Fukuoka

Fukuoka Prefecture has developed as an economic center for western Japan and provides an attractive environment as a business location for companies focusing on not only Japanese markets but also on those in East Asia. Its GDP exceeds 154 billion US dollars, comparable to that of a medium-sized country. Kyushu as a whole, including Fukuoka Prefecture, is the 25th largest economy compared to countries around the world. In particular, for the automobile industry, Fukuoka Prefecture has grown into a significant manufacturing base, boasting a production capacity of over 1.5 million cars annually, mainly at the state-of-the-art plants of Toyota, Nissan, and Daihatsu. There is also an active clustering of related industries, including parts-manufacturing and R&D bases.

2% of the amount of capital investment, 1/2 of the amount of annual lease for business facilities, etc., and 0.3 million yen per prefectural resident newly employed as regular worker.

Note: These ratios vary among sectors and business location

Subsidy to cover part of travel expenses for overseas companies that intend to expand into Fukuoka Prefecture.

Visit from Europe and North America: Up to 200,000 yen per company
Visit from other overseas regions: Up to 150,000 yen per company

Subsidy to cover 50% of the company registration expenses in setting up a business in Fukuoka Prefecture, up to 150,000 yen.

Kyushu's northern region, including Fukuoka Prefecture, has emerged as a major hub of automobile-related industries, primarily by car assembly manufacturers, such as Nissan Motor Kyushu, Toyota Motor Kyushu, and Daihatsu Kyushu. Backed by this growing presence, the area has grown into a production base that boasts a production capacity of over 1.5 million vehicles annually. There have also been steady advances to the district by engine plants and hybrid vehicle parts production plants, along with R&D bases.

In Fukuoka Prefecture, there are clusters of food product businesses using fermentation and brewing technologies and bio-related industries. There is also an impressive collection of universities, public research laboratories, constituting one of Japan's leading "bio-clusters." Collaboration with research institutes, companies, and others in Asian countries have become active.

Fukuoka Prefecture has an excellent attraction and environment not available in Tokyo or other metropolitan areas. It offers comfortable living, delicious food and is a perfect place to raise children. In the "19 best places to visit in 2019" published by the U.S. CNN, Fukuoka Prefecture was chosen as the only destination in Japan. The article featured Kokura Castle, Dazaifu Tenmangu, Yanagawa renowned for river cruising, Nagahama Fresh Fish Market, and Tonkotsu Ramen. The average price of housing and land, rent, and office lease is cheaper than those in Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, providing an excellent business environment.

Within Fukuoka Prefecture, there are two international airports, Fukuoka Airport and Kitakyushu Airport, with an extensive network of approximately 300 international flights a week, mainly to major cities in Asia, and about 410 domestic flights a day to major cities in Japan. There are also two international hub ports, Hakata Port and Kitakyushu Port, each with approximately 35 regular container liner routes worldwide. It boasts one of the country's leading transport infrastructure networks with the Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines and the Kyushu Expressway and Oita Expressway.

The Shinkansen bullet train line links Fukuoka to Tokyo in 5 hours, to Nagoya in 3.5 hours and to Osaka in 2.5 hours. In March 2011, the Kyushu Shinkansen opened its entire line. Fukuoka and Kagoshima are connected in 80 minutes, further improving access to various areas of Kyushu.

Fukuoka Prefecture supports companies by providing information on market and industry, laws and regulations, real estate for offices, factories, residences, and human resources. It also introduces prospective business partners and provides follow-up services for companies after their establishment in the prefecture. Under the Fukuoka Prefecture Subsidy for Promoting the Establishment of New Business Facilities program, Fukuoka Prefecture provides companies with subsidies depending on their investment amount and employment size. Besides, many municipalities in the prefecture have a variety of incentive programs.