Investing in Japan
Regional Information
Fukuoka city
The information below is as of July 2012.
- Your Regional Guide: Kenji Tanaka
Inquires about investment in Japan.
International Economic Affairs Department
City Hall 14F, 1-8-1Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-city, Fukuoka Prefecture 810-8620
TEL: +81-92-711-4343 FAX: +81-92-733-5593
*If you can't find the information you need, please contact JETRO.
*Search for business partners in Japan via "Database of candidate partners" in the "General Business Information" section or using TTPP (Trade Tie-up Promotion Program), JETRO's free online business matching database.
*Please note that inquires not regarding investment in Japan may not be answered.
Basic Information
| Population*1 | 1.46 million |
|---|---|
| Labor force*1 | 0.72 million |
| Area*2 | 342 km² |
| GDP*3 | Please inquire to your local government for the detailed information about city GDP. |
| Major industries | Services (for businesses and individuals), wholesale/retail, real estate, transport/communication, and manufacturing industries (food processing, printing/publishing, and machinery/metals) |
| Offices overseas | Shanghai, China |
| JETRO office | JETRO Fukuoka |
*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
Fukuoka City's sphere of influence in terms of transportation and information extends to the whole Kyushu and Yamaguchi Prefectures, which contain a population of 15 million. It is also geographically close to markets in China's coastal regions and Korea. Because of its population concentration and highly sensitive consumers, the city is attracting attention as a location for test marketing prior to the decision on nationwide sales of new products or business expansion. Motivated by the volume of business and consumption in the Kyushu and Yamaguchi area, wholesale and B2B services comprise a large portion and the supportive functions for the industries in the whole Kyushu are concentrated here.
- Industrial cluster, project: Organization for Promotion Academic City by Kyushu University
Foreign company(s) operating in the industry
Fukuoka City has long been a popular choice among major foreign companies as the location for their Kyushu/West Japan regional headquarters. In recent years, the city has been increasingly chosen as a toehold by the East Asian companies in East Asian countries such as China and Korea entering into the Japanese market.
For more information of the foreign companies entering in Fukuoka City, see "Interviews with companies established in Fukuoka" page of the Asiabiz Fukuoka portal site.
Asiabiz Fukuoka portal site: Interviews with companies established in Fukuoka
| Company name | HUMAX Co.,LTD. |
|---|---|
| Industry sector | Sales of digital satellite -broadcasting-set top box, digital-cable-broadcasting-set top box, car-audio digital AV machines. |
| Date of entry | May 2011 |
| Motivation for selecting region | Interviews with companies established in Fukuoka - Humax Japan Co., Ltd. |
| Company name | Dongil Rubber Belt Japan Co. Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Industry sector | Manufacture and sale of rubber transmission belts |
| Date of entry | August 2008 |
| Company name | Suntech Power Japan Corporation |
|---|---|
| Industry sector | Manufacture and sale of solar battery systems |
| Date of entry | 2010 |
Available incentives
A variety of support programs are available for businesses locating in Fukuoka City, including subsidy for the office rent. Especially for the foreign companies seeking the first toehold in Japan, part of the recruiting expenses and consulting fee for the company-formation specialist is subsidized. Contact us before making an application, because prior consultation is necessary.
- Industrial location guide: AsiaBiz Fukuoka
- Incentive: Fukuoka Asia Business Portal Site Investment incentives
Services for investment in Japan
| Providing market information | Advice on market participation, Consulting by external experts and advisers, Arranging appointments with potential customers and partners |
|---|---|
| Support for finding customers | Monitoring surveys (evaluation of products and services), Listing of potential customers and partners, Listing of potential customers and partners |
| Support for establishing a base | Providing incubation facilities or other facilities, 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 |
| Other | Other service |
Following the example of the national government’s INVEST JAPAN (comprehensive and centralized point of contact for companies directly investing in Japan), Fukuoka City established a one-stop service for administrative procedures for foreign companies locating in Fukuoka. It transmits information about the City’s investment climate and provides support for companies coming to Fukuoka.
Database of candidate partners
- Fukuoka Asia Business Portal Site "Asia-biz Fukuoka" Search Fukuoka / Kyushu Based Companies
Local companies doing or interested in business overseas are registered. On the other hand, foreign companies interested in dealing with companies in Fukuoka/Kyushu are also registered.
- Kyushu Semiconductor Industries & Technology Innovation Association: Full Members
Introduces the semiconductor-related companies in Kyushu, which is known as "Silicon Island."
