Clusters In Japan Research Articles

Industrial cluster policy and transaction networks: Evidence from firm‐level data in Japan

AbstractCluster policy is designed to facilitate inter‐firm networking. We examine industrial clusters in Japan based on firm‐level transaction data. Cluster firms significantly expand transaction networks not only with local firms but also with firms in the agglomerated core Tokyo. We confirm the robustness of the results with historical policy experience of the regions as an instrumental variable and the cluster participation in a later period for a placebo test. By disaggregating firms in their relationships with financial institutions, we find that cluster firms expanding networks with firms in Tokyo are financed mainly by regional banks.

Fat Distribution Patterns and Future Type 2 Diabetes.

Fat accumulation in the liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, and visceral bed relates to type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the distribution of fat among these compartments is heterogenous and whether specific distribution patterns indicate high T2D risk is unclear. We therefore investigated fat distribution patterns and their link to future T2D. From 2,168 individuals without diabetes who underwent computed tomography in Japan, this case-cohort study included 658 randomly selected individuals and 146 incident cases of T2D over 6 years of follow-up. Using data-driven analysis (k-means) based on fat content in the liver, pancreas, muscle, and visceral bed, we identified four fat distribution clusters: hepatic steatosis, pancreatic steatosis, trunk myosteatosis, and steatopenia. In comparisons with the steatopenia cluster, the adjusted hazard ratios for incident T2D were 4.02 (95% CI 2.27-7.12) for the hepatic steatosis cluster, 3.38 (1.65-6.91) for the pancreatic steatosis cluster, and 1.95 (1.07-3.54) for the trunk myosteatosis cluster. The clusters were replicated in 319 German individuals without diabetes who underwent MRI and metabolic phenotyping. The distribution of the glucose area under the curve across the four clusters found in Germany was similar to the distribution of T2D risk across the four clusters in Japan. Insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion differed across the four clusters. Thus, we identified patterns of fat distribution with different T2D risks presumably due to differences in insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion.

Unique Evolution of SARS-CoV-2 in the Second Large Cruise Ship Cluster in Japan

In the initial phase of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, a large-scale cluster on the cruise ship Diamond Princess (DP) emerged in Japan. Genetic analysis of the DP strains has provided important information for elucidating the possible transmission process of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on a cruise ship. However, genome-based analyses of SARS-CoV-2 detected in large-scale cruise ship clusters other than the DP cluster have rarely been reported. In the present study, whole-genome sequences of 94 SARS-CoV-2 strains detected in the second large cruise ship cluster, which emerged on the Costa Atlantica (CA) in Japan, were characterized to understand the evolution of the virus in a crowded and confined place. Phylogenetic and haplotype network analysis indicated that the CA strains were derived from a common ancestral strain introduced on the CA cruise ship and spread in a superspreading event-like manner, resulting in several mutations that might have affected viral characteristics, including the P681H substitution in the spike protein. Moreover, there were significant genetic distances between CA strains and other strains isolated in different environments, such as cities under lockdown. These results provide new insights into the unique evolution patterns of SARS-CoV-2 in the CA cruise ship cluster.

Endemic infections of bovine viral diarrhea virus genotypes 1b and 2a isolated from cattle in Japan between 2014 and 2020.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is a causative agent of bovine viral diarrhea. In Japan, a previous study reported that subgenotype 1b viruses were predominant until 2014. Because there is little information regarding the recent epidemiological status of BVDV circulating in Japan, we performed genetic characterization of 909 BVDV isolates obtained between 2014 and 2020. We found that 657 and 252 isolates were classified as BVDV-1 and BVDV-2, respectively, and that they were further subdivided into 1a (35 isolates, 3.9%), 1b (588, 64.7%), 1c (34, 3.7%), and 2a (252, 27.7%). Phylogenetic analysis using entire E2 coding sequence revealed that a major domestic cluster in Japan among BVDV-1b and 2a viruses were unchanged from a previous study conducted from 2006 to 2014. These results provide updated information concerning the epidemic strain of BVDV in Japan, which would be helpful for appropriate vaccine selection.

