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This booklet is a summary of the Annual Report on the Transport Economy
for fiscal 1987 (the White Paper on Transport).
Today the interdependent relations in the international society are getting
closer from rear to year, and this tendency is expected to increase in the years
to come. In view of this situation, Japan sholuld make a greater effort to open
itself as a member of the international society. One big problem facing this
country now is to contribute to an harmonious growth of the international economy
through, among others, reduction of substantial surplus in its current balance.
If we are to render services to the international society in this field, we
should also extend support to the development of the economy and society of
developing countries by means of economic and technical cooperation. At the
same time, it is desirable o open our society not only in economic areas but
also in cultural and social fields through endeavors to increase international
exchange of people.
At home, our economic growth and rising national income have not necessarily
brought Is a better people's life. In particular, the standard of housing still
remains on a low level largely due to sharp rises in land prices. This is more
serious in the metropolitan areas, fostering discontent among the general public.
It is also pointed out that longer working time prevents people from enjoying
comfortable life. In the years ahead, we should endeavor to reflect the effect
of our economic development more on our living standard so that we may achieve
a better life.
Chapter 1 of this report is thus entitled "Realization of More Comfortable
Life and Transport in a Society Open to the World." Japan is confronted with
the need of improving he quality of people's life and the demand to open our
society. This chapter deals with tansport-related policies and measures, chiefly
for balanced nation-building and promotion of economic structure adjustment,
which will be introduced in response to the need and demand referred to above.
The greatest subject in front of the Ministry of Transport is the reform
of the Japanese National Railways. Chapter 2 describes how the new companies
are implementing the aims of the JNR reform plan after the division and privatization
of JNR on April 1, 1987. In the area of air transport, Japan Air Lines became
a fully private company as of November 18, 987, and international air routes
were opened to other domestic airlines, too. Competition in domestic routes
is growing keener. Efforts to revitalize air transport, with major emphasis
laced on better service for passengers, have also been made. These developments
are discussed in Chapter 3.
We hope this booklet will be of some use for those interested in transport
activities in Japan.
Kouki Sato
Director-General of the Research
and Data Processing Department,
Transport Policy Bureau,
Ministry of Transport
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