The purpose of this study is to reveal how “farm-mileage program” held in Higashiosaka city creates regional economic cycle through local farmers’ market. The program is one of loyalty programs targeting only locally certified fresh food. To achieve the purpose, questionnaire survey was conducted to consumers getting rewards and to farmers obtaining local certification. As a result, consumers who purchase the products for farm conservation have better knowledge of the program and consume them a lot. This leads good sales of the products in farmers’ market, which encourages positive farmers to extend their farm land for certified fresh food.
Are there any energy cooperatives in Japan? Some studies show cooperatives play a significant role in the German energy transition. This paper attempts to reveal energy cooperatives also exist in Japan.
This study addresses two cases. One is Sakae Gas Cooperative, a gas consumer cooperative in Niigata Prefecture. The other is Anbo Electric Cooperative, an electric cooperative in Yakushima- Island, Kagoshima Prefecture. Both are community-embedded and have a meaningful contribution to the local economy.
From the two case studies, it is argued energy cooperatives also exist in Japan and have possibility to play some role in energy transition.