JAPAN LOGISTICS SOCIETY
1. Outline of the Association
The Japan Logistics Society (JLS), established in May 1983, is an organization
dedicated to conducting logistics research and contributing to the establishment of an
academic system related to logistics.
To achieve its goals, the Association is involved in the following projects.
① Holding research conferences once a year.
② Organizing research group meetings and lectures.
③ Publishing research results from its members.
④ Establishing contact and exchanging information with domestic and foreign
academic societies and other related organizations.
⑤ Undertaking other activities necessary to achieve the purpose of the association.
JLS consists of six regional divisions: Kanto, Chubu, Kansai, Hokkaido, Chugoku& Shikoku, and Kyushu. These divisions were established to stimulate and coordinate
member activities at the regional level. JLS is led by a president (Minoru SAITO from
Kanagawa University) and supported by three vice-presidents (Toshihiko MATSUO fromOsaka University of Commerce, Yuji YANO from Ryutsu Keizai University, andHisayuki KUROKAWA from Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology).
Additionally, there is a board of directors representing each regional division. Currently,
JLS has 454 individual members, 20 institutional members, and 11 honorary members.
In this essay, I would like to report on three aspects of the society’s activities.
First, I will provide an overview of the association, followed by a description of theannual national conferences held over the past three years (2020 to 2022). Next, I will
introduce the activities of each regional branch and study groups. Finally, I will discuss
the publication of the latest edition of the academic journal and highlight the societyaward.
2. The Annual National Conferences (From 2020 To 2022)
The Japan Logistics Society National Conference is held every September for twodays. On the first day, a keynote speech and general meetings of members are held,
while research reports are presented on the second day. Due to the influence of theCOVID-19 pandemic, the annual national conferences have been held online since2020.
(1) 2020 Annual Conference

50The 37th JLS Annual National Conference took place at Senshu University(Tokyo) on September 19-20, 2020. The conference addressed the challenges posed by
the diversification of consumer purchasing locations and methods. The delivery
destinations for products have expanded from traditional stores to locations specified
by consumers, such as convenience stores and homes. This shift has led to an increased
reliance on parcel delivery services and a subsequent rise in deliveries to consumers’
homes. However, this increase in residential deliveries presents problems such as
reduced delivery efficiency and a shortage of truck drivers for distribution companies.
One potential solution to these issues lies in leveraging innovation in logistics activities.
Consequently, the unifying theme of the 37th National Convention of the Japan
Logistics Society was Innovation to Support Logistics, with a focus on utilizing
innovation to address logistics challenges.
During the keynote speech session, Hiroo IDE from University of Tokyo presented
on “Three Perspectives for Coexisting with the New Coronavirus.” The second session
centered around the new coronavirus and logistics, featuring discussions involving
Hiroo IDE (University of Tokyo), Hiroshi KAWAGUCHI (Driver Japan Job Co., Ltd.),
Koichi NAGAI (JPR Institute of Innovation Research), Kosuke MIYATAKE (Ryutsu KeizaiUniversity), and Yuji YANO (Ryutsu Keizai University).
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis, the 39 presentations at theannual national conference included contributions from university researchers, fieldpractitioners, and consultants.
(2) 2021 Annual Conference
The 38th JLS Annual National Conference was held at Kanagawa University(Kanagawa) on September 17-18, 2021. The conference centered around the theme ofLogistics Reform that Supports Society and Economy, acknowledging the significant
changes in Japan’s economic landscape caused by the widespread impact of the newcoronavirus infection. The conference aimed to explore the necessary efforts to adapt tothese changes, focusing on transforming the working environment, ensuringtransportation capacity, and realizing logistics innovation through the adoption of newtechnologies.
During the keynote speech session, Kimio TAKADA from the Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism delivered a presentation on the “ComprehensiveLogistics Policy Outline and Logistics Reform” as the invited speaker. Additionally,
Masatoshi MAWATARI gave a speech titled “Realization of a New Working Environment
in Logistics.” The panel session revolved around logistics innovation with new51

