Discussion Papers 2017

CIRJE-F-1046	"Transition of Spatial Distribution of Human Capital in Japan"
Author Name	Sato, Yasuhiro and Masaaki Toma
Date	April 2017
Full Paper	PDF file
Remarks

Abstract
We examine the transition of the spatial distribution of human capital by using data on Japanese prefectures. We find substantive concentration of university enrollments in Tokyo and its neighboring prefectures. After graduation, slight dispersal occurs but the movements are limited to neighboring prefectures. Moreover, we examine the relationship between human capital distributions of different cohorts, and find that the concentration of university graduates of a particular age group attracts university graduates of adjacent age groups. However, such an effect becomes insignificant and sometimes opposite as the age differences grow.
Keywords:human capital, spatial distribution, university graduates, transition

Abstract

We examine the transition of the spatial distribution of human capital by using data on Japanese prefectures. We find substantive concentration of university enrollments in Tokyo and its neighboring prefectures. After graduation, slight dispersal occurs but the movements are limited to neighboring prefectures. Moreover, we examine the relationship between human capital distributions of different cohorts, and find that the concentration of university graduates of a particular age group attracts university graduates of adjacent age groups. However, such an effect becomes insignificant and sometimes opposite as the age differences grow.

Keywords:human capital, spatial distribution, university graduates, transition