Handbook on Michi-no-Eki for International cooperation

道の駅Michi-no-Eki

Michi-no-Eki was born in 1993 in Japan.
Local vitalization effects of Michi-no-Eki are huge, and now, they arebeing adopted in ten or more nations around the world. (2018)

Information

Community

Source: Civil Engineering Research Institute for Cold Region (CERI) - Scenic Landscape Research TeamJapan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) - Hokkaido Center
Cooperation: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) - Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau
Hokkaido Development Engineering Center (DEC)

Relaxation
Version

2.1
2021.9

Chapter1

What is Michi-no-Eki?

It is not a usual roadside stop!
A Michi-no-Eki is not a usual rest facility along a route.
Michi-no-Eki are facilities (infrastructures) for rest and social (community)
exchange located by a roadside, aiming at comfortable rest for road users andvitalization of the local area.

Main building (main facility)
Rest area, restaurants, shops,
terrace, scenic overlook, etc.

Restrooms

It is a system where local governments establish Michi-no-Eki, which are certified
by the MLIT (central government).
Local communities participate in the operation of Michi-no-Eki, providing originaland various services.
Road users drop into Michi-no-Eki and have interaction with local community
members to invigorate the area.

Green space

Open space
Parking lot
Conventional expressway service areas tend to provide rest areas and information as
their main services. In contrast, Michi-no-Ekis provide services for local development.

Objectives of Michi-no-Eki
There are two main objectives as follows:
1. Provision of safe and comfortable road traffic service to road users.
Under the circumstances of improved roads and increased automobile
traffic, the provision of safe and comfortable rest attracts road users who
had previously passed by.
2. Local development is promoted by the visits of road users to Michi-no-Eki, in
which local communities participate

Road users resting at a comfortable place outside facility.

Interaction among road users and local communities is promoted atMichi-no-Eki, and various effects for local development can be expected.

Facilities
for rest

Provisionof information

Unique, lively spaces createdwith local participation
Local
development"Michi-no-Eki" is used as a place for exchange and Marche

Japanese original system
Michi-no-Eki is a system originated in Japan, which began in 1993
Other nations evaluate them highly as a unique model, in which the effect ofroad improvement and road traffic lead to the development of roadside areas.
Now, they are spread over ten or more nations around the world, and the word
"Michi-no-Eki" is becoming internationally recognized. (2018)
Road users stop at Michi-no-Ekis to enjoy local foods and specialties made by various
distinctive producers, which leads to local development. (Fresh seafood caught in themorning is sold on the same day.)1

Chapter2

Background of Michi-no-Eki born in Japan – History –Changes in road users and expectation forregional improvement- Progress in road maintenance- Motorization- From group travel to individual travel- Increase in road tourism

Since the 1980s, changes in social environments have influenced the sense of values
and lifestyle in Japan. The following changes led to the birth of Michi-no-Eki.
Changes in social circumstances:- Road maintenance and improvement have progressed to enhance the needs of
not only smooth traffic but also comfortable rest service for road users."
Changes of drivers:
The drastic increase in female and senior drivers intensified the need for safe andcomfortable rest facilities along usual roads (not expressways and other roads
exclusively for automobiles )."Changes in sightseeing ways:
The mainstream sightseeing ways changed from organized bus tours to individualroad tourism.- Some train lines have been decommissioned in local areas, andsightseeing using roads has increased."
Changes of values:
People's interests have come to value local supply and consumption, slow food, andlocal likeness."
Changes in local social environments:
Local decline and a decrease in population have progressed to strengthen the
consciousness of regional vitalization.

Michi-no-Eki- Depopulation/decline of industry- Raising awareness of the uniqueness of the community

1969
1971
1973
1975
1977
1979
1981
1983
1985
1987
1989
1991
1993
1995
1997
1999
2001
2003
2005
2007
2009

0

10

20

30

Men
Women

40

50

60

70

80

(%)
100

90

Source: “Driverʼs License Statistics” of the National Police Agency

Female drivers’ share of all drivers has increased since 1970 in Japan.

The birth

Ratio of licensed drivers by generation(1989-2016, age 60 and over)

100

(%)
60 - 64

Started from one recommendation at a symposium of MLIT and citizens (1990)
A citizen participant said, "It would be good to have stations on roads, like railways
have."In the following year (1991), MLIT performed a social experiment together with thecitizen who proposed the Michi-no-Eki.
Upon the success of the experiment, the official government system was born in
1993.

