Permalink : http://hdl.handle.net/2115/48862

Community development in Japan has undergone drastic changes since the 1990s due to weakened social ties and the increased openness of society. In response, community development organizations have gradually transformed from community-centric to platform-centric. However, few studies have analyzed the structure and function of platform-oriented community development. The primary purpose of this article is to review literature related to platform-oriented strategy to examine its feasibility in the areas of community development, based on the case of the Odaashi Study Group in Odawara and Ashigara area, Kanagawa. The results indicate that the group is likely to function as a community platform as well as an excellent intermediary. The group also manages community resources with the help of stakeholders both in and outside the community. This study looks to contribute to the development of future community development designs and resource management.