何度も書いているが、私は三重県の田舎出身だ。大学から東京（横浜）に出てきた。親からは、最初は名古屋大学や関関同立などを勧められたが、私は行く気がなかった。東大は無理とわかっていたので、それに次ぐ、一橋大学や早慶にしか行く気がなかった（京大は東京にないので興味なし）。

結果的に、正解だったと思っている。京都や名古屋で大学生活を送ってしまうと、就活のために東京へ行くのにものすごくハンディキャップになる（当時はリモート面接ではなかった）。

そして、結局は就職で東京に出てくる人が多いのだから、だったら大学から東京のほうがいいに決まっている。

また、将来、Uターン就職したい（地銀や地元優良企業、地方議会など）場合でも、東京とコネクションがあるほうが強い。やはりどうしても、優秀な人材は東京に集中する傾向がある。地方大学だと、リンクトインでも少数派になってしまう。リンクトインで幅をきかせているのは、やはり東大早慶だ。

東大早慶ですら、野心を満たせそうにない人は、アメリカの大学へ行けばいいと思う。もし日本に戻って就職する場合は、人脈の上で不利になるが、「圧倒的な英語力」は、やはり強い。また、外資系企業の場合は、早慶よりアメリカの大学のほうが評価される場合も多い。

とにかく、私が言いたいことは、「田舎にこもっていても、何もいいことがない」ということだ。本当は、私は首都圏一極集中は悪いことだと理解している。しかし、個人の行動としては、東京へ出るのが正しい。これを経済学用語では「合成の誤謬」と言う。

私一人の力ではどうにもならないだろう。東京一極集中問題は、政治家に解決してもらいたい。

Should You Leave Your Rural Hometown for Tokyo?

Growing up in rural Japan, I often dreamed of escaping to the bustling metropolis of Tokyo. The city seemed to offer everything my small town lacked: excitement, opportunity, and endless possibilities. However, as I prepared to leave for university, I began to question whether leaving my hometown was the right decision.
On the one hand, there are clear advantages to attending university in Tokyo. The city is home to some of the best universities in the world, offering students access to top-notch professors and resources. Additionally, Tokyo's vibrant economy provides countless internship and job opportunities, giving students a competitive edge in the post-graduation job market.
On the other hand, leaving my hometown would mean sacrificing the close-knit community and support system I had grown up with. I would also have to adjust to a new and unfamiliar environment, which could be both challenging and isolating.
Ultimately, I decided to attend university in Tokyo, and it proved to be a transformative experience. I gained access to world-class education, made lifelong friends, and landed a dream job at a top company. However, I also experienced the downsides of living in a big city, such as long commutes, high living costs, and a sense of anonymity.
So, should you leave your rural hometown for Tokyo?
There is no easy answer. The decision depends on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are looking for an exciting and challenging experience, and are willing to work hard to succeed, then Tokyo may be the right place for you. However, if you value a close-knit community and a slower pace of life, then you may be better off staying in your hometown.
Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:

• Your academic goals: What do you want to study? What kind of career do you want to pursue? Tokyo offers a wider range of academic and career opportunities than most rural areas.

• Your financial situation: Can you afford to live in Tokyo? The cost of living in Tokyo is significantly higher than in most rural areas.

• Your personality: Do you thrive in a fast-paced, urban environment? Or do you prefer a slower pace of life?

• Your support system: Do you have family and friends who can support you in Tokyo?

It is important to weigh all of these factors carefully before making a decision. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best decision for you may be different from the best decision for someone else.
Regardless of your decision, remember that your hometown will always be there for you. You can always go back, even if you decide to leave for a while. The important thing is to follow your heart and choose the path that is right for you.