The development of Japanese transportation policies in the context of regional development

This paper explains the development of postwar transportation policies in Japan, particularly how transportation infrastructure development planning is placed in the regional development context. Based upon the 1950 Comprehensive National Land Development Act, four consecutive Comprehensive National Development Plans have been formulated so far under the land planning framework, which is closely coordinated with the economic plan. The Fourth Plan, approved in June 1987, aims for a dispersed multipolar pattern of development as Japan enters the 21st Century, emphasizing the development of the nationwide high-speed transportation and information/communication networks through Integrated Interaction Policy. Although each plan reflected the major issues discussed at the time, the basic theme underlying these plans has been the spatially equitable growth of a better and more stable living environment. Transport investment has always been emphasized as the major policy instrument to achieve the basic goals. In this paper, the Japanese institutional framework for regional development and transport planning is first introduced. Then, the four Comprehensive National Development Plans are discussed in terms of their background, the major policies, and the transport elements.