From Kitakyushu to the world: AGI, a research institute that studies Asia's economy and society
Consulting Division
CONSULTING DIVISION
A Think Tank Emphasizing Contribution to the Local Community
We conduct investigations and research aimed at supporting the realization of major projects in Kitakyushu City from an academic perspective, promoting policies, and proposing measures for industrial and economic promotion in collaboration with local economic organizations and companies.
| Director of Consulting Division | HATTA Tatsuo |
|---|---|
| Group Leader | TAMURA Kazuki |
| Member | PENG Xue(Concurrent Positon) |
| KOMATSU Sho(Concurrent Positon) |
Research Projects for FY2025
Research on policies to increase labor mobility in Japan based on international comparisons
Staff:HATTA Tatsuo
Director of Consulting Division
It has been pointed out that the reason for the significant decline in Japan’s international ranking of GDP per capita over the past 30 years is that it has not established labor market in which “performance-based compensation” is paid, and therefore labor mobility is low. To find a solution to this problem, this research will conduct the following analysis.
1. We will examine how employment legislation should be reformed to increase labor mobility while protecting workers’ rights, comparing with precedents in other countries.
2. We will compare research on the effects of minimum wage systems in various countries and consider the possibility of reforming the minimum wage system in Japan. In this research, we will analyze cases where those who are willing to work for a lower wage than the minimum wage are unable to enter the labor market even if employment does not decrease due to the minimum wage system.
3. We will also consider how the acceptance of low-wage foreign workers will affect the labor mobility of low-wage workers in Japan.
Research on the evaluation of urban mobility and accessibility（continued）
Staff:TAMURA Kazuki
Associate Professor
Research on urban mobility and accessibility provides an important foundation for urban planning and policy, and there has been a substantial body of research accumulated to date. However, in recent years, the values and lifestyles related to transportation and mobility have undergone significant changes. These shifts include dramatic alterations in transportation demand following the COVID-19 pandemic and an increased demand for walking driven by health consciousness, among other factors. As a result, the environment surrounding transportation and mobility has transformed. This study, in light of these developments, aims to re-examine methods for evaluating urban mobility and accessibility, focusing on Kitakyushu city, where population decline and aging are progressing. For the evaluation of mobility, the study will combine pedestrian flow data (OD data aggregated by mesh units) with regional mesh statistics to measure the volume of movement within the city and its efficiency. Regarding accessibility evaluation, the study will explore methods using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze and assess the distance between facilities and their users.