Amplifying Agroecological Farmer Lighthouses in Contested Territories: Navigating Historical Conditions and Forming New Clusters in Japan

Individual agroecological farms can act as lighthouses to amplify the uptake of agroecological principles and practices by other farmers. Amplification is critical for the upscaling of agroecological production and socio-political projects emphasizing farmer sovereignty and solidarity. However, territories are contested spaces with historical, social, cultural, and economic contexts that can present challenges to the effectiveness of farmer lighthouses in catalyzing localized agrarian change. We explore these amplification dynamics through fieldwork in a particular region of Japan employing interviews and data derived from an assessment of nine farms using ten amplification indicators. The indicators include social organization, participation in networks, community leadership, and degrees of dependency on policies or markets among others, as well as degree of adoption of on-farm agroecological practices, all of which capture farmer lighthouses' potential to amplify territorial upscaling. At the same time, we trace the historical development of a previous generation of Japanese farmer lighthouses practicing organic agriculture in alignment with agroecological principles that experienced, to varying degrees, push-back, co-option, and successful territorialization in rural communities. We find that many of the same social and cultural territorial dynamics are still influential today and affecting the amplifying effect of agroecological farmer lighthouses, but also find examples of new clustering around lighthouses that take advantage of both the historical vestiges of the previous generation's efforts as well as contemporary shifts in practice and agrarian orientation. This research calls for a detailed dissection of the dynamic and contrasting processes of agroecological territorialization and the ways in which diverse contexts shape agroecological upscaling.

Localized end-of-outbreak determination for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): examples from clusters in Japan

ObjectivesEnd-of-outbreak declarations are an important component of outbreak response because they indicate that public health and social interventions may be relaxed or lapsed. Our study aimed to assess end-of-outbreak probabilities for clusters of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases detected during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. MethodsA statistical model for end-of-outbreak determination, which accounted for reporting delays for new cases, was computed. Four clusters, representing different social contexts and time points during the first wave of the epidemic, were selected and their end-of-outbreak probabilities were evaluated. ResultsThe speed of end-of-outbreak determination was most closely tied to outbreak size. Notably, accounting underascertainment of cases led to later end-of-outbreak determinations. In addition, end-of-outbreak determination was closely related to estimates of case dispersionk and the effective reproduction number Re. Increasing local transmission (Re>1) leads to greater uncertainty in the probability estimates. ConclusionsWhen public health measures are effective, lowerRe (less transmission on average) and larger k (lower risk of superspreading) will be in effect, and end-of-outbreak determinations can be declared with greater confidence. The application of end-of-outbreak probabilities can help distinguish between local extinction and low levels of transmission, and communicating these end-of-outbreak probabilities can help inform public health decision making with regard to the appropriate use of resources.

Overcoming the Barriers to Entry of Newcomer Sustainable Farmers: Insights from the Emergence of Organic Clusters in Japan

The growing concern for sustainability in agri-food systems and the parallel decrease in the number of people engaged in agriculture, especially in the Global North, is starting to draw attention to new entrant farmers from non-farming backgrounds (“newcomer” farmers). Newcomers, however, especially if interested in sustainable agriculture, face considerable barriers to entry, and their support needs are often not adequately met by conventional agricultural institutions and support structures. Several studies have highlighted the importance of formal and informal farmer-to-farmer networks and communities of practice for newcomers to receive support, but such networks are usually geographically dispersed. Dynamics of spatial clustering of sustainable farmers, on the other hand, have so far received less attention, particularly in relation to their role in supporting the establishment of newcomers. This study examines the barriers to entry faced by newcomer organic farmers in Japan and the relevance of geographically proximate “clusters” of organic farmers to address such barriers. The results highlight the environmental and social factors that can facilitate the formation of organic clusters in the first place, and how spatial proximity facilitates different forms of cooperation among newcomers. The paper concludes by discussing the potential role of clusters in scaling sustainable agri-food practices.

