1.1. Overview

Japan is a long, narrow island nation traversed in the center by steep mountains. Since ancient times, the country's inhabitants and their activities have been concentrated in the coastal areas, with harbors forming the core.

At present, Japan relies on marine transport to move the majority of the goods essential for its inhabitants' daily lives. About 99.7% of all goods involved in foreign trade pass through Japan's ports and harbors; marine transport accounts for 41% of all domestic cargo distribution on a ton/kilo basis.

Ports and harbors serve as focal points for the industrial activities that support regional economies. They also function as marine recreation sites, as well as processing areas for sewage and other waste products.

Japan's ports and harbors, therefore, play an essential role in the social and economic activities of its citizens.

Sources :

Office of the Minister of International Trade and Industry: Annual Statistics on Energy Production and Demand, 1999 Office of the Minister of International Trade and Industry: Annual Statistics on Natural Resources, 1999 Office of the Minster of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries: Table of Supply and Demand for Foodstuffs, 1999 Japan Tariff Association: Japan Exports and Imports, December 1999 Office of the Minister of International Trade and Industry: Annual Report on Textiles Statistics, 1999 Office of the Minister of International Trade and Industry: Annual Report on Paper and Pulp Statistics, 1999

Note :

Percentage of imports = import volume/(import volume + domestic production volume)