Barriers and Supports in Starting Farm-Stay Businesses With Inbound Tourism Experienced by Migrants in Rural Japan (Case Study of Local Vitalization Cooperator Entrepreneurs)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to clarify the barriers and the process of supports obtained in starting the farm-stay businesses with inbound tourism from the perspective of migrants. In- depth interviews on entrepreneurship of farm-stay businesses among local vitalization cooperators (LVC) were conducted, and the following results were found. First, there are two main types of barriers when starting farm-stay businesses namely barriers caused by new businesses start-up and barriers caused by local life. The barriers caused by local life have three aspects: an inadequate understanding of the ways to interact with local residents, insufficient information on community rules, and insufficient agricultural knowledge. The barriers to receiving foreigners include lack of understanding by neighbors, publicity, service and activities supplied, and matching facilities. Second, supports can also be divided into two categories: supports in local life and those in business start-up. The network and trust relationship established with local residents during the first stage of overcoming local life barriers can help overcome the barriers faced when starting businesses. Meanwhile, supports in business start-up deepen the relationship between migrants and local residents, thus playing a supportive role in life stabilization. Third, by analyzing the LVC cases, we conclude that ordinary migrants need ample time to undergo the process of accommodating to local life, thereby building a network and trust with local regions before starting new businesses. This research provides references on the study of starting new businesses in rural areas from the migrants’ views and issues to farm-stay businesses and inbound tourism at the starting phase.