Change and f prospects of Miki Hardware production area in Japan

Abstract

In Hyogo Prefecture, “Miki hardware products production area” is concentrated by companies that represent the industry of craftsmanship, and it is known as a “town of hardware” that produces 17% of the value of craftsmanship shipments nationwide. There are 6 major prefectures of hardware production in Japan (Niigata, Fukui, Gifu, Osaka, Hyogo, Kochi), but among them Miki city in Hyogo prefecture and Sanjo city in Niigata prefecture have a large share. The Miki hardware production area has continued to lead the industry in the industrial arts and crafts industry for about 200 years since the beginning of the 19th century. What is the cause of this sustainable advantage of the Miki hardware production area? This study considers the changes and prospects of the Miki hardware production area and explores the factors of the competitive advantage of the production area.