Collaboration for Innovation: An Evidence from Tokyo

In many literature on innovation, it has been proven that the success of innovation is highly influenced by interorganizational collaboration. The purpose of this case is to provide a complete case study on how academic-business-community-government (ABCG) plus bank partnership can be nurtured to create innovation. To develop successful innovation that could provide hallo economy impact, a systematic strategy development is needed with the support of strong partnership between ABCG and banks. This study uses qualitative approach (direct observation) by taking a case study of Technology Advanced Metropolitan Area (TAMA) in Japan who has successfully developed Greater Tokyo Initiative (GTI). Result of this study shows that to develop a successful cluster, there is a need of systematic cluster strategy with the help of ABCG and bank partnership. This strategy should include cultivation of key persons for local industrial vitalization, analysis for new industries, any kind of supports for planning industrial vitalization plan, supports for collaboration with other areas and also overseas marketing. TAMA is a comprehensive example of ABCG collaboration that not only develop regional network so that some projects can run smoothly but also create collaboration with other cluster in Japan and in the world to contribute to global innovations to strengthen their network.

GIs and the concept of terroir for the development of local wine and sake clusters in Japan

Geographical indications (GIs) have been increasingly used as a marketing tool to promote collective brand strategy regarding local agriculture and food clusters around the world. GIs can work, when combined with their power of terroir-based brand storytelling, as a common local asset on which local producers can strengthen collective regional brand values of their products and promote the discourse on the attractiveness of terroir of their regions. This function of GIs has increasingly gained attention as a tool for boosting the wine and sake industries in Japan. This paper analyzes the importance and potentiality of utilizing GIs as a marketing tool for terroir-based brand storytelling to revitalize local wine and sake clusters in Japan.

Population changes in residential clusters in Japan.

Population dynamics in urban and rural areas are different. Understanding factors that contribute to local population changes has various socioeconomic and political implications. In the present study, we use population census data in Japan to examine contributors to the population growth of residential clusters between years 2005 and 2010. The data set covers the entirety of Japan and has a high spatial resolution of 500 × 500 m2, enabling us to examine population dynamics in various parts of the country (urban and rural) using statistical analysis. We found that, in addition to the area, population density, and age, the shape of the cluster and the spatial distribution of inhabitants within the cluster are significantly related to the population growth rate of a residential cluster. Specifically, the population tends to grow if the cluster is "round" shaped (given the area) and the population is concentrated near the center rather than periphery of the cluster. Combination of the present results and analysis framework with other factors that have been omitted in the present study, such as migration, terrain, and transportation infrastructure, will be fruitful.

Ramen restaurant clusters in Japan: Geographical variety, locational lore, and evolutionary characteristics

Key Messages This study identifies three types of agglomeration in the Japanese ramen restaurant industry. These clusters are known through various spatial vernacular cues: maps, images, stories, and other lore that circulate in mainstream, esoteric, and fan social network communities. Waseda University is a key local institution in shaping the reputation of Tokyo's most famous ramen cluster, centred on Takadanobaba Station.

FROM COTTON KIMONOS TO THE JEANS INDUSTRY THE DEVELOPMENT OF DENIM INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS IN JAPAN

FROM COTTON KIMONOS TO THE JEANS INDUSTRY THE DEVELOPMENT OF DENIM INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS IN JAPAN

グローバル競争時代における日本のデジタルコンテンツ産業集積の競争優位とイノベーションの方向性 : SDガンダムフォースプロジェクトを事例に( 産業集積地域の革新性をめぐって)

グローバル競争時代における日本のデジタルコンテンツ産業集積の競争優位とイノベーションの方向性 : SDガンダムフォースプロジェクトを事例に( 産業集積地域の革新性をめぐって)

研究開発機能の集積をめぐるグローバル・ローカル関係 : 2009年度横浜地域大会・第2回日韓経済地理学シンポジウム(フォーラム)

研究開発機能の集積をめぐるグローバル・ローカル関係 : 2009年度横浜地域大会・第2回日韓経済地理学シンポジウム(フォーラム)

Decoding symbiotic endogeneity: the stochastic input-output analysis of university-business-government alliances

