To tackle the challenges of depopulation in rural areas, island municipalities have been honing in on nurturing a strong sense of isle-born identity to retain and attract their residents through community engagement. Two municipalities, located on small islands off the coast of Japan’s four main islands, are taking a community-driven approach designed to deepen residents' emotional connections to their hometowns. They are focusing on the younger generation, leveraging school extracurricular activities as a pivotal point for shaping the coral heart inextricable from the island’s natural beauty and solitary independence.

In Tsushima City, Nagasaki Prefecture, on Tsushima Island, which lies midway between the Japan’s Kyushu mainland and the Korean Peninsula, a concerted effort has been underway to strengthen the psychological bonds of belonging and identity among the younger generation, emphasizing their connection to their local heritage and community. This collaboration has involved the local government, educational bodies, and community groups. A stand-out example of their endeavors was as a sports event tailored to be part of the extracurricular activities. This event was specifically designed to address the challenge of retaining middle school graduates on the island, who often look elsewhere for high school education. Tsushima City has encouraged young residents to appreciate and invest in their local roots by showcasing the value and vibrancy of their local community through engaging and meaningful participation.

Tsushima City’s passion for revitalizing the local youth's interest in staying and flourishing within their community has ironically captured the heart of a 36-year-old from Isahaya City, Nagasaki Prefecture located on Japan's Kyushu Island. Despite his outside status, Akinori Hayashida, previously dedicated his life to the decathlon and coaching Olympic hopefuls, found himself drawn to Tsushima's commitment to its younger generation. In April 2023, he embarked on a new journey, joining Tsushima High School as a special adviser for the athletics club. His mission was to weave together youths’ personal growth with their sentimental ties to this island hometown, extending beyond their common enthusiasm for track and field. Hayashida played a pivotal role in expanding the scope of the school’s after-school programs. Working alongside city officials, he spearheaded the sports event in late November that transcended traditional athletic meets.

This sports event was not merely a showcase of physical prowess but a celebration of community strength and individual talents beyond sports. Thanks to the efforts of numerous volunteers, including students from Tsushima High's athletics club and various community organizations, the event welcomed around local 200 elementary school children and their parents. They experienced moments that went beyond the conventional bounds of a sports competition. For instance, one club member leapt over hurdles, not just on the track but towards her aspiration of becoming a chef, by preparing a local dish for the event-goers. Another club member amazed the crowd with his breakdancing skills, highlighting the event's embrace of diverse talents. Hayashida reflected on the importance of extracurricular activities, saying, “They are gateways to personal growth, extending beyond merely improving athletic skills.”

In the scenic Sado City of Niigata Prefecture, nestled on the charming Sado Island off Honshu's coast, a groundbreaking after-school program has been weaving the fabric of community tighter, bridging generations through cultural interaction. Middle school students across the city are given the chance, every third Sunday, to dive hands-on into the rich tapestry of local traditions and practices. This unique extracurricular activity program means a portal to the past and a bridge to the future, offering students the opportunity to learn directly from local community groups dedicated to the preservation and promotion of everything from the tidal heartbeat of Japanese drums, known as “Oni Daiko” and the thrill of marine sports amid the awe-inspiring beauty of island life to the flavors of local cuisine cooked with the rich marine species. With more than 20 categories of activities to choose from, the program enables students to foster skill development, spark interest exploration, and connect like-minded enthusiasts across schools. An official from the city described the program's essence, stating, "Our goal is to make our young people feel valued and deeply connected to island communities, fostering a sense of belonging through our vision of community engagement characteristic of our island."