Abstract
Using input-output analysis, trends of the Japanese manufacturing sectors' energy and material intensity were examined over four decades, from 1960 to 1990.The Japanese automobile industry metabolism, in particular was clarified in terms of material input/consumption typified by hotrolled steel. Inducement by final demand sectors, specifically fixed capital formation was scrutinized to evaluate the materialized industrialization due to car use in industry and household.Results revealed that motor vehicles as capital goods continue to be an important part of the industries' production process and as service both in the business and the private sectors. Despite eco-efficiency, such demands caused continued increase in the total material consumption.Nevertheless, there was an evident decoupling from material and energy use, which increased resource efficiency and reduced carbon dioxide emission per unit output.
