Investing in Japan - Attractive Sectors
In-depth survey of six key Japanese sectors: Automotive Parts, Retail, ICT, Biotechnology, Medical Care and the Environment. Detailed overview of each sector, including competitive advantages, target areas and government policy activity in these important growth areas.
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)
Medical Care
As Japan's population ages more rapidly than that of any other developed country, the medical care 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. (October 2009)
Environment
According to a survey conducted in 2003 by the Ministry of the Environment, the ecobusiness market is projected to grow from 28.9 trillion yen in 2000 to 47.2 trillion yen in 2010. Ecobusinesses that provide technology, products, or services that contribute to the protection of the environment play a vital role in the creation of a sustainable socioeconomic system with a low environmental impact, and the government will continue to actively promote and foster these businesses in the future. (January 2007)
