Place-specific constructs of social capital and their possible associations to health: A Japanese case study

► Limited studies of social capital and health have addressed “communities” as unique places with unique histories. ► We seek to describe a case study in Japan that explores local and historical dimensions of social capital. ► The residents of M-region have higher norms of reciprocity and participate more in horizontal organizations. ► Social capital in the M-region appeared to have originated in the fact that many residents worked for the same company. ► Our study demonstrates the necessity of taking into account the historical context in the study of social capital and health.