Retail planning in Japan: Implications for city centres

Abstract

Japan is known for its high number of shops. In the last decade, the number of shopping malls has increased greatly. These are mostly Western-style shopping malls, built in peripheral areas of cities with ample parking and good car accessibility. This type of commercial development has both positive and negative consequences. This paper attempts to fill part of a research void by examining the planning debates on regional malls and inner city shopping streets. The research hypothesis is that Japan is undergoing a change that has proved unsustainable in many Western countries. This paper discusses the forces influencing this retail transformation, the characteristics that are making Japanese society opt for these formats, and the likely consequences for cities and towns attempting to revitalise their centres. It also contributes to a better understanding of how European-based town planning policies might have an impact on Japanese retail development.