TOKYO -- Japan's trading houses are opening distribution centers at a rapid pace, investing 200 billion yen ($1.8 billion) over the next three years to respond to growing demand for such facilities catering to e-commerce companies.
Itochu will invest approximately 90 billion yen to open six facilities by 2019 in the Tokyo area. The first will be in Misato, Saitama Prefecture, in July, followed by Chiba city in the fall. Itochu will add four more locations in Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture in 2018 and 2019. The facilities' total floor area will range from 10,000 to 130,000 sq. meters and house several tenants.
