Investing in Japan

Akita

The information below is as of July 2012.

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• Basic Information
• Regional Profile
• Available incentives
• Services for investment in Japan

Basic Information

Population*1	1.09 million
Labor force*1	0.54 million
Area*2	11,636 km²
GDP*3	3,697,229 million yen
Major industries	Electronic components/devices, production and commercial machinery, food, lumber/wood products, and chemistry
Offices overseas	Seoul, South Korea (2002)
JETRO office	JETRO Akita

*1 Population Census 2010, Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications　*2 Area data 2010, Geospatial Information Authority of Japan *3 Prefectural Citizens' Economic Accounts 2008, Cabinet Office

*Ask the local government for the latest data.

Regional Profile

Strength of the region's industries and economy

In terms of manufacturing industries, Akita Prefecture is characterized by the high weight of the electronic component/device industry, which accounts for approximately 30% of the total value of shipments from the prefecture, and has the largest workforce in Akita Prefecture, thus establishing itself as the leading industry of the prefecture. In the past, Akita was one of the few mining regions in Japan, and that is why the prefecture boasts an advanced metal recycling industry that takes advantage of mineral processing technologies. In addition, inflow of the automotive and other transport equipment industries into the Tohoku district is distinct, and the growth in the medical/pharmaceutical industry exemplifies the accelerating aging of the population in the prefecture in recent years.

Available incentives

• Subsidy for investment in plant and equipment: A subsidy equal to 20% of the investment in plant and equipment (3.5 billion yen maximum) may be offered to companies locating a factory in the prefecture. Four billion yen may be paid at a maximum if it includes a research and development facilities.

• Preferential taxation: Local taxes (real estate acquisition tax, enterprise tax and fixed asset tax) may be exempted for designated industry types located in designated areas.

• Funding programs: One billion yen maximum may be lent at 1.8% per annum with repayment terms of 10 years for the investment in factory construction.

Services for investment in Japan

Providing market information	Advice on market participation
Support for finding customers	Listing of potential customers and partners, Listing of potential customers and partners
Support for establishing a base	Providing incubation facilities or other facilities, Providing information on procedures for investing in Japan, Arranging the meetings needed to establish a base (real estate, manpower services), Introduction of available properties and advice on hiring personnel, Providing information on permits and licensing procedures, Providing information on subsidy programs

The Industrial Agglomeration Division of Akita Prefecture provides support for foreign companies considering investments in Akita Prefecture. Making use of its network, the Office offers information about the procedures for incorporation, as well as industrial sites, human resources, universities, research institutes, and business partners, free of charge. Subsidies may be granted for part of the initial investment such as investment in plants and equipment.