Abstract
Japan is moving ahead with the privatization of public infrastructure by means of concessions. Airports have led the way, followed by seaports as exemplified by the Port of Hakata. With seaport concessions, piers remain under the ownership and operation of the public sector. This characteristic makes it more important to enhance coordination between the public and private sectors and the predictability of the fields involved. While providing incentives for private-sector creativity, seaport concession must also align the public interests of administrators and users with the expectations of concessionaires and investors over issues such as the treatment of users.
