The Antecedents of Michinoeki’s Efficiency in Japan: A Longitudinal Study

The expansion of Michinoeki along Japanese highway systems is widely considered to be a successful socio-economic experiment, which has enhanced interstate commerce as well as spurred tourism. Although descriptive studies on Michinoeki have been conducted, a review of the literature indicates that quantitative investigations are sparse. It is pivotal to identify the determinants that contribute to the success and efficiency of Michinoeki’s, which can provide insights to further augment their development, thus revitalizing the surrounding local economy. To address this gap in the literature, the present investigation drew data from the entire population of Michinoeki towards ascertaining their relative efficiency by employing the DEA model, which enables data-driven inferences as well as comparative analyses. Based on the findings of the study, managerial implications are identified and avenues for future research are forwarded.