Ratio of licensed drivers– A "station" wanted for roads –65 - 69
70 - 7450

70 and more

0
1988

(Year)

1990

1992

1994

1996

1998

2000

2002

2004

2006

2008

2010

2012

2014

2016

Source: “Driverʼs License Statistics” of the National Police Agency and “Population
Estimates” of the Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Internal Aﬀairs and Communications

In the same year, 103 roadside complexes became Michi-no-Eki.

The number of elderly drivers is also increasing in Japan.

1,193Michi-no-Eki in 28 years since the birth
The initial goal was 1,000 Michi-no-Eki.
1,193 Michi-no-Eki as of 2021, and still increasing.
Many Michi-no-Eki in areas that are neither big cities nor popular tourist resorts
The reason is that local governments establish Michi-no-Eki in areas where private
sectors do not invest.*

As of June 2021 1,193 Michi-no-Ekis（number）

1,200

Cumulative registrations
Number of registrations

1,000
800
600
400
200
0

1993

1996

1999

2002

2005

2008

2011

2014

2017

2020

Changes in the number of registered Michi-no-Ekis

2

Chapter3

Functions and roles of Michi-no-Eki (1/2)

Provision of comfortable and safe
roadside rest services

Provision of specialties and foods using
resources of the area

Free parking lots and clean restrooms operating 24 hours.

local specialties and goods available only at the Michi-no-Eki of thearea.

Provision of rest and refreshment services required for driving,
including inside and outside free rest spaces, such as benches, parks,and viewing facilities.
→ Free services by home municipalities make road users drop in
and rest freely in comfort.
→ Therefore, many road users drop into Michi-no-Eki even when
they don’t need to for their traveling.

3

Provision of foods using unique local ingredients and cookery.:(restaurants, takeout foods, processed foods)
Affordable and fresh vegetables, fruits, fishery products, etc.
→ (〜)(Safety and peace of mind, slow food, connected directlywith producers, prices decided by producers)→ Thereby, not only economic effects but also social effects areborn, which contributes to the local improvement significantly!

Various road users, such as those in passenger cars and heavy trucks, canstop by easily.

Outdoor gardens and benches for a comfortable rest
Increased stop times translate into increased sales at Michi-no-Ekis.

A comfortable rest area inside the facility

Toilets are in operation 24 hours a day. Clean, convenient toilets
translate into increases in visitors to Michi-no-Ekis.

Michi-no-Eki with spectacular views

Agricultural products harvested in the early morning are sold the same
day.

Road users purchase local products, thereby invigorating the local
economy.

Attractive restaurants at Michi-no-Ekis bring more visitors.

Development and sales of commercial goods made from local productsChapter3

Chapter 3

Functions and roles of Michi-no-Eki (2/2)

Dispatch of traffic and sightseeing
information

Various area functions (differ depending
upon the local Michi-no-Eki)

Provision of maps, vehicle information, and weather and disaster
information.

Community base: support of living, education, and welfare, andcommunity activities

Bulletin boards and pamphlets, in addition to guiding at information
desks about the sightseeing and local information,

Area sightseeing base: tourist agency office, tour guidance, staying,etc.

Depending on the Michi-no-Eki, guidance in foreign languages isavailable.

Cultural base: dispatch of local history, culture and industries, andactivities of cultural circles
Traffic base: bus terminal, cycle terminal, etc.

→ These information services support road users for safe andattractive driving and sightseeing!

Public-relations base:public relations for specialties (antenna shop), introduction of storesin the town, provision of relocation information, etc.
Cultural base: dispatch of local history, culture and industries, andactivities of cultural circles
Traffic base: bus terminal, cycle terminal, etc.

Restaurants serving local specialties

Exhibition space introducing local history and culture

An example of a tourist information center operated by a tourist
association at a Michi-no-Eki(https://www.hakobura.jp/db/db-shopping/2016/02/post-86.html)

Information provision by means of local information magazines

A space for meetings to pursue local activities

A space for relaxation that doubles as a shelter during disasters

Parking areas used as evacuation sites during severe snowstorms

Roadmaps featuring nearby facilities are provided, as are real-time
images of road conditions.
Traffic and weather information provision can help visitors set theirdriving itineraries.

4Chapter

4

Features and types of Michi-no-Eki

Features of Michi-no-Eki‒ Diﬀerences from usual road side stops ‒Michi-no-Eki are established with different concepts from those of SAs and PAs of
expressways and roadside service stations and stores.

