新潟県における定期市場網の地域的差異

市掛行動の分析を通して

抄録

The aim of this paper is to clarify the regional differences in the network of periodic markets in Niigata Prefecture. The regional system of the network of periodic markets is examined through the analysis of both the number of linkages and the degree of connectivity. The former indicates a combination among periodic markets, which is brought about by visiting trade, and the latter indicates the centrality of the periodic markets in the network.
The main results of this study are summarised as follows:
1. It became clear that the distributional characteristics of periodic markets in Kanbara, Iwafune and Kubiki regions in Niigata Prefecture differ from each other in terms of sellers, kinds of goods and market days; and the residences of sellers are distributed agglomeratively in certain areas according to each commodity.
2. Sellers in Niigata Prefecture are classified into two types, i. e., farmers who sell their products, and traders. Furthermore, the traders are divided into part-time traders and full-time traders based upon the extent of speciality on periodic markets. As the traders occupy some 70 percent of all those selling in the market, the importance of the traders for the existence of periodic markets is much higher than previously discussed.
3. The linkage conditions among periodic markets by visiting traders are measured by the index of“the number of linkages”. As a result of analysis, it became clear that the network of periodic markets does not extend all over the prefecture, but that there are independent networks in each region.
4. By examining the centrality of each periodic market through the analysis of“the degree of connectivity”, it became clear that these three regions have different distribution patterns.
A major reason for the regional differences in the networks is based upon the difference of their formation periods. The periodic markets in the Kanbara Region have existed since the Edo Period. Therefore, the rational spatial composition of today's networks is derived as a result of historical adjustment. On the other hand, in the Iwafune Region the periodic markets came into existence due to the increase of demand for perishable foods from the end of Meiji Era to the beginning of Taisho Era.