The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) established the Study Group on the Role of Distribution Systems in Community Infrastructure to address new issues in communities, such as the increase in the number of people who experience difficulty in accessing shopping facilities in their neighborhoods. After examining overall trends in Japan’s distribution industry, as well as goals for the development of the industry, the study group has released a report on its findings.

1. Background

As a result of social shifts, many locally-based small and medium enterprises and communities face serious decline. This weakens the infrastructure that supports people’s daily lives, including stores, public transport, health care, welfare, and other essentials. Local governments are finding it difficult to respond to local citizens’ needs, which are both diversifying and intensifying.

Recognizing the need to address these issues, METI has been holding discussions via the Study Group on the Role of Distribution Systems in Community Infrastructure in order to study projects with a focus on distribution companies—that can operate on a sustained basis, and deal with regional issues through collaboration between local governments and private enterprise. The study group explored possible linkages between such businesses as home-delivery services, mobile stores, and those integrated with local community activities.

The results of discussions were compiled into a report that describes pioneering initiatives and proposes a future direction of development for the distribution industry.

2. Overview of the report

The Study Group concluded that joint business operations by local entities, including distribution companies and local authorities, are essential to any resolution of existing problems, such as the increase in the number of people with limited access to shopping facilities.*

To promote joint projects by local entities, the report proposes that METI, in cooperation with related ministries, should develop guidelines that highlight the key factors of successful projects for shopping assistance, and should also disseminate helpful information through seminars and other opportunities.

*"People with limited access to shopping facilities" refers to those who lack access to grocery stores and other establishments that meet day-to-day shopping needs. The Study Group estimates that there are approximately 6 million people in such situations.

Reference

• Report Summary (PDF:2,135KB)
• Full Report by the Study Group on the Role of Distribution Systems in Community Infrastructure (PDF:2,217KB) Updated on October 12, 2010

May 14, 2010

Distribution and Logistics Policy Division, Commerce and Distribution Policy Group