写真

道の駅サロマ湖

Complexes to make exchanges with road users for local improvement ・Local
governments and communities with Michi-no-Eki.
Almost no one visits conventional service areas or parking area as destinations, butmany people visit Michi-no-Ekis as destinations.
Functioning as a network of many Michi-no-Eki in close coordination, not only one
Michi-no-Eki.

Some Michi-no-Ekis have sightseeing facilities that take advantage of the local
environment and scenery.（Photo: Sanjo Printing Corporation）

The central government and local governments also provide support by positive
publicizing and other activities.
→ Thereby, the charm and convenience oftraveling or visiting using a route with
Michi-no-Eki increase, which leads to thepromotion of sightseeing and local
community activities.

Reasons why Michi-no-Eki are popular

Local produce harvested by farmers early in the morning is sold directly to
consumers on the same day. Agricultural products sold at Michi-no-Ekis, which are
publicly accessible facilities, are trusted for their freshness and reliability.

Michi-no-Eki are not uniform—various services are provided. Each Michi-no-Eki uses
ingenuity and pursues uniqueness.
Not only the complex but the products and services are substantial. Users' needs,
such as safety and peace of mind regarding foods, as well as low price and freshness
are matched with the concept of Michi-no-Eki.
Both outside visitors and residents are customers. They have peace of mind becauseof the public nature of the facilities (services, goods, and prices).
Michi-no-Ekis will improve through competition with each other.

Types and functions of Michi-no-Eki

Interaction between producers and buyers (face-to-face sales)

Types of Michi-no-Eki, are roughly divided into two: gateway and area-based.
However, many Michi-no-Eki have both elements.
The expected effects differ depending on the purpose for which the Michi-no-Eki
was established and on conditions such as location and environment. It is necessary
to examine Michi-no-Ekis to determine what type will produce the intended effects.

1. Gateway
Location

Tourists and passing traffic drivers are the main targets: located along
tourist resorts, passes, and highways

PurposeSale of local foods and specialties to road users from outside of the area,
which is an expected economic effect

2. Area-based
Location
Purpose5

Complex mainly for residents: located in or around a small village
Assisted living, cultural promotion, and the welfare of local communities
are considered.

Michi-no-Ekis to be supported
Gateway Michi-no-Eki, intended
to vitalize the area from without

Functions required

Inbound tourism support, one-stop tourism counter,promotion of relocation to local areas and the like.

Such Michi-no-Ekis bringvitality, create employment
and start a virtuous cycle
for the community.

Area-based Michi-no-Eki,intended to harness local energy

Functions required

Industrial promotion, community welfare,disaster prevention

Chapter

5

Michi-no-Eki effects (1/2)

Michi-no-Eki – Effects –Direct effects are mainly effects on Michi-no-Eki, and effects on road
users.

→ Those direct effects develop indirect and propagating effects,
such as effects on local communities and effects on roadsides
as a whole.

1. Direct effects
Effects on road users

Effects on the Michi-no-Eki
Effects to attract customers (Increase in customers
dropping in)Increase in sales of local specialties and foods
Establishment of regional improvement base

Safe and comfortable rest
Access to information on traffic and local areas
Purchase of good specialties at a reasonable price.
Enjoying food peculiar to the area, etc.

Utilization of Michi-no-Eki brands

High quality and fair services,and creation of friendships among visitors and residents

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Dissemination of real-time information on weather, accommodation facilities and the like
（https://www.michi-no-eki.jp/specials/view/40）

Development of original Michi-no-Eki products that make use of local specialties（https://www.michi-no-eki.jp/specials/view/44）

Beneﬁts of rest areas

The expenditure triples.

For stops of 30
minutes or more,

By having Michi-no-Ekis provide even more excellent rest
area services, we expect more drivers to stop by and stayfor longer. This will lead to increased sales from more
visitors spending more money.

(Actually, it more than triples.)Stop time and expenditure(four Michi-no-Ekis surveyed; n=261)

3,000
Average
expenditure forstops of less than 30
2,500 minutes: 306 yen

About
Three times

Average expenditure for stops of 30 minutes ormore: 931 yen

expenditure (yen)

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0
An example of the extent to which visitors and sales increased after tables, parasols, benches
and planters were set up in the corner of the parking lot

0

30

60
Stop time (minutes)

90

120

Spending was found to increase with increases in the amount of time that visitors stayed.

