Abstract
The objective of this paper is to make a regional division of the Keihin industrial area by using the grid method. Several steps were adopted in the research procedure.
1) All establishment with more than 30 employees were listed according to the standard industrial classification.
2) Loacation of these establishment were plotted on maps.
3) Various density distribution maps were derived by the grid method.
The characteristics of each producing area were clarified by observing the following:
1) the density of distribution; 2) the regional polymerization of light, heavy and chemical, and machinery industries; and 3) the regional differences of industrial accumulation.
The research resulted in several conclusions. The Keihin industrial area may be divided into two parts; namely, the “core” area and the “surrounding” area. In the “surrounding” area, there is a dispersion of minor concentrated districts. The “core” area includes the main part of Tokyo, Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Kawaguchi. About 90% of the total establishment of this core area are concentrated in Tokyo. The “core” area may be further subdivided into four districts: Southern, Eastern, Northern, and Central. The Southern district covers the area from Tokyo Tower south to the part of Yokohama and includes 22% of the total number of establishments in the Keihin industrial area. It is one of the two largest concentration of industry in the “core” area and tends to be specialized in light industry. The Northern district developed after World War II and is characterized by the production of molds in Kawaguchi and cameras in Itabashi. The Central district includes the Tokyo C. B. D. and numerous printing and publishing business. Development characteristics of the minor districts in the “surrounding” area are determined by distance and direction from the “core” area.
