Investing in Japan

Gifu Prefecture is driven by supporting industries for automotive and aerospace-related parts and materials manufacturers. With the opening of the eastward Tokai-Kanjo Expressway, etc., transportation access has improved, contributing greatly to reducing corporate distribution costs, etc.

• Marujun Co.,Ltd.
• Pacific Industrial Co.,Ltd.
• Kawasaki Heavy Industries,Ltd.
• Gifu Auto Body Co.,Ltd.
• Tenryu Industiries Co.,Ltd.
• Pajero Manufacturing Co.,Ltd.
• Taiho Gifu Corporation
• Yutaka Seimitsu Kogyo,Ltd.

• Gifu University and Graduate Schools
• Research Institute for Machinery and Materials (support for automotive and aerospace industry-related technology development and product development)
• Nakanihon Automotive College (human resources development in automotive repair and production)
• Gifu Prefectural Research Institute of Information Technology (carries out information and mechatronic robotics technology-related research jointly with companies)

• Gifu University Cooperative Research Headquarters
• Gifu University Die Construction Technical Research Center (development of human resources specialized in die manufacturing)

An IT-related industry cluster is being built in the Seino region of Gifu, centered on Softopia Japan and its information infrastructure with an ample network environment. The IT hub in this region includes the Softopia Japan Center; Softopia Japan Dream Core; the Ogaki Information Studio; the Institute of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences; etc.

• Gifu University and Graduate Schools
• IAMAS, as a development hub for creative human resources, uses its knowledge of CG, design, acoustics, networks, etc., to produce a large number of specialists in software development and other areas.
• The “Info-Communication Security Human Resources Training Center” provides a specialized, practical curriculum as part of the training it offers in information and communications security.

The Sweet Valley and special information business zone, including Softopia Japan, have received the first stage of certification for special zones for structural reform, and Softopia Japan has been designated as a “special IT business model zone” (cancelled on March 31, 2007 in line with special expansion throughout Japan).

Gifu offers an abundance of scenic resources, including the World Heritage Site of Shirakawa-Go, the Michelin three-star Hida-Takayama, the Gero Hot Springs (one of Japan’s most famous springs), and cormorant fishing on the Nagara River. Gifu has long been known for its hot springs, of which it has some of the most in Japan. Gifu’s hot springs are good for more than just relaxation, their mild-yet-potent waters help to relieve the body of fatigue and illness and are sought out by numerous people for this very reason, which has contributed greatly to the growth of the medical, health and welfare industries in Gifu.