<b>The Change of Hierarchy of Urban System: Analysis of O</b>ffi<b>ce Location </b><b>Restructuring in Japan (2000-2010) </b>

Abstract

: The aim of this study was to quantitatively capture changes in the hierarchical structure of head and branch office location from the viewpoint of the national urban system in Japan from 2000 to 2010. The data was extracted from the Handbook of Organization Charts and Offices (2001 and 2011 editions) published by Diamond Inc. Large businesses tend to have multi-locational organizations and to locate their head and branch offices in many cities with preferable locational conditions such as cities that offer large market size, ease of information collection, and face-toface contact, especially with government agencies. The Administrative Structure Charts published by Institute of Administrative Management were also utilized to understand the distribution of government agencies because of the importance of the location of government organizations on the location of private sector offices. This paper analyzes the data extracted on the locations of head and branch offices of listed companies and administrative agencies, and on the basis of this analysis throws light on the urban system of Japan.