Place Engagement in Community Development Activities and Structural Characteristics (Part 2) : A Study of Sources of Spiritual and Emotional Ties to the Community in Otaru City

This study examined place engagement as a factor promoting residents’ active involvement in community development, based on an empirical survey of Otaru City residents. Through factor analysis and covariance structure analysis, the Asset–Place Engagement Model was developed, revealing that local brand assets comprising living environment assets and historical-cultural/emotional assets serve as a source of place engagement. Place engagement consists of two dimensions: attachment/identity orientation and participation/contribution orientation. While participation/contribution orientation positively influences leadership in community development activities, attachment/identity orientation shows a negative association. These findings suggest the importance of distinguishing between dimensions of place engagement in community development.