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This paper analyzes the problem structure in the discussions on road pricing scheme proposed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government particularly from the freight transportation viewpoint. In order to survey the problem structuring identified by the stakeholders, we interviewed the following stakeholders: the two departments in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG), the TMG Committee on road pricing scheme, the two types of freight transportation operators and the retailers. The survey results show that the stakeholders identify the road pricing scheme in the various ways whereas the stakeholders have change in the identified problem structure during the discussions. Language: ja

Safety self-regulation by the industry is becoming an important issue in Japan. In the U.S., it is now believed that the Institute of Nuclear Power Operators (INPO), established as a self-regulatory organization by the nuclear industry after the TMI accident as well as other industry organizations, such as Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), contributed significantly to improving nuclear safety performance. Independent third party organizations, such as American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) also played an important role in assuring effective self regulation in the US. After a series of incidents and mismanagements, Japanese nuclear industry is now also trying to strengthen self regulation. This paper analyzes self-regulation and its practices in the US, especially focusing on the organizations and management of INPO and others, and it is found that the following factors are important to be considered for Japan; (1) principles and practices of information disclosure, (2) incentives for enterprises (3) role of third party organization for standard setting and its decision making process. Language: ja

The research question of this article is how to introduce alternative technologies that enhance social welfare. To answer this question, we analyzed the cases of introduction of alternative technologies in a transportation sector. They are six local activities that promote car sharing, biodiesel fuel and light rail. As a consequence, we identified three-stage niche strategy that consists of niche creation, niche management and niche extension as a common tendency among the six cases. Language: ja

There are three problems about the safety regulations of chemical processes in Japan. First, there are multiple laws and regulations to be applied to chemical plant because of the fragmented structure of ministries. Second is the quality control of technical standards. Because of slow pace of updating, those standards sometimes become obstacles to technological development. Third, there is not enough implementation capacity in government and non-governmental third parties. Based on those analysis, strengthened roles of non-governmental third parties are recommended. Language: ja

Among the industries with safety issues, we have chosen the following seven areas and conducted a comparative study: automobile traffic, air traffic, earthquake-resistancy, nuclear power, healthcare, pharmaceutical products, and food products. We have focused on the four aspects, namely 1) systems for collecting and providing accident, incident and safety-related information, 2) national, industrial, academic and international role-taking and cooperation in standard-setting and testing, and 3) systems for the relief of the victims. The method for designing safety-related institutions shall be established by analyzing the similarities and differences among the legal system for each area from such perspectives as the social and industrial structures as well as the risk characteristics. Language: ja

In the United States, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducts aviation accident investigation to determine the probable causes and prevent recurrences. NTSB adopts the party system, in which NTSB integrates expert knowledge by involving parties to the investigation. NTSB also issues effective safety recommendations and supports victims and their families. In the US, criminal prosecution is virtually nonexistent in the case of aviation accidents, however, punitive damages (civil liability) and heavy civil penalties (administrative sanctions) substitute as sanctions against airlines and manufacturers. It is hoped that a debate will take place in Japan over the improvement of the framework for investigating aviation accidents and for pursuing the liability of those responsible. Language: ja

We have conducted a research on new institutional measures to promote the examination and improvement of earthquake-resistancy of existing nonconforming houses. The measures include accountability system for earthquake -resistancy of used houses at the time of sale/rental transactions; life/nonlife insurance premium discount program for highly earthquake-resistant buildings; price assessment program for used house earthquake-resistancy; and mitigation,and restriction of use of earthquake-vulnerable buildings. The research methods include construction of cause hypothesis system, cause investigation and effectiveness investigation through consumer awareness survey via the internet, conception of new institutional measures based on current measures, and evaluation from legal viewpoint. Language: ja

Introduction of whistleblower protection system in U.S. federal nuclear safety regulations has encouraged developments ECP (Employee Concerns Program) as corporate allegation programs at utilities companies in the U.S. As ECPs improve, fewer and fewer complainants are going to the NRC each year. We can see from this that the introduction of whistleblower protection generates synergy of regulatory whistleblower protection and corporate compliance activities. We recognized this synergy effect is indeed needed in Japanese nuclear safety regulatory system, because the Japanese regulatory authority has fewer human resources than U.S. A measure that promotes this synergy effect should be taken in implementing Japanese regulatory whistleblower system. Language: ja