nhk world's aru suzuki reports. >> reporter: toshima consists of 12 large and small islands off the coast of kagoshima prefecture. 3,400 people used to live there but five years ago the population had fallen to 560. those who are left said today might be the last so they obtained funds from the national government to entice people to move there. all together toshima spent three times its local tax income on the project. about $1.7 million. isao was convinced they moved from tokyo and since have become parents to two children. a generous support plan helped them decide. the takeuchis live in a home with a large yard. the bridge on the property, the first two years are rent free. after that, it's about $45 a month. they also rent the land they farm for even less, just $25 a year. in addition, people who move to the place for work receive a stipend of up to $85 a day. the program also provides $85 a month for each child up through middle school. >> translator: words cannot describe our feelings, but we are certainly thankful. by moving here, we can enjoy watching our children grow up day by