Changes in Distribution Destinations from the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market: A Historical Analysis from 1958 to 2019

Abstract

This study analyzes the evolution of buyer structures in the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market from 1958 to 2019, focusing on changes in distribution destinations. It highlights how shifts in Japan’s food distribution system, particularly since the 1980s, have been driven by the rise of large-scale retailers and the food service industry. These developments led to a significant decline in the share of traditional small retailers, who were gradually replaced by large buyers such as supermarkets and restaurants. The study also examines changes in distribution schedules prompted by large buyers’ demand for earlier transactions. The data reveal two major periods of transformation: the 1970s–80s and around 2000, both of which align with regulatory changes and the growth of direct and pairwise trading. These transitions reflect broader structural changes in Japan’s food and retail sectors.