Abstract for: Dam of Population and Internal Migration

The current over-concentration of the population and economic activities in capital Tokyo takes on a new aspect. The female in-migration is concentrating, whereas nationwide migration is decreasing. This paper examines underlying causes for such concentrating, using the gravity model of migration. A system dynamics version of the gravity model explains the current movements well and gives us implications for political issues. In order to control one-way migration to Tokyo, the debate is on the rise of urban systems. Do prefectural capital cities work as ‘dams of population’ or not? Using a two-stage gravity model, we address this question. The findings of this study would be valuable to other countries with the dominant capital city.