Japanese firms engaged in construction and related industries are facing two different scenarios on the domestic and overseas market. At home, in a domestic market that is shrinking due to an aging population, there is a major focus on the maintenance and repair of existing infrastructure and buildings, while also enhancing their resilience to the natural disasters that have become more frequent due to climate change. Japanese companies have responded by drawing on the nation’s technological and manufacturing prowess to come up with solutions to address these era-defining issues.
“Of course, we have been experiencing a lot of big earthquakes, but recently an increasing number of disasters are emanating from heavy rains. We need to create an environment where people can live safely and securely, which will also lead to further economic growth. I think that with our civil engineering division we will be able to exert leadership in rebuilding our country,” says Makoto Asanuma, president of 130-year-old construction company Asanuma.