technology and featured discussions led by Kazuyuki IKEDA (Askul Corporation),Takuya GONDO (Daifuku Co., Ltd.), Taro SASAKI (Hacobu Co., Ltd.), Nao TATEUCHI(Hitachi Transport System, Ltd.), and Yuji YANO (Ryutsu Keizai University).
The 38th annual national conference included a total of 39 presentations.
(3) 2022 Annual Conference
The 39th JLS Annual National Conference took place at Nagoya Gakuin
University (Nagoya) on September 9-10, 2022. In recent years, logistics has beenrecognized as the “main artery of the economy” or the “core of industrial activity.” It
serves not only as a social infrastructure supporting the economy and industry but also
as a vital resource during natural disasters like earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis,
functioning as a lifeline. Furthermore, the focus on Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) has been increasing. Therefore, there is a growing need to incorporate
sustainability perspectives into logistics activities.
Truck transportation, which accounts for over 90% of domestic logistics in Japan,
faces challenges such as driver shortages and an aging workforce. To address theseissues, efforts have been made to reform work styles, reduce long working hours, andimprove the trading environment with shippers. Considering these trends, the 39th
annual conference adopted the unified theme of Ensuring Sustainability in Logistics,
with a particular emphasis on the challenges faced by truck transportation, which serves
as the core of the logistics industry.
During the keynote speech session, three presentations were delivered. The firstpresenter, Daisen TERADA from the Public Corporation Japan Logistics SystemAssociation, provided an activity report on the realization of a sustainable society. The
second presenter, Ikutoku YAMAGISHI from the Aichi Trucking Association, discussed
the recruitment and development of human resources to achieve sustainable logistics.
Finally, Yoshitada FURUHASHI from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport andTourism presented on the current situation of the trucking industry and government
efforts.
The 39th annual national conference included a total of 36 presentations.
.
3. The Activities of Each Regional Branch and Study Groups
As mentioned in Section 1, the JLS comprises six regional divisions: Kanto,Chubu, Kansai, Hokkaido, Chugoku & Shikoku, and Kyushu. The research groupmeetings and lectures are organized based on these regional divisions. In this section, I52

will introduce the research activities of each regional chapter and highlight the activitiesof special research divisions within the Japan Logistics Society, such as the Wakataku
Study Group, the Business Session Study Group, and the Kansai Joint Logistics StudyGroup.
3.1 The Activities of Each Regional Branch
3.1.1 Kanto Regional Division
Four study sessions were held by the 2021 Kanto regional division. The contentsof the report are as follows.
(1) Research Meetings
1. Date: July 17, 2021 Online
Theme: Trusco Nakayama’s Platform Strategy ~Logistics DX2.0~
Reporter: Hideki NAOYOSHI (Trusco Nakayama Co., Ltd.)
2. Date: December 11, 2021 Online
Theme: Results of survey research on training and securing highly-skilledhuman resources in the field of logisticsics
Reporter: Soichiro MINAMI (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport andTourism)
3. Date: February 19, 2022, 14:00-15:30 Online
Theme: Looking Back on Nao Hirahara: His Life and Thoughts
Reporter: Kanji TAMAI (Logistics Museum)
4. Date: April 30, 2022, 14:00-15:30 Online
Theme: Commercial vehicle automation, safety measures and MaaS
Reporter: Hiroshi OGAWA (Hino Motors, Ltd.)
3.1.2 Chubu Regional Division
In the 2021 Chubu Division one research meeting and one lecture were held. Dueto the influence of Corona, a company tour could not be held. Details are as follows.
(1) Research Meeting
Date: March 31, 2022 Online
Theme 1: Research on practical education related to physical distribution andlogistics
Reporter 1: SANG Haixia (Kyoto Tachibana University)
Theme 2: Relationship between Marketing Channels and Logistics
Reporter 2: Yoshihiro MATSUMOTO (Nagoya University of Foreign Studies)(2) Lecture
1. Date: February 28, 2022 Online
Theme: Successful Case Study of Inventory Management in Logistics

