## (4) Revitalizing industries

## ☐ Trends and policies of railway-related industries

The railway industry is working hard to ensure comfortable and safe train travel, against the backdrop of the severe business environment. IC tickets are being used or are planned to be used throughout the country due to their common or interchangeable use. To promote the complete privatization of JR companies, the central government is continuously supporting Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido), Shikoku Railway Company (JR Shikoku), Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) and Japan Freight Railway Company (JR Freight) by stabilizing and strengthening their management bases.

## ☐ Trends and policies of motor-vehicle transport industries

In the taxi industry, applications for fare revision were filed in various parts of the country aimed mainly at improving the working conditions of taxi-drivers, and taxi fares have been revised in 53 of the 92 organized fare blocks in Japan (as of December 2008). The Special Measure Law on Appropriate Tax Operation was amended in June 2007 to introduce new measures, including an expansion of the specified areas subject to the driver registration system for areas other than Tokyo and Osaka.

The trucking industry is facing devastating situations, mainly due to the recent crude oil price hikes, in the face of an increasing need to ensure safety and adapt to environmental regulations. MLIT is implementing support in creating an environment allowing the introduction of a tariff system corresponding to fuel price hikes, and it also supports the industry’s effort to improve fuel efficiency.

## ☐ Trends and policies of maritime industries

In view of an extreme decrease in the number of Japanese-flag vessels and Japanese crew members resulting from Japan’s falling international competitiveness in ocean shipping as well as concern over a potential shortage of crew members due to the aging of crew in the domestic shipping industry, the “Bill to amend part of the Maritime Transportation Act and Seamen’s Act” was enforced in July 2008. The Ministry takes measures for implementing the application of a so-called tonnage tariff to oceangoing vessel operators, and for supporting efforts to train and secure seafarers through budget spending, and for improving semen’s working environments.

In addition, in coastal shipping, the ministry facilitates the group formation among coastal shipping transport operators, and supports smooth and proper implementation of tentative projects concerning coastal shipping.

Besides the efforts to enhance the international competitive edge of the shipbuilding industry, MLIT is promoting the development and practical application of marine industry technology, including research and development to introduce vessels excellent in safety and environmental design, the development of ocean platform technology that can be applied as the technology basis in the use of ocean space and natural energy in Japan's exclusive economic zone.

## ☐ Trends and policies of aviation industries

Due to fuel price hikes and a sharply decreasing number of passengers following the global recession since the fall of 2008, air carriers have abandoned some routes and reduced the number of services.

MLIT reduces landing fees and takes tax relief measures concerning fixed asset taxes to support the industry, in order to maintain and improve domestic and international air transport networks.

## ☐ Trends and policies of the freight forwarding industries

With an increasing number of newcomers joining the freight forwarding industry, the “WT on facilitating Narita-Haneda logistics” was held in FY2008, as a working group of “the physical distribution strategy committee toward the 2010s,” holding discussion among parties concerned on how to facilitate transportation among Narita and Haneda Airports and surrounding areas.

## ☐ Trends and policies of warehousing industries

Since business environments for the commercial warehouse industry have been much improved, it is now possible to actively proceed with the provision of a variety of services and the streamlining of businesses. Accordingly, the number of newcomers joining the commercial warehouse sector exceeded the number of those exiting the sector, and preference is being given to the comprehensive logistics service business.