A Highly-educated Workforce and Advanced Technology
Boost Your Business with the Brainpower of Japan’s Top Researchers
Japan has the 2nd highest number of researchers per capita in the G7. You can find advanced technology and talent needed to drive innovation for your business here.
G7 Ranked by Number of Researchers per Million Inhabitants (2023)
*The figures represent scores.
Source: Created by JETRO based on World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) (2024). Global Innovation Index 2025: Innovation at a Crossroads. Geneva: WIPO. DOI:10.34667/tind.58864
Exceptional Talent and Strong Labor Relations Will Fuel Your Business
Japan boasts a highly-educated workforce with advanced skills and a collaborative labor culture, both of which will enhance your business productivity.
| Rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 75.9 |
| 2 | United States of America | 71.0 |
| 3 | United Kingdom | 66.8 |
| 4 | Canada | 66.4 |
| 5 | Germany | 66.2 |
| Rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canada | 100 |
| 2 | United States of America | 72.7 |
| 3 | Japan | 72.2 |
| 4 | United Kingdom | 69.2 |
| 5 | France | 65.1 |
-
Source:
The Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) 2025 report
published by INSEAD and Portulans Institute
Leverage Japan’s Diverse Value-Adding Potential for Your Business
Known for its diverse, value-added products, Japan has a long history of leading global manufacturing. In 2024, it was ranked 1st in the world for the Economic Complexity Index, while 2023 saw it ranked 4th in Asia for industrial competitiveness. Establishing your business in Japan will give you access to cutting-edge technologies and innovative products well before they go mainstream.
| Rank | Country and Region | CIP |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 0.38 |
| 2 | South Korea | 0.33 |
| 3 | Taiwan | 0.31 |
| 4 | Japan | 0.30 |
| 5 | Singapore | 0.25 |
| Rank | Country and Region | ECI |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Japan | 1.69 |
| 2 | Switzerland | 1.58 |
| 3 | Taiwan | 1.57 |
| 4 | South Korea | 1.56 |
| 5 | Singpaore | 1.45 |
-
Source:
©United Nations Industrial Development Oraganization "Data Browser" CC BY 4.0
, and Growth Lab "Country & Product Complexity Rankings"
Boost Your Business: Hire From the World’s 4th Largest Pool of IT Engineers
Home to one of the world’s largest pools of IT engineers, Japan is brimming with technical talent, making it fertile ground for technological innovation. Japan’s technology and talent could turbo-charge your business.
Number of IT Engineers by Country (2025)
(Unit: 10,000 People)
*China: Estimated from the average percentage of IT engineers in the information and communication industry workforce in the Asian regions exluding China.
Source: Created by JETRO based on Human Resocia Co., Ltd " 2025 Edition: Global IT Engineer Report Vol.17"
Cultivation of Global Talent in Japan is Making the Workforce More International and Diverse
When it comes to identifying investment opportunities in Japan, it makes sense to use a local expert. These days, it’s easier than ever to find an English-speaking Japanese professional who fits the bill. Meanwhile, with the number of International Baccalaureate (IB) schools in Japan growing to 265, the country is also cultivating future generations of globally-minded talent with the skills and capabilities to help you succeed.
*The number is as of March 2026.
*The above counts the number of IB accredited schools and others by program unit, and differs from the number of schools as published by the IB organization.
Source: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) IB Education Promotion Consortium
Japan Ranks 2nd in the G7 in Terms of Adults' Tertiary Educational Attainment
With Japan ranking among the second in the G7 in adults’ tertiary educational attainment, the country offers a wealth of exceptional talent supported by its high educational standards. Japan is home to numerous individuals ready to drive your business towards success, particularly in advanced technology fields, providing the human capital you need to power your business forward.
Adults' educational attainment distribution, Tertiary education 2023 (Unit：%)
Source: Created by JETRO based on Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training "Databook of International Labour Statistics 2025"
We provide a flowchart outlining the basic steps involved in establishing a base in Japan. You can also find a detailed explanation of each step, cost estimation, an overview of the laws, regulations and procedures related to setting up business, and more.
The pamphlet “Laws & Regulations” is available in PDF, and outlines basic information about laws, regulations and procedures related to setting up a business in Japan.
PDF “Reasons to Choose Japan”
The “Reasons to Choose Japan” is also available in PDF.
Contact Us
Investing in and collaborating with Japan
We will do our very best to support your business expansion into and within Japan as well as business collaboration with Japanese companies. Please feel free to contact us via the form below for any inquiries.
Inquiry FormJETRO Worldwide
Our network covers over 50 countries worldwide. You can contact us at one of our local offices near you for consultation.
Worldwide Offices