The theoretical population ecology constructs of commensalism, parasitism, and amensalism are applied in an analysis of the Knowledge Cluster Initiative (KCI), a unique social experiment establishing university-business-government alliances for knowledge-intensive innovative clusters in Japan. An analysis based on multiple negative binomial regressions to confirm the interdependence of the triple helix variables revealed that new startup venture firms served as an input factor for filing new patents and developing new products. Although the ultimate goal of the KCI was to promote new startups from the university, the startups had a commensal effect on patents and new product development. The Japanese cluster creation policy encouraged academic participation and created a mutual effect of launching new university startups. The resulting increase in the number of university researchers promoted the establishment of new startups. These startups had commensal relationships with patent applications and new product development. Although the creation of new venture startups was the ultimate goal of the cluster promotion policy, the results of this study indicate that it was the universities that benefited from the new startups that commensally contributed to increasing quantities of alliance outputs such as patents and new products.

Complete Genome Sequence of Melissococcus plutonius DAT561, a Strain That Shows an Unusual Growth Profile and Is Representative of an Endemic Cluster in Japan

We report the complete genome sequence of Melissococcus plutonius DAT561, which is a causative agent of European foulbrood. M. plutonius DAT561 is a representative of nonfastidious strains isolated in Japan. The addition of potassium phosphate was not required for normal growth, unlike for typical M. plutonius strain/isolates.

Barriers to environmental management in clusters of small businesses in Brazil and Japan: from a lack of knowledge to a decline in traditional knowledge

This study aimed to examine the main barriers to environmental management (EM) in two clusters of small businesses (SBs). A study of two clusters was performed: one cluster in Brazil (the leather/shoe sector) and one cluster in Japan (traditional Japanese products). The case studies involved 23 interviews and an analysis of 12 SBs within these clusters. The Japanese cluster has more proactive environmental governance than the Brazilian cluster. The main barrier to environmental improvement in the Brazilian cluster is the lack of information; the main barrier to EM in the Japanese cluster is the decline of traditional and environmentally friendly knowledge. The originality of the research is linked to the scarcity of studies of EM within clusters and SBs, the comparative approach of the Brazilian and Japanese cases and the discovery of a new barrier to EM for SBs (i.e. the decline of traditional knowledge).

A search for an industrial cluster in Japanese manufacturing sector: evidence from a location survey

This paper explores the result of a questionnaire survey on the location decision of new manufacturing plants from 1997 to 2004 and discovers an industrial cluster in Japan. More specifically, performing an exploratory factor analysis across 22 manufacturing industries, this study firstly summarizes agglomeration advantages as a latent location factor, secondly specifies the regional share of industries that emphasize the agglomeration factor, and thirdly identifies the location of industrial cluster based on the regional share. The major finding is that there exists such agglomeration factor, by which most Marshallian location advantages are represented, and the main industrial cluster consists of high-tech industries and spread over the suburb area between Tokyo and Aichi prefectures, where are most manufacturing capacity is concentrated.

Multiscale analysis of interfirm networks in regional clusters

Networks within an organization and also among organizations are expected to work as a conduit of resources and knowledge. In this paper, we construct a large database of interfirm networks in eight regional clusters in Japan, and investigate their multiscale structures combining existing organizational and network theories. We found that the small world properties among regional clusters show marked differences, which intensify as the network size evolves. We also found that connector firms bridging different modules are scarce and therefore we should focus on networking activity among different modules to support the development of well-connected networks.

EFFECTS OF REGIONAL COOPERATION AMONG SMALL AND MEDIUM‐SIZED FIRMS ON THEIR GROWTH IN JAPANESE INDUSTRIAL CLUSTERS

We examine the effects of regional inter‐firm cooperation on firm growth by estimating the firm growth function, using the data of a questionnaire survey for three major industrial clusters in Japan, namely, Tama, Kinki and Hokkaido. We focus on the specific content of cooperative activities for two aspects: that is, three production stages of R&D, commercialization, and marketing for cooperation and different types of alliance partners. The findings for our study areas demonstrate: i) vertical cooperation, the most prevalent with suppliers and customers, does not contribute to firm growth; ii) the clusters do not enjoy “urbanization economies arising from agglomerating a variety of different industrial sectors”; iii) the alliances with “universities” and “cross‐industry exchange organizations” show positive effects on firm growth; and iv) both contributions and limitations are identified for the cluster‐promotion policies in Japan.