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Speaker: Shigeyasu OKAMOTO (Setouchi SCM Co., Ltd.)
2. Date: May 28, 2022 (Saturday): Online
Theme: Research on licenses and licenses for transportation andwarehousing operations and subsequent maintenanceSpeaker: Hiroshi IKEYAMA (GFA Ikeyama Administrative Scrivener Office)3.1.3 Kansai regional division
In 2021, the Kansai Subcommittee held two research sessions involving four
research reports. A company tour was also held. Details are as follows.
(1) Research Meetings
1. Date: July 2, 2021
Venue: Chuo Denki Club (Dojimahama, Kita-ku, Osaka)
Theme 1: Logistics Behavior in Environmental Management ─ Drivers andTraffic Safety
Reporter 1: Akiyo KAWAMURA (Kobe University)
Theme 2: About Hannan’s response to the new coronavirus
Reporter 2: Yukari SHIMOMURA (Hannan University)
2. Date: March 4, 2022
Venue: Chuo Denki Club (Dojimahama, Kita-ku, Osaka)
Theme 1: Building a pharmaceutical platform in the dispensing pharmacy
industry
Reporter 1: Kaneka KANE (Hagoromo International University)
Theme 2: Physical Internet Service for Modal Shift to Coastal Feeder
Transport Feasibility study for Service Realization
Reporter 2: Toru KATO (Kindai University)(2) Company Tour
Date: November 19, 2021
Destination: Nakanishi Kinzoku Kogyo Head Office (Temmabashi, Kita-ku,Osaka)
3.1.4 Hokkaido regional division
The 2021 Hokkaido Branch published two newsletters and emailed them tomembers.
3.1.5 Chugoku & Shikoku regional division
The 2021 Chugoku & Shikoku Branch held a study meeting once, and the details
are as follows.
(1) Research Meeting
1. Date: August 26, 2021: Online

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Theme: Impact of COVID-19 on logistics in Taiwan ─ Focusing on online
shopping
Reporter: CHEN Huizhen (Okayama University of Commerce)
3.1.6 Kyusyu regional division
In 2021, the Kyushu Branch held one research meeting and an Okinawa Logistics
Study Meeting twice. Details are as follows.
(1) Research Meeting
1. Date: July 17, 2021
Venue: Seinan Gakuin University Academic Research Institute
Theme 1: Toward the Realization of Sustainable Logistics ─ Construction
and Operation of Effective BCP/BCM
Reporter 1: Hiroyuki UCHIDA (Japan University of Economics)
Theme 2: Issues in Promoting Modal Shift to Railway Freight ─ From thePerspective of Railway Investment and Railway Usage Fees
Reporter 2: Atsushi MIZUTANI (Kobe University),
Haruhito FUKUDA (Momoyama Gakuin University)
Theme 3: Current Status of the Logistics Industry and Government Efforts
Reporter 3: Shigenobu AMANO (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportand Tourism)
2. Date: December 4, 2021 Online
Theme 1: New Logistics Market Trends - Last One Mile & Free Delivery &DX,
Reporter 1: Hidetomo KOIKE (GW Connect Co., Ltd.)
Theme 2: Envisioning a Link between One Belt, One Road and RCEP
Reporter 2: Hideo FUKUYAMA (Japan Maritime Center)(2) Okinawa Logistics Study Meeting
1. Date: August 24, 2021 Online
Theme: Post-Corona Okinawa Economic Revitalization and Logistics
Strategy
Organizer: Hajime CHINEN (University of the Ryukyus)
Date: March 24, 2022 Online
Venue: Ryukyu Kaiun headquarters’ Meeting room
Theme: Disruption in Logistics and Rise in Prices during the Corona Crisis ─
The Case of Okinawa
Organizer: Hajime CHINEN (University of the Ryukyus)
3.2 The Activities of the Wakataku Study Group55

The Society of Logistics Society of Japan established the Wakataku Study Groupto encourage active research activities by graduate students. In 2021, research reportmeetings were held three times. Details are as follows.
(1) Research Meetings
1. Date: October 23, 2021 Online
Theme 1: Reconstruction of logistics in line with the development of the ECmarket – Focusing on resilience
Presenter 1: YANG Zhifei(Master’s program, Graduate School of Commerce, Senshu University)
Theme 2: Supply chain management in the restaurant industry
Presenter 2: Toshiyuki HARA
(Meiji University Graduate School of Commerce Master’s Program)
2. Date: March 12, 2022: Online
Theme 1: Challenges of China-Europe freight trains
Presenter 1: Aya WATANABE (Master’s program, Fukushima University)
Theme 2: Last Mile Delivery in Internet Shopping
Presenter 2: LIU Yabing (Senior Lecturer, Mejiro University)
3. Date: May 28, 2022 Online
Theme 1: Estimation and international comparison of bunkering operations
based on AIS data
Presenter 1: Eisuke WATANABE (Master’s program, The University of Tokyo)
Theme 2: Impact of Tariffs on Supply Chains ─ Examples of Customers' Tariff
Optimization Efforts
Presenter 2: Teruyuki HANAZAWA, Takahiro YAMADA (Asahi Kasei Corporation)
3.3 The Activities of the Business Session Study Group
The Business Session Study Group mainly conducts research reports by frontline
practitioners active in the field of logistics. In 2021 research reports were made twice.
Details are as follows.
(1) Research Report
1. Date: June 16, 2021
Theme: Beams EC Logistics Strategy with Full Use of RFID
Reporter: Makoto TAKEKAWA (BEAMS HOLDINGS CO., LTD.)
2. Date: April 12, 2022
Theme: Our Logistics Strategy to Support Shippers’ Transportation
Competitiveness
Reporter: Kensuke EIKI (3CF&Co Co., Ltd.)56

