The Weight of Society Over Time and Space: A Comprehensive Account of the Construction Material Stock of Japan, 1945–2010

• DOI: 10.1111/jiec.12284
• Publication Date: 2015-05-20T18:33:26Z
• Authors: Hiroki Tanikawa; Tomer Fishman; Keijiro Okuoka; Kenji Sugimoto
• Keywords: Stock (firearms); Material flow analysis; Stock management; Material Flow

Summary In order to fully comprehend the socioeconomic metabolic (SEM) dynamics and material balance of nations, long‐term accounting economy‐wide stock is necessary in parallel flow accounts. Nevertheless, accounts have been scarce, isolated, mostly focused either on single materials, short time spans, or small regions. This study has two objectives: (1) review state art research SEM discourse (2) present a project map, high level detail, in‐use construction stocks Japan its 47 prefectures from 1940s until era. documents major depositories stock: buildings infrastructure. We describe challenges benefits utilizing bottom‐up approach, promote usage studies. The resulting database presents accumulation over time, as well visually displaying spatial distribution using geographical information systems (GIS), which, we argue, an essential aspect analysis context metabolism research.