1. Research Background and Objectives
This research provides detailed analysis of the utilization status of the liberalization system for import/export declaration customs offices at Japanese airports during typhoon disasters. Taking Kansai International Airport and Narita International Airport as case studies, it examines the continuity of logistics during disasters and the flexibility of customs operations. The liberalization system for import/export declaration customs offices enables customs procedures at different offices than usual, potentially playing an important role in maintaining logistics networks during disasters.
2. Overview of Import/Export Declaration Customs Office Liberalization System
The liberalization system for import/export declaration customs offices enables import/export declarations to be made at customs offices other than the usually designated ones. This system allows customs procedures at alternative customs offices when specific airports or ports cease functioning due to disasters or accidents, ensuring continuity of international logistics. Through system utilization, companies can achieve rapid cargo movement and customs processing even during disasters, making it an important mechanism.
3. Impact of Typhoon Disasters at Kansai International Airport
Kansai International Airport has experienced serious damage from typhoons including flooding and runway closures, and the actual utilization of this system during such disasters is analyzed in detail. When airport functions stop due to typhoons, cargo rerouting and securing alternative transportation routes become necessary, examining how much the liberalization system was utilized and what effects it brought to logistics continuity.
4. Disaster Response Cases at Narita International Airport
The system utilization status when Narita International Airport was affected by typhoons and other meteorological disasters is also surveyed. Given its importance as an international logistics hub for the metropolitan area, the effectiveness of securing alternative functions during disasters and system utilization is clarified through comparative analysis with Kansai International Airport. Differences in system utilization patterns during disaster response between both airports and their underlying factors are also examined in detail.
5. Challenges and Constraining Factors in System Utilization
Analysis revealed challenges including insufficient business operator awareness of the system, procedural complexity, and difficulties securing alternative transportation means during disaster-time system utilization. Additionally, inadequate information transmission systems during disasters and insufficient coordination among related organizations are identified as factors hindering effective system utilization. These challenges are positioned as important issues to be resolved for improving system effectiveness.
6. Analysis of Logistics Operator Response Behavior
The specific response behaviors of logistics operators during typhoon disasters and actual system utilization are analyzed. Operators consider multiple response measures during disasters, making optimal choices based on comprehensive judgment of costs, time, and risks. While the liberalization system plays an important role as one of these options, its utilization varies significantly depending on operator size, industry type, and disaster severity.
7. Logistics Continuity Assurance Mechanisms During Disasters
The research provides detailed analysis of the system's role and limitations in ensuring logistics continuity during disasters. While the liberalization system is an important means of enhancing logistics network redundancy, its actual utilization requires many prerequisites including securing alternative transportation means and bearing additional costs. Effective system utilization requires preparation and coordination among stakeholders during normal times.
8. Policy Implications and System Improvement Directions
Policy recommendations for improving system effectiveness during disasters are derived from research results. Important improvement issues include thorough system dissemination, procedural simplification, strengthened information provision systems, and enhanced coordination among related organizations. The importance of advance preparation and training for enabling rapid disaster response is also mentioned, presenting specific measures for qualitative improvement in system operations.
9. Considerations from International Comparative Perspectives
Through comparison with similar systems in other countries and logistics continuity measures during disasters, characteristics and room for improvement in Japan's system are examined. Referencing international best practices, improvement points in Japan's system design and operation methods are clarified, providing insights for more effective disaster-time logistics continuity assurance. This is also important analysis from the perspective of maintaining Japan's competitiveness in international logistics.
10. Future Research Challenges and Practical Implications
This research is positioned as valuable research results providing the first systematic analysis of liberalization system realities during disasters. Future research challenges include analysis of broader disaster cases, quantitative evaluation of system improvement effects, and integrated consideration with other logistics continuity measures. Practically, it provides important insights for both business operator disaster response plan formulation and administrative agency system operation improvement, offering concrete guidelines for both policy formulation and practical operation.