METI Publishes Shopping Accessibility Aid Manual

Image by K.Suzuki. Some Rights Reserved.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) published the first edition of the Shopping Accessibility Aid Manual on December 10, 2010. To address the social problem of people with limited access to essential shopping facilities, the manual describes pioneering projects conducted by businesses and the key areas of ingenuity found in them.

People with limited access to essential shopping facilities are people who have difficulty obtaining food and other daily necessities due to shrinking distribution and traffic networks. It is estimated that about six million people live under such conditions nationwide, and signs are emerging that their numbers have been gradually increasing in remote areas with more elderly residents and in large housing complexes built during the high-growth period of the Japanese economy.

The manual suggests three approaches for supporting people with limited access to shopping facilities: 1. Set up stores that provide them with necessary goods and services in locations close to them; 2. Deliver goods and services that they cannot obtain near their homes via mobile vendors, temporary stores, and home delivery services; and 3. Make it easier for them to go out by transporting them to and from their homes using shared-taxis or by operating community bus services.

To support people with limited access to essential shopping facilities over the long term, it is essential that these services are commercially offered as much as possible. METI plans to gather information on progressive approaches and support programs that were not included in the present manual, and release a complete edition in Spring 2011.

Posted: 2011/03/29 06:00:15 AM