6

Chapter

5

Michi-no-Eki effects (2/2)

2. Indirect and propagating effects(effects on entire roadside areas)
Economic effects
Increase of local specialty production/ branding of local specialties (improvement inbrand name)/ increase of prices of local specialties/ increase in sales and earnings oflocal businesses/ increase in capital investment/ improvement in income of local
farmers and increase in employment of residents/ acceleration of development of
new specialties and new processed goods/ new business starts and investment
Increase in visitors to tourist resorts and urban areas/ increase in experience tours
and event participants
Increase in the traffic volume along routes/ promotion of the roadside sightseeing
area/ promotion of road tourism

Provision of local tourism information to shoppers（ https://www.michi-no-eki.jp/specials/view/35 ）Social effects
Improvement of safety and charm of sightseeing along routes/ local brands/
notability of the area
Friendship of residents and visitors/ public relations of local culture and history/
activation of hobbies and cultures of residents
Promotion of community development: fair trade, improvement of female
positions, a decrease in child labor, a decrease in illegal street stalls, environmental
enhancement
Activation and enhancement of local communities/ collaboration promotion
among neighboring local governments

Active employment of local youths and women

Fostering of affection for and pride of residents in their local areas/ increase inimmigrants, population, and persons moving back to their hometowns

These Michi-no-Eki
effects lead to invigoration(promotion) of roadside areas!

(In the case of area-based Michi-no-Eki) More convenient life for residents(In the case of disaster-prevention Michi-no-Eki) Improvement of disasterprevention functions of areas

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Questionnaire on the eﬀects of setting up a Michi-no-Eki

Co・The results of a questionnaire survey of municipalities with Michi-no-Ekis in Hokkaido
・A number of municipalities considered it beneficial to have a Michi-no-Eki.
・The benefits were found to increase with increases in the sales of local specialties (processed products).
・For this reason, it’s important to develop, sell and brand processed local products with high added value.
Q: How much do you feel the Michi-no-Eki contributes to regional
revitalization? (General)

Q: How apparent are the effects of the Michi-no-Eki?
Increases in numbers of people
visiting sightseeing spots and regions
Neither apparent nor
non-apparent 1

Not very apparent 1

Somewhatapparent
21
Very apparent 51“Perceived” (69%)+“A little” (28%) = 97％

7

Increased recognition of
towns and areas
Not very apparent 3 Not at all apparent 1

Annual sales of local specialties other than agricultural products
directly from farms
50 million yen or more

Neither apparent nor
non-apparent 10

10
Very apparent
28

Somewhatapparent
32“Perceived” (38%)+“A little” (43%) = 81％

1

Less than 50 million yen
19

21

Perceived

Can not be judged

Perceived a little

Not perceived1

3

Not perceived at allChapter6

Establishment of Michi-no-Eki
Registration of "Michi-no-Eki" (Approach)

Establishment- Established and maintained mainly by local governments -Application bya mayor of municipality

Local governments make plans for Michi-no-Eki based on the requirements set up
by MLIT and receive MLIT approvement.

→ They discuss with the candidate management organization and cooperatingorganizations (asking for cooperation), including tourist agencies, agricultural
cooperative associations, commerce-and-industry associations, companies,
and farmers.
Local governments make agreements with the management organization andother cooperating organizations for arrangement toward commencement ofbusiness.
Local governments or public institutions construct Michi-no-Eki.
(Existing complexes used for Michi-no-Eki are modified to satisfy requirements)
There are joint and independent constructions.
Joint construction:
the local governments and road administrator of the area cooperate in theconstruction (cooperation with the government for a national road)
Independent construction:
the local government of the area carries out the construction independently.

■ Individuals or companies can not
be establishers or registrants of"Michi-no-Ekis."

Registration of a"Michi-no-Eki"→ Local governments consult with road administrators (~) during the planning.

■ Application to the Director Generalof Road Bureau, MLIT

Opening of a"Michi-no-Eki"■ MLIT issues the certificate.
■ The emblem can be used.

Requirements are comparatively loose.
Make a plan that will not affect the road traffic.
Consideration of the landscapePreparation procedure of the "Michi-no-Eki":(1) joint type, 56%
Municipalities

Road managers

Concept and plan of regional
improvement establishment

Plan of a rest facility

Arrangement on concept, facility plan, etc. Agreement on the "Michi-no-Eki"
Preparation of the "Michi-no-Eki“ plan
Preparation of theregional improvement
establishment etc. by themunicipality

Preparation of theestablishment etc. jointly
by the road administrator andmunicipality
Registration of the"Michi-no-Eki"

New construction (4 to 8 years)

1 to 4 years

1 to 2 years

MLIT assists.

