What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to investigate how market relationships among onion wholesale markets in Japan were impacted by labor regulations.

April 1, 2026Open Access

Changes in Spatial Relationships among Geographically Separated Wholesale Markets for Domestic Onions in Japan after the “2024 Issue”

Key Points

The aim is to investigate how market relationships among onion wholesale markets in Japan were impacted by labor regulations.
Examined weekly wholesale prices from Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka
Compared market integration before (FY2015 to FY2023) and after (FY2024) policy changes
Analyzed the effects of the '2024 Issue' on transport conditions
Prior to the regulation, markets were fully or partially integrated.
Post-regulation, Osaka and Fukuoka markets became fully integrated.
Tokyo market became isolated, indicating reduced market linkages.

Abstract

This study examines how spatial relationships among geographically separated wholesale markets for domestic onions in Japan changed following the "2024 Issue", a policy reform that restricts truck drivers' working hours and has worsened transport conditions.Using weekly wholesale prices from Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, we compare the degree of market integration before (FY2015 to FY2023) and after (FY2024) the regulation.Prior to the regulation, these markets were fully or partially integrated.However, after the regulation, Osaka and Fukuoka became fully integrated, and Tokyo became isolated.These results suggest that recent labor regulations have reshaped spatial market linkages in Japan.

AI에게 질문

Bookmark

View Full Paper