The Financial Situation and Business Problems of Intermediate Wholesalers in the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market

摘要

The present paper aims to ascertain the financial situation of intermediate wholesalers and examine business problems that these wholesalers face. As a case study, the present study focuses on intermediate wholesalers in the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market. Financial analysis was performed from the perspectives of profitability, productivity, and stability and an overall assessment was made. The results revealed that the intermediate wholesalers studied had low profitability and productivity compared with other wholesalers (small businesses). Currently, the system for ensuring a constant number of intermediate wholesalers is in place in Tokyo. To ensure high management efficiency in market operations by intermediate wholesalers, the present regulations should be abolished and entry to and withdrawal from the market should be liberalized. In 2004, operating regulations were substantially relaxed following the revision of the Wholesale Market Law. Intermediate Wholesalers should seize the business opportunities liberalized by such deregulation by actively seeking to expand operations. These issues must be addressed and the business framework must be strengthened in order to improve the profitability and productivity of intermediate wholesalers.