Preparation procedure of "Michi-no-Eki":(2) Independent type, 44%
Basic design

Execution design

Construction

Inauguration

1 year

1 year

1 year1 to 2 years

Use of existing facilities (2 to 4 years)
Conceptual approach
Plan
Consensus-building
Funding
Concept

Municipalities etc.

Opening of the"Michi-no-Eki"

Figure: Time required to establish a Michi-no-Eki

Concept
BasicPlan

Preparation of rest facilities
of road, etc.
Parking lot prepared byroad manager
Preparation by MLIT

Use subsidiary payments of thoseother than MLIT, such as A MAFF,
METI, and ME.

Conceptual approach
Plan
Consensus-building
Funding■ Municipalities or publicorganizations that can replace themunicipalities

Execution design

Refurbishment
Reconstruction

Concept and plan of the "Michi-no-Eki" entire facility
Municipalities prepare businessplan / design / facilities

Consultation to theroad manager

Registration of the"Michi-no-Eki"

Recommendation of
the road manager

Inauguration

1 to 2 years

For new construction, the process from planning to inauguration takes 4 to 9 years.
For renovations, the process takes 2 to 4 years. And for only design and architecture, it takes 1 to 2 years.

Opening of the"Michi-no-Eki"Use subsidiary payments of those otherthan MLIT, such as A MAFF, METI, and ME.

Budgetjoint construction, MLIT supports the parking lot, toilet, andinformation-service section.
According to the objective and content of each Michi-no-Eki,ministry agencies financial support using their scheme.
Utilization of subsidies from the government to local
governments and "hometown tax.“(Hometown tax is a Japanese program that enables people
to support the local government of their native provinces.)

Table: Example of subsidies from the centralgovernment for a Michi-no-Eki.
(None of thefollowing names are official.)
Ministries and agencies

Purpose of support
Disaster prevention and road safety

MLIT

Urban renovation
Village revitalization
Local public transport

Japan Tourism Agency

Branding of tourist regions

Cabinet Office

Regional revitalization

Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry

Installation of charging facilities for electric vehicle
Revitalization of agricultural and fishing villages

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

6th Industrialization
Distribution of domestic marine products
Forestry regeneration

Ministry of Environment

Reduction of carbon dioxide emissions

Ministry of Internal Affairs
and Communications

Regional economic cycle
Regeneration of facilities in depopulated areas* The subsidy is often around 30-50%. (Thebalance is covered by the budget of the localgovernment.)8

Chapter

７

Operation of Michi-no-Eki

Operation of businesses
Public service businesses:
Provision of comfortable rest, information service, cooperation in local
activities and events, emergency actions, etc.

Tourist businesses:
Tourist information, accommodation guide, implementation of tours,
development of sightseeing events, etc.

Profit-earning businesses:
Sales of goods, eating and drinking, and development of specialties, etc.

Facility management:
management and operation of complexes.

Operation systems
There are mainly three operation systems, each with merits anddemerits.The designated-management system is dominant, whereas
there are only a few local-government management systems at present.
Local-government management system: 11%(direct management system)
Local governments manage and operate directly. Local governments
make contracts with persons for each restroom, restaurant, shop, etc.
Outsourcing system: 13%
Local governments do not operate directly, and entrusted persons
manage and operate. Local governments are responsible for the
management of complexes.

Designated management system: 70%
On behalf of local governments, designated persons manage andoperate complexes comprehensively. This is a system for private
corporations to perform management/operation of public institutions.
Private corporations are responsible for the management of complexes,
which means more flexible management compared with that of theoutsourcing system.
(Note) Entrusted persons are public corporations to which local governments and other public corporations
and private enterprises contribute.

Others:6%

Participation and cooperation of local organizations and persons
Participation and cooperation of local organizations and persons from the planningphase for the design, management, and operation of complexes are indispensable!
Establishment and training of new organizations for the operation of Michi-no-Eki.
1. Organizations suitable for operation
Utilization of existing organizations: tourist agencies, commerce-and-industry
organizations, local top-rated companies, NPO, other regional organizations,industrial organizations, local governments, etc.
2. Organizations and individuals who can participate,cooperate and collaborate
Associations of agriculture and fishery, farmers, fishery operators

Local high school (home economics section) operates a store on weekends.

Universities, senior high schools, special (occupational) schools, specialists
Local companies, major companies, and world brand companies
Regional organizations, NPOs, residents, immigrants, foreigners, students
Michi-no-Eki of other local governments and sister cities
Organize and foster those persons who cooperate in the operation of Michi-no-Eki.

