The budding symbiosis between logistics and the environment in Yonehara" - Perspectives from around 2002

The budding symbiosis between logistics and the environment in Yonehara" - Perspectives from around 2002

Around 2002, Japan was in the midst of a prolonged recession following the collapse of the bubble economy and the hollowing out of industry, and regional revitalization and the development of new industries were becoming major issues. The government promoted regional revitalization policies centered on special zones for structural reform, and unique special zone concepts were launched in various regions. The "Special Zone for Logistics and Environmental Symbiosis (England Boat Green Special Zone)" in Maibara Town, Shiga Prefecture, is one such example.

Maibara has long been a strategic transportation hub, geographically situated at the intersection of the Shinkansen bullet train, conventional railways, and expressways. The Yonehara Freight Terminal and Yonehara Junction, located at the center of the city, have high potential as a node of railroads and roads. The plan was drawn up with the aim of building a recycling-oriented society by making the most of this location and attracting and concentrating the recycling industry at the same time as improving the efficiency of the logistics base.

Specifically, the Agricultural Land Law and the Urban Planning Law were transferred to the municipalities, and a system was introduced to allow for the flexible development of new industries in undeveloped areas. This was intended to promote the location of logistics and recycling-related industries, thereby creating local employment and strengthening economic circulation. At the time, the recycling industry was attracting attention for both reducing environmental impact and creating new markets, so it was rational and strategic to locate it in a transportation node such as Maihara.

In addition, the special zone concept was characterized by its emphasis on "coexistence with the environment," rather than just economic development. By integrating logistics and environmental industries, the town sought to present a sustainable regional model and a new industrial image for a regional city. Among the regional special zone policies that were being explored in various parts of Japan, Yonehara's attempt attracted attention as an advanced example of integrating transportation and the environment.