Local industrial displacement, zoning conflicts and monozukuri planning in Higashi Osaka, Japan

Abstract

This paper discusses the problems of local industrial displacement by new apartment buildings in a high-density mixed residential and factory zone. Conceptually, we develop a model that underscores the contextual actors and variables shaping the governance of this type of land-use conflict. Empirically, we focus on the Takaida industrial district, Higashi Osaka, Japan. We argue that while there were similarities between our case study and the problems of industrial displacement and land-use and zoning conflicts found in major Western cities, the concerns and planning processes in Takaida reflected a particular Japanese situation. Most notably, decision rules to manage land-use conflicts between residential apartments and factories was overseen initially by a community planning group set up by the Higashi Osaka mayor. Based on field work, we record the twenty-year process to achieve consensus support for formal and informal rules designed to realize juko kyosei, the co-existence of residents and industrial businesses. The community planning group’s proposals were eventually adopted, in large part, by Higashi Osaka city. They were then implemented through a new process of monozukuri planning that combined technological support for local factory upgrading as well as protecting industrial districts from displacement by residential incursion.