RESTORING CONFIDENCE

This feature's first article discusses the recession in Japan's construction industry, but reports that it is relatively mild. Japan still claims to have the world's largest construction market, which represents 18% of its gross national product, about twice the corresponding proportion for the European Union. The Japanese Government has limited the recession's effects by providing additional funds for public capital works. However, unemployment in the construction industry has risen to 3%. The status of the construction industry as a profession has declined sharply in Japan, and it has acquired the image of being dangerous, dirty, and difficult. In response, contractors recently mounted a campaign to improve working conditions, by making construction sites even cleaner and tidier. Site safety is already top priority, and prospective clients often rank a good safety record before a low price. Other articles analyse the effects of the Kobe earthquake disaster in 1995, and report on how Kobe is recovering. Other articles consider the earthquake's impact on international seismic codes; the reconstruction and retrofitting of Kobe's many buildings; and rebuilding of the partly collapsed Hanshin Expressway.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Thomas Telford Limited

    London,   United Kingdom 
  • Authors:
    • Hayward, D
  • Publication Date: 1996-6

Language

  • English

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00729228
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
  • Files: ITRD
  • Created Date: Dec 12 1996 12:00AM