9Collaborations in which local farmers bring in fresh farm Cooperation with local community development groups
products for sale

The opening of an international outdoor retailer right next to a Michi-no-Eki

Chapter

８

Successful Michi-no-Eki

Points for success
Planning
Clarify the objectives and concept toestablish a Michi-no-Eki, and make a planwith due consideration of the strategy andtactics to realize it.
Identify and match local resources and needsof users, and perform flexible planning,
design, and operation.
Raise the value of local specialties, and build
a mechanism to bring money into the area on
an ongoing basis.
Discuss with the main operation body andorganizations, producers, and local
communities that may cooperate from theplanning phase.

Design and construction
Starting with the utilization of a simple orexisting complex, with which later repair andextension does not cause a failure.

Operation and management
Ensure an able stationmaster andmanagement organization (provide
education, if they are not available).

A complex that is safe, identifiable, easy touse, clean, and comfortable, and whichpeople will continue to be willing to come toand stay at, should be built.

Improve active and continuous management
and management capability of theorganization.
Aim at self-support accounting as much as
possible.

Planning and design to sufficiently utilize theimportant surrounding environment.

Treat local producers and cooperators who
provide goods and services favorably.

Construction in an area with no competingcomplex.

Devise to raise incentives of Michi-no-Eki
employees.

The plan and scale should be suitableconsidering the operation.

It is not important to build a beautiful complex,
but building a mechanism with good planning and operation is necessary!

Products are sold alongside photos of the producing farmers.

There are also small Michi-no-Ekis to meet the demand for such
facilities. An example of a Michi-no-Eki next to a tourist ranch

Facility design taking advantage of ocean views

Challenges of Michi-no-Eki
Common main challenges to many Michi-no-Eki

Individual main challenges to many Michi-no-Eki

A decrease in sales in the off-peak period, the burden of maintenance, management, andupdating of complexes

The deficit, pressure on private sectors, overnightstaying in cars and illegal parking, management
depending on direct delivery from farms,
dangerous parking lots, Michi-no-Eki structure thatcannot enter easily, supervisory oversight, contract
method not connected with local improvement,etc.

A shortage of executive capability and product development ability of the management
organization, ensuring of able chief and staff members, talented people's training
Improvement of Michi-no-Eki personal treatment, aging of management and cooperation
organizations and aging of farmers, and a shortage of successors in response to increasing
numbers of foreign tourists, etc.
Providing services demanded by inbound tourists (foreign tourists)

The success of Michi-no-Eki
Does the success of Michi-no-Eki lie in the many visitors and the increasein sales and profit?

The success of Michi-no-Eki is not only direct, but is also indirect and is
propagating effects for areas and users alike.

Increase in sales of goods made in foreign countries and areas, which
does not contribute to local improvement is limited.

True success is for users and local communities to be affluent (happily)!

10Chapter

9

The world and Michi-no-Eki

Michi-no-Eki spreading around the world

Technical assistance from Japan

Although road maintenance and improvement are progressing indeveloping countries and fairly-developed countries in recent years,
the effect of local roadside improvement is small.

The utilization of Michi-no-Eki as sales bases of local specialties isrecommended by JICA at the level of technical co-operation relevant to
the "one-village, one-specialty" economic movement.

Other countries are interested in Michi-no-Eki as a solution.

Dispatch of specialists from local governments who have operational
know-how regarding Michi-no-Eki.

→ Complexes called "Michi-no-Eki" are spreading around ten or morenations at this moment. (2018)
The effects that can be expected are females' advancement in society
and their economic independence, as well as local improvement by
self-reliance, traffic safety, etc.

JICA Hokkaido Center has performed training for eight countries inCentral Asia and the Caucasus area from 2013 to 2015.
From 2017, Michi-no-Eki training for seven countries of Central America
and the Caribbean Sea area.

LectureExcursion

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WorkshopPrimary products market
Many Michi-no-Ekis have produce stands that sell fresh,
reliable local farm and fishery products at low prices.
Theses stands are very popular. It’s been confirmed thatthey increase the numbers of visitors and the sales revenues.

Provision of product knowledge and cooking methods

11

However, primary products have little added value, so thesales of these products have little ripple effect on relatedindustries. Given that Michi-no-Ekis aim to promote regional
development, it’s important to create processed productswith more added value.

Produce stand for fruits, vegetables, and marine products Affordable, fresh, safe, reliable