# Research Trends and Future Direction for Utilization of Woody Biomass in Japan
## 5 Social Impact Assessment of Woody Biomass Utilization
### Factors for Woody Biomass Utilization Success
There are two main ways to address this issue: government subsidies and internal cost-reduction efforts by the woody biomass industry. Government subsidies include both direct subsidies and the development of forest-related infrastructure such as the construction of forest roads. A well-developed infrastructure can effectively reduce the costs of harvesting and transporting woody biomass [48]. Although infrastructure development cannot be classified as a subsidy, it is typically spearheaded by the government. Regarding how the woody biomass industry can reduce costs, Papers 2 and 6 in Table 4 propose measures that integrate woody biomass businesses with traditional timber businesses. Specifically, they advocate that businesses engaged in traditional wood activities,  
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\begin{tabular}{c c c such as lumber and plywood production, diversify into woody biomass businesses based on existing wood operations. This integration allows for a more efficient reduction in the initial costs associated with woody biomass utilization [44; 48]. (3) Regional revitalization  
Regional revitalization is a key initiative in Japan's environmental policies. The utilization of woody biomass involves tapping into regional forest resources, which can effectively stimulate the development of forested areas. In Paper 6 of Table 4, upstream stakeholders of the supply chain believe that the woody biomass business can revitalize regional forestry and create job opportunities, whereas downstream stakeholders argue that regional economic development can be effectively promoted through the local production and consumption of woody biomass [48]. The results from Paper 5 in Table 4 demonstrate that the utilization of woody biomass can repatriate funds flowing out of the region and contribute to the effective promotion of the regional economic cycle [47]. (4) Forestry reformation and quality control of woody biomass fuel  
Forestry reformation and quality control of woody biomass fuel were grouped in the same section owing to their emphasis on upstream and downstream stakeholders in the supply chain, respectively. Upstream stakeholders deem it crucial to utilize forest resources sustainably through long-term planning [44; 48]. Additionally, Paper 6 in Table 4 suggests adopting different management systems for various forests to optimize resource utilization efficiency [47]. Many upstream stakeholders in Japan--often forest owners who have inherited their forests for generations--possess a strong attachment to them, making them likely to perceive forestry reformation as a key success factor. Conversely, downstream stakeholders in the supply chain focus more on the quality control of woody biomass fuels, recognizing their significant impact on the efficiency of power generation and heating [44; 48]. (5) Elasticity of supply and demand  
Paper 2 in Table 4 discusses the elasticity of woody biomass supply and demand, emphasizing the importance of securing multiple suppliers and buyers simultaneously to ensure stability in the woody biomass business [44]. With the increasing use of woody biomass in Japan, ensuring a stable supply of feedstock has gradually become a core issue. Therefore, ensuring multiple suppliers will help stabilize the feedstock supply. Additionally, ensuring that multiple buyers primarily target heat utilization is a suggested solution to the lack of heat demand.