2016 Volume 12 Pages 11-18
This paper discusses the regional characteristics of the industrial structure of Wagashi (Japanese confectionery) production. It focuses on the Wagashi production system as well as selected rice snacks for comparison. The main results are as follows. First, small manufacturers’ shares in the Wagashi market sector have been decreasing recently, whereas those of larger manufacturers have been increasing. However, the production of raw materials is centered in domestic-specific production areas. Second, the small Wagashi manufacturers are important suppliers in areas where the population is aging rapidly. Third, Wagashi manufacturers must face issues related to enhancing their material procurement abilities. These results show that the determinants of Wagashi manufacturer locations include not only history and culture, as has been previously indicated, but also the agricultural structure and aspects of the social structure that are affecting the current regional characteristics of the Wagashi industry, such as aging..
