The Final Coal Mine Closures in Japan: A Historical Overview Utilizing the Conceptual Perspective of Mine Closure Policy Implementation Studies

Abstract

This chapter examines the last few coal mines (Ikeshima, Yubari, Takashima, Miike and Taiheyo) that were shut down in Japan, as case studies. The reason for this is threefold. First, to understand mine closure policy implementation in the most mature phase of the Japanese coal mining industry. The second reason is to contextualize coal mine closure against Japan’s national transition from manufacturing and heavy industries to service industries and hi-tech manufacturing/research industries, including the lucrative and profitable potential of the tourism industry. The third reason focuses on how such policies are implemented in an era and age where (late twentieth century and early twenty-first century) corporate social responsibility (CSR) towards the local community is emphasized in corporate culture.