Domestic timber auctions and flexibly specialized forestry in Japan

摘要: Introduction Markets for industrial logs in Canada and Japan have evolved along different paths. The Canadian particularly British Columbian model of log allocation emphasizes a monopolistic government (publicly owned) timber licenses to relatively few large buyers. Plots crown land are auctioned but rarely lots logs. In practice the appraisal specific is almost always internal these enterprises, often realized 'in flash' by head rig operators sawmills their laser-guided saws. Within Columbia (BC), phase post-Fordist restructuring 1980s 1990s created leaner, more functionally flexible workforce while introducing sophisticated (usually foreign-made computer numeric controlled [CNC]) machinery (Barnes Hayter 1992). As part this restructuring, there evidence nascent secondary manufacturing wood sector associated social divisions labour (Rees 1997), including score enterprises that moved up value chain produce precut homes (Reiffenstein, Edgington 2002). For most part, however, small firms populate initiatives face great difficulties gaining access even suitable needs. through chain, at critical stage where sorted, still dominated markets mass production. response, BC's provincial seeking radically reform system stimulation small-scale auctions. Japanese experience provides fascinating alternative, possibly instructive market evolution. Thus, well-established, widespread auctions, featuring exchange privately owned logs, increasingly threatened imports organized according production principles. Indeed, recent decades, has become dependent on lower-priced forest products (unprocessed, semi-processed fully processed) from burgeoning list supplying countries, (Edgington 1997). At present supply 80 percent Japan's product requirements (Iwamoto distribution systems handling imports, instance integrated paper sawmill complexes tidewater locations, been designed around (Iwai Yet, auctions domestically produced remain important, distinctive features forestry throughout country, except Hokkaido. Historically, were developed as what may be termed 'flexibly specialized' patterns locally differentiated populations small, tiny organizations (Patchell 1997; Patchell Domestic chains connect owners, primary processing activities, hierarchically structured wholesalers, carpenters other house builders with vast domestic comprises buyers strong preferences wood-based structures constructed distinct styles. creation meiboku, or 'special high value' meet tastes, reflects indeed symbolizes regional local variations specialized Japan. Diverse actors add meiboku commodity silvicultural practices such tree binding coax highly prized irregularities growth festive atmosphere which celebrates beauty wood. valuation appreciation individual not limited meiboku; regular country ensure allocated highest best use. …