Gifu

Gifu Prefecture is a member of the Greater Nagoya Initiative (GNI). It is home to various manufactured goods, including traditional local products such as kitchen knives and ceramics, electric machines, general machines, automobiles, aircraft, and other transportation equipment, supporting Japan's manufacturing industry. Furthermore, as of January 2021, 23 municipalities in Gifu Prefecture are designated as "Special Zone to Create Asia's No.1 Aerospace Industrial Cluster." The prefecture provides comprehensive support to the aerospace industry for its development. It has also formulated a strategy to attract companies to Gifu Prefecture and is working to attract companies that meet each region's characteristics. The eastern part of Gifu Prefecture, where the ground is firm on the hill, is suitable for the manufacturing industry that requires reliable foundation ground. The western part of Gifu Prefecture, endowed with abundant groundwater, meets companies' needs that emphasize water use.

A subsidy of up to 500 million yen is granted to all manufacturing and software businesses for investments in land, buildings, and equipment to establish factories, laboratories, and offices (subject to certain requirements).

(e.g.) A grant of up to one-tenth of the amount of investment is available for an SME that invests 500 million yen or more, and employs 10 or more new permanent employees locally, etc.

When a company relocates its headquarters functions (offices, research institutes, training facilities) to Gifu Prefecture from outside, it is eligible for a subsidy of up to 500 million yen, regardless of the industry (subject to certain requirements).
A company relocating the headquarters functions from within Tokyo's 23 wards involving a transfer of 10 or more permanent employees to Gifu Prefecture is eligible for a subsidy of up to one billion yen.

A subsidy for registration costs associated with the establishment of foreign-affiliated companies. (Up to 0.5 million yen)

Startup Visa Available

Gifu Prefecture has a cluster of aerospace-related manufacturing companies such as Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. and is designated as a Special Zone to Create Asia's No.1 Aerospace Industrial Cluster.

Gifu Prefecture's Gifu region is home to Eisai Co., Ltd. and other pharmaceutical and medical equipment-related companies. The prefecture aims to support developing the healthcare-related industries by enhancing its subsidy programs for pharmaceuticals, medical- and welfare equipment-related businesses.

The Seino region of Gifu is ideal for food production, having an abundance of clean groundwater and agricultural products. The Gifu Prefecture enhanced the subsidy program for food-related industries in its proactive efforts to attract them.

Gifu Prefecture, blessed with nature, has long been called the land of "Hizan Nosui," meaning "Hida mountains, Mino waters." Compared to major cities, Gifu Prefecture offers lower rents and residential land prices, broader residential spaces, shorter average commuting hours, and more comfortable lifestyles. Gifu International Center provides support to foreigners living in the prefecture. The center publishes a guidebook on the web that gathers useful information for living in Japan (Japanese, English, Chinese, and Portuguese). Hiro Gakuen in Ogaki City is the first incorporated Brazilian school in Japan. Isaac Newton College, another Brazilian school, is in Minokamo City. The Sunnyside International School in Gifu City has earned accreditation as an International Baccalaureate school.

Gifu Prefecture is located almost in the center of Japan, and access from major cities nationwide is in the most advantageous location for both time and distance. Although Gifu Prefecture is an inland prefecture, it is close to the Chubu Centrair International Airport, an international and domestic airport operating 24 hours a day, and the Port of Nagoya, which is developing into a super-hub port support logistics in the "Monozukuri (manufacturing) Chubu." It has convenient access to three seaports and five airports.
It is close to Nagoya City, a significant consumer market, which is only 18 minutes away from Gifu City. It offers a convenient environment for industrial activities and daily life. In fiscal 2027, the Gifu Station (tentative name) of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen is scheduled to open in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, connecting Gifu and Tokyo in 34 minutes (non-stop, estimated by Gifu Prefecture).

The Nozomi express train on the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train) connects Tokyo and Nagoya in 98 minutes and Nagoya and Shin-Osaka in 52 minutes. Rapid service train on the JR Tokaido main line connects Gifu and Nagoya in 18 minutes, and Gifu and Ogaki in 11 minutes. Limited express train on the JR Takayama line connects Gifu and Takayama in 115 minutes. Rapid service train on the JR Chuo main line connects Nagoya and Tajimi in 37 minutes.

The GNIC provides a "one-stop" service for companies developing business or establishing facilities in the Greater Nagoya area; information about specific areas, surveys, PR, invitations, arranging business meetings, and assistance for setting up a base in this area. The GNI Partners Club, a website operated by GNI, has registration by approximately 500 companies, universities, and research institutes in the Greater Nagoya region that endorse the intent of GNI and wish to form business alliances with overseas companies. The site's search function provides a useful "clue" for overseas companies participating in GNI to look for business partners in the region. GNI provides opportunities for and supports business matching. It brings new businesses to local companies. Many companies have expanded into new businesses by collaborating with overseas companies.