3.4 The Activities of the Kansai Joint Logistics Study GroupIn order to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus infection, the 2021 study
group did not meet.
4. The Publication of the Academic Journal and Society Award
4.1 Publications
JLS disseminates the outcomes of its research activities through two forms ofpublication: the Journal of the Japan Logistics Society and the Newsletter.
Journal of the Japan Logistics Society: Once a year, JLS edits and publishes theJournal of the Japan Logistics Society. Members of JLS have the opportunity to submit
manuscripts for publication consideration. The editorial board of the journal oversees
the review process for the submitted manuscripts. In the latest edition of the Journal of
the Japan Logistics Society (No. 30), 25 refereed papers and 10 non-refereed papers
were published.
Newsletter: Once a year, JLS edits and publishes a newsletter to update its
members on current issues, including activity status and financial updates. The
newsletter also highlights the research achievements of JLS members.
4.2 Society Award
JLS presents awards for book(s), articles(s) and research activities of graduate
students that have made great contributions to the advancement of logistics research.
The award winners in 2020 are as follows:
No awards for book section in 2020.
2020 Article award: Yoshio DOI, Hisayuki KUROKAWA, Seiichi KUBOTA, Kiyoshi
UEMURA,“Japan Logistics Research on the impact of inter-company collaboration on theproductivity improvement of truck transportation”, “Japan Logistics journal, No.29.
Japan Society of Logistics Research Encouragement Award:
1. Takuya YAMAGUCHI (Graduate School, The University of Tokyo)“Construction of an intermodal international logistics network model by large-scaleparallel multi-stage distribution and Application to the ASEAN region”
2. Maho OGAWA (Nihon University)“Questionnaire survey on online mail order home delivery during the newcoronavirus disaster”
3. Yin SIMA (Kobe University)

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“Construction of material redistribution model after large-scale disaster considering
material surplus and shortage”
4. Tsuguhisa TOGAWA (Ryutsu Keizai University)“Research on Production and Logistics of the Business Form Industry”
5. Kanade YOSHIDA (Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology)“Will smart interchanges contribute to regional revitalization?”
Graduate Student Session Excellent Presentation Award at 2020 Annual Conference
1. Reporter: Yasumi FUKAYA (Graduate School, Ibaraki University)
Theme: A study on the effect of introducing platooning on the problem of empty
truck hierarchies between regions
Supervisor: Terumitsu HIRATA (Ibaraki University)
2. Reporter: Takeshi NAKAMURA (Graduate School, Tokyo University of Marine
Science and Technology)
Theme: Current Situation of Railway Container Transport between China andEurope Utilizing the New Eurasia Land Bridge Economic CorridorSupervisor: Daisuke WATANABE (Tokyo University of Marine Science andTechnology), Hajime MATSUI (Nippon Property Insurance)
The Japan Logistics Society will commemorate its 40th anniversary this year.
This significant milestone serves as an opportunity to reflect on the Society’s
contributions and look forward to its continued role in the advancement of the Japanese
economy.
Over the past four decades, the Japan Logistics Society has been at the forefrontof promoting research and knowledge exchange in the field of logistics. Through its
various activities such as research conferences, group meetings, and publications, thesociety has played a vital role in fostering innovation, efficiency, and sustainability inlogistics practices.
The research activities conducted by the Japan Logistics Society have had a direct
impact on the development of logistics in Japan. By addressing pressing challenges andexploring emerging trends, the society has provided valuable insights and practicalsolutions for enhancing supply chain management, transportation efficiency, anddistribution networks.
As the Japanese economy continues to evolve and face new challenges, the Japan
Logistics Society remains committed to its mission of advancing the logistics field. By
staying at the forefront of research, fostering collaborations with academia, industry,58

and government, and continuously adapting to the changing landscape of logistics, theSociety aims to make significant contributions to the further growth and prosperity of
the Japanese economy.
.
（SANG Haixia, Kyoto Tachibana University）

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