generated a range of urban and regional challenges. It has widened disparities among regions: while some areas continue to attract population and grow, others face persistent population decline. It has also placed regional culture and traditions at risk of being lost to future generations due to demographic decline. Furthermore, it has weakened regional identity, potentially reducing civic pride and attachment among residents. In addition, it has led to a significant increase in vacant and unmanaged housing.

Countries in Pacific Asia, especially in Northeast Asia, have been affected by these challenges associated with urban shrinkage. Despite the growing visibility of these issues, some policymakers, still adhering to a growth-oriented paradigm, continue to view urban shrinkage as reversible through further development projects. Across Pacific Asia, policy responses have varied; however, there are increasing signs that more proactive and adaptive approaches are being explored and studied.

It is important to note that while Northeast Asian countries (Japan, Korea, and China) have been at the forefront of experiencing these issues, other parts of Pacific Asia—such as Thailand and Taiwan—are already encountering similar challenges. Meanwhile, countries such as Malaysia and Vietnam appear to be entering a phase of urban shrinkage.

Although the body of literature on urban shrinkage in Pacific Asia has expanded over the past two decades—particularly in relation to China, Japan, and South Korea—comparative studies across the region remain limited, especially those focusing on policy dimensions.

Following the 2025 Seoul Seminar held at Konkuk University, the 2026 Kyoto Seminar aims to promote a deeper understanding of urban shrinkage in Pacific Asia, with a particular emphasis on comparative policy analysis where such policies and programs exist. It also seeks to explore contexts where research remains limited. We invite scholars to share their research, engage in comparative discussions, and present exploratory studies relevant to these themes.