Logging enterprises are divided into two types, namely one is "type of direct selling to processing stages" and another is "type of selling to log auction market as used to be". Such types are depended on the regional forestry structure and production scale of the enterprise. In this study, we investigated the current state of 8 logging enterprises as well as the strategies employed to manage them in northern Okayama. After surveying logging enterprises and log auction markets, we attempted to analyze the data adopting Drucker's management theory and scheme of marketing mix. With Maniwa-Tsuyama sawn-timber production center development around 1975-80, thereby joining the golden age. However, since the 1990s, the sawn-timber production center has been scaled down, timber prices have lost their predominance. The management styles of logging enterprises could be classified into either primary contract-type or subcontract-type. It became apparent that from logging practices to marketing, factors such as inner-regional cooperation which is originated from high-quality-brand sawn-timber production center have a large influence on management styles, distinguished "type of direct selling to processing stages" of other regions.

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We analyzed the sizes, structures, motivations and problems faced of private companies that pursue forest related activities at a prefectural level. The results are based on a postal questionnaire survey conducted in October 2013 in which questionnaires were sent to 501 companies and 227 responses were received. Additionally, interviews were conducted to individual companies from manufacturing, finance, and construction sectors. Ishikawa Prefecture has roughly 0.9% of population and gross domestic products of Japan. Breaking down Ishikawa Prefecture's GDP, percentage of each economic sector is similar to that of the nationwide GDP. We can say that economic structure of Ishikawa Prefecture is national average. This study focuses on a prefectural level and on small and mid-sized companies. Private companies tend to prioritize the convenience of the activities and readiness of permits, rather than the natural elements such as tree species. Furthermore, different trends within the prefecture were analyzed, suggesting need for area specific policy support.

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[in Japanese]

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