The impact of a Michi-no-Eki with urban amenities on shopping difficulty and social interaction

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for “Michi-no-Eki.” These roadside stations in Japan help solve food desert problems and enhance social interaction. Accordingly, the number of Michi-no-Eki with various urban amenities (e.g., supermarket, restaurant, and playground) has been increasing. However, there is no statistical model that can calculate the impact of a Michi-no-Eki with urban amenities on shopping difficulty or social interaction. Consequently, it can be difficult for local authorities to assess the need, the location, and the design of a Michi-no-Eki with urban amenities to ease shopping difficulty and enhance social interaction. This study aimed to (1) confirm the influence of Michi-no-Eki with urban amenities on shopping difficulty and social interaction, and (2) identify the factors influencing the impact of such Michi-no-Eki to support development of statistical models for shopping difficulty and social interaction.