Investing in Japan

Automotive Parts

The year 2006 was one in which Japan led the world in terms of the number of automobiles produced. Japanese automobile manufacturers produced more than 20 million units worldwide, more than half of which were manufactured in Japan. Moreover, the export rate of domestically produced vehicles exceeded 50%. (October 2008)

Retail

Japan boasts the world's second largest retail market, with a value exceeding US$1,124 billion. In addition to its size, the enormous influence of Japan's retail industry attracts global attention as being the origin of many Asian trends. For retailers in particular, the Japanese market offers an abundance of diverse opportunities to sell products and services that offer luxury, style, convenience and high value. (April 2009)

ICT

The ICT industry has broadened its focus beyond manufacturing equipment to maintenance and management services as well as creating audio, video, print and digital content. These developments are anticipated to create a variety of new opportunities in Japan's ICT market. (October 2007)

Biotechnology

In 2005, Japan's biotechnology market was an estimated 1.76 trillion yen, making it the second largest in the world, after the U.S. The market is expected to continue to grow and expected to reach 25 trillion yen by 2010 due to factors such as the aging of society and increasing health awareness. (October 2007)

Healthcare

As Japan's population ages more rapidly than that of any other developed country, the Healthcare and welfare markets in Japan are expected to expand significantly in the future. In response to the public's increased awareness of health issues and the government's implementation of supportive policies, the market is showing signs of developing new fields that include preventive medicine and nursing care services with emphasis on the prevention of age-related diseases. (March 2012)

Future Energy Systems

According to statistics from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Japanese environmental market is predicted to growfrom 59 trillion yen in 2005 to 83 trillion yen by 2015. Watching each market separately, markets related to global warming, such as energy saving and renewable energy, are estimated to experience a massive increase of 53% from 32 trillion yen in 2005 to 49 trillion yen in 2015. In the future, the environmental business market is expected to shift from conventional waste disposal to new energy systems such as those for energy saving, renewable energy and environmentally friendly products.(March 2012)