In the sprawling urban landscapes of Japan’s largest metropolitan areas, a groundbreaking study has shed light on the intricate connection between human well-being and the extent to which individuals feel related to nature. Conducted by researchers at Kobe University, this extensive survey-based research delves deep into how both objective access to natural environments and subjective feelings of connectedness to nature influence quality of life, especially when viewed through the lens of district-level socioeconomic status. The findings underscore a critical social dynamic: nature’s role in well-being is not uniform but is amplified in areas characterized by economic deprivation and urban density.
Urban dwellers often find themselves in environments that limit direct exposure to green spaces, despite the well-documented psychological and physical health benefits linked to nature. As cityscapes expand and socioeconomic inequalities deepen, access to natural surroundings becomes unevenly distributed. This disparity has long suggested lingering issues of environmental justice, where disadvantaged populations face hurdles not only in economic terms but also in their ability to engage with beneficial natural settings. The Kobe University team’s research objectively measures proximity and availability of natural spaces alongside subjective assessments of nature relatedness, thereby providing a multi-dimensional understanding of the issue.
The multi-site study surveyed around 3,500 residents from the Tokyo-Yokohama and Osaka-Kobe metropolitan regions. Using a combination of geographic information system (GIS) data and psychometric assessments, the team examined both the physical availability of parks, forests, and other natural areas, and the participants’ personal feelings of connection and relatedness to these natural environments. Through meticulous categorization by district socioeconomic status and the degree of urban development, the research delineated how these factors intersect to influence overall well-being.
Results from this investigation demonstrate that people who report a stronger relatedness to nature tend to experience better overall well-being. This association is most pronounced in densely populated urban districts with poorer socioeconomic conditions. The analysis suggests that in these areas, where residents often face heightened stress and limited access to health resources, nature serves as a critical buffer that mitigates psychological strain and fosters resilience. Conversely, in affluent districts, where alternative health and wellness resources abound, the incremental benefits derived from nature exposure appear less significant.
One particularly compelling aspect of the study relates to the role played by childhood experiences with nature. Researchers found that early-life contact with natural environments serves as a significant predictor of adult well-being, reinforcing the importance of formative interactions with nature. This insight holds profound implications for public health policy: ensuring equitable access to natural spaces for children, especially those from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds, could be instrumental in fostering long-term community health.
The policy ramifications stemming from this research are substantial. According to UCHIYAMA Yuta, the lead scientist on the project, enhancing existing green spaces and orchestrating community-based nature events could effectuate measurable improvements in well-being within economically challenged urban locales. The findings point to the merit of targeted urban planning strategies that prioritize the conservation and expansion of natural environments in underprivileged districts, bridging the gap between inequity and holistic health.
From a methodological perspective, the study’s integration of objective GIS measures with subjective survey data offers a robust framework for future investigations. By incorporating spatial analysis with psychological assessments of nature relatedness, the research provides a nuanced view of how environmental and perceptual factors coalesce to shape health outcomes. The inclusion of a third dimension—degree of urbanization—further refines the analysis, permitting differentiation between densely urbanized areas and less developed neighborhoods.
The importance of this dual approach cannot be overstated, especially given the burgeoning urbanization trends observed globally. As more populations migrate to cities, understanding the mechanisms by which natural exposure—or lack thereof—impacts well-being assumes ever-greater relevance. Moreover, the study’s findings align with broader global research suggesting that access to green spaces is a key social determinant of health, particularly for vulnerable populations facing economic hardship.
Looking ahead, the researchers outline plans to deepen their analysis by exploring how variables such as geographic mobility and shifts in socioeconomic status over time interact with individuals’ relationship to nature and their well-being. Unpacking these dynamic, time-varying factors could illuminate causal pathways and inform more responsive urban policy frameworks that evolve alongside changing demographic patterns.
Furthermore, this research is part of a growing international collaborative venture examining how knowledge and perceptions about nature influence resilience, well-being, and preparedness among urban residents and policymakers across Monsoon Asia. Cities like Bangkok and Manila, with socioeconomic and environmental contexts analogous to those in Japanese megacities, stand to benefit from the transferable insights derived from this study. Such multinational efforts underscore the shared challenges and opportunities in utilizing nature as a lever for urban health equity.
In conclusion, the Kobe University study elucidates that fostering a strong, accessible relationship between people and nature is not merely a matter of aesthetic or recreational value but is fundamentally connected to social justice and public health. Especially in economically disadvantaged urban zones, nature acts as a vital resource for mitigating stress and promoting well-being. Policymakers and urban planners must therefore prioritize equitable access to green spaces and childhood nature experiences as cornerstone strategies in the quest to reduce health disparities and enhance the quality of life in rapidly urbanizing regions.
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Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Association between objective and subjective relatedness to nature and human well-being: key factors for residents and possible measures for inequality in Japan’s megacities
News Publication Date: 3-May-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2025.105377
Image Credits: UCHIYAMA Yuta
Keywords: Nature relatedness, well-being, socioeconomic status, urban green spaces, health disparities, environmental justice, childhood nature exposure, urban planning, Japan, megacities, public health, social inequality
