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One of the World’s Largest Economies
Japan’s strong economy, the third largest in the world, is helped by its economic sophistication and pro-business policies.
The nation’s largest industries include automobiles, automotive parts manufacturing, electronic equipment, machine tools, chemicals, textiles, and processed foods. Japan’s top export destinations are the United States, China, South Korea, Thailand, and Hong Kong, giving the nation strong economic ties to its surrounding Asia-Pacific neighbors.
For companies seeking to establish a regional headquarters, Japan’s location also makes it ideal for conducting business in Japan and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region. Flights from Japan to surrounding cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Sydney) are short, affordable, and often available several times throughout the day, making it easier for businesses to plan trips around normal work hours.
In addition to its positive economic outlook, Japan is noted for its internal stability. The nation is considered one of the most politically stable countries in the world, as well as one of the safest to travel in for work or business.
A Strong Government Emphasis on R&D Investment
Japan has long been a face of national commitment to research and development; since 2000, Japan has ranked in the top three countries for total % of GDP devoted to research and development practices. For every 1,000 employees in Japan, 10 are research professionals engaged in the “conception or creation of new knowledge, products, processes, methods, and systems.”
National commitment to the development of new technology and knowledge exists not only on a government level, but also on a private one. In 2013, Japan received approximately 473,000 patent applications and granted 340,000 of them. Japan has the second-highest number of patent applications per one million people. To promote and encourage research and development, Japan also has some of the strongest intellectual property laws in the world, making it ideal for businesses with research and development interests.
Businesses can expect to find strong support for research and development activities in Japan; many municipal governments offer incentives packages to foreign companies who establish a research and development center in designated special economic development zones.
One of the Highest-Educated Labour Forces in the World
Nearly 59% of citizens between the age of 25 and 34 years of age have completed tertiary education; Japan’s education levels are higher than any European nation and the second-highest in the world after South Korea.
Municipal governments in Japan offer various incentives packages to foreign companies who hire skilled domestic labor as part of expanding their business in Japan.
Learn More with JETRO’s Market Research Reports
JETRO creates tailored market reports that explore consumer trends, competitor activity, and market outlook for various industries. These reports can be accessed by contacting the nearest regional JETRO office and scheduling a free business consultation.
Scaling up your Business in Japan
