Investing in Japan

Kochi

The information below is as of June 2011.

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• Basic Information
• Regional Profile
• Services for investment in Japan
• Available incentives
• Links to Related Websites

Basic Information

Population*1	0.76 million
Labor force*1	0.37 million
Area*2	7,105 km²
GDP*3	2,214,830 million yen
Major industries	Agriculture, marine products, general machinery, electrical machinery, ceramics, soil and stone
Developing industries	Agriculture, marine products, general machinery, electrical machinery, ceramics, soil and stone
Offices overseas	Singapore / Shanghai, China
Offices in Japan	Tokyo / Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture / Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture
JETRO office	JETRO Kochi

*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

Boasting the Kochi University of Technology and many other institutions of higher learning that seek to create new businesses as well as such business support organizations as the Kochi Industrial Promotion Center, Kochi Prefecture is able to set up a variety of “software” support programs, i.e., personnel training and basic research programs, in accordance with corporate needs. Although Kochi Prefecture cannot be called a prominent locale, it will exercise its potential to the maximum by mobilizing its capabilities and addressing the needs of business from a broad perspective. For example, the prefecture in recent years has created one of the nation’s top information environments at elementary and junior high schools through industry-academia-government collaboration. Toward the development of a recycling-oriented society, Kochi Prefecture has also demonstrated its tremendous potential across a variety of fields in working with companies in the prefecture to promote some of Japan’s leading business ventures.

Strength of the region's education/research institutes

3 universities (Kochi University, University of Kochi, Kochi University of Technology), 2 junior colleges, 1 technical college, 44 high schools (34 prefectural high schools, one municipal high school, and nine private high schools)

Strength of the region's infrastructure

<Land>

Kochi Expressway

<Air>

Kochi Ryoma Airport

<Sea>

Kochi Port, Susaki Port, Sukumo Bay Port

<Railway>

JR Shikoku (Shikoku Railway Company)

Services for investment in Japan

Menu of services	Fees charged?	Content of services
Support for establishing a base
Providing incubation facilities or other facilities	No	Provision of information on, and introductions to, various facilities
Introduction of available properties and advice on hiring personnel	No	Provision of information on location conditions, introductions to organizations having information on jobseekers
Providing information on permits and licensing procedures	No	Provision of information on Kochi Prefecture licensing procedures, introductions to the organizations involved
Providing information on subsidy programs	No	Guidance on subsidy programs, introductions to the organizations involved

Available incentives

Kochi Prefecture has institutionalized some of the best incentives in the country for businesses locating here. In addition to a giga-class data communications infrastructure and support for personnel hiring, it offers thorough follow-up programs that continue to provide support to businesses after operations are underway.

Links to Related Websites

Local governments and related organizations

• Official website: Kochi Prefecture
• Business support: Kochi Prefectural Trade Association

Transportation / living

• International exchange: Kochi International Association
• Other living information : Guide to tourism in Kochi Prefecture