Present situation and future prospect of Japan's distribution system

Abstract

Japan's distribution system has attracted increasing attention from both abroad and domestically. New remarkable changes can be observed, brought about by the yen's appreciation, the diversification of consumer choice, and the development of new information networks. Japan's distribution system still has, however, problems to be solved, particularly when examined from the consumers' viewpoint. The government's regulations, and trade practices peculiar to Japan, should be loosened or dismantled if necessary on the basis of the principle of openness and non-discrimination to make the distribution system as open and competitive as possible.