Hiroshima

Hiroshima Prefecture is often described as a “microcosm of Japan” because of its rich natural environment and how closely it tracks nationwide averages in socioeconomic indicators. It is utilized by many companies as a test market for the Japanese market and thus plays a critical part in various new product developments. As a gateway to the Japanese market, Hiroshima Prefecture offers the optimum environment for your business. It has diverse, well-balanced, and multi-layered industrial clusters ranging from shipbuilding, steel, and automotive industries to advanced electrical and electronics-related industries. Hiroshima is also home to a wealth of world-class manufacturing technology. Over 300 unique and leading companies in a wide range of fields from material industries such as steel and chemicals to electrical and precision machinery are based here.

Subsidy target: Buildings and facilities
Subsidy amount:
[for companies establishing facilities in the prefecture for the first time]
15% of the assessed value of fixed assets (for fixed asset tax)
[for companies with existing facilities in the prefecture]
10% of the assessed value of taxable fixed assets (for fixed asset tax)
Maximum subsidy amount: 3.5 billion yen

Subsidy targets: Buildings, facilities, and human resources
A foreign company that establishes its first Japanese subsidiary in Hiroshima Prefecture and transfers one or more permanent employees (who registers and maintains residency for at least one year in the prefecture) or employs one or more permanent employees in Hiroshima Prefecture is eligible.

Subsidy amount:
- One million yen per researcher or developer employed in the prefecture or transferred from outside the prefecture (including family members transferred from outside the prefecture).
- 1/2 of the initial cost, etc.

Maximum subsidy amount: 100 million yen

Subsidy targets: Buildings, facilities, and human resources
A foreign company that establishes its first Japanese subsidiary in Hiroshima Prefecture and transfers one or more permanent employees (who registers and maintains residency for at least one year in the prefecture) or employs one or more permanent employees in Hiroshima Prefecture is eligible.

Subsidy amount:
One million yen per employee transferred from outside the prefecture (including family members transferred from outside the prefecture).
1/2 of the initial cost, etc.

Maximum subsidy amount: 100 million yen

Hiroshima Prefecture has developed primarily through heavy industries such as automobiles, steel, and shipbuilding, and the Seto Inland Sea coastline area is one of Japan's leading industrial zones. Consequently, the prefecture has major companies that are active players in the global market manufacturing environmental-related equipment, devices, and systems based on their environmental-related technologies and know-how built upon their pollution control efforts. The prefecture boasts one of the most extensive production scales of environmental equipment, such as pumps, in Japan.

Hiroshima Prefecture has a rich natural bounty, highlighted by the 108 islands dotting the Seto Inland Sea and the seasonal beauty of the Chugoku region's mountains. Simultaneously, the prefecture offers sophisticated urban functions, a broad spectrum of tourism and leisure attractions, and a plethora of foods. Residents can thus enjoy fulfilling lives in terms of housing, education, leisure, cuisine, etc. Also, consumer price indices and the average land price are lower than in the three major cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and other major cities. It is an excellent place to enjoy value for money.
The Hiroshima International Center has a "Foreign Language Consultation Services" counter where foreign nationals can seek advice in multiple languages on residency requirements, social insurance, and labor matters.

Hiroshima Prefecture has well-developed ground, sea, and air transportation infrastructure, enabling quick access to all parts of Japan. Hiroshima Airport connects Hiroshima with major cities in Asia. Shinkansen lines run through the prefecture east-west, while expressways extend to various destinations in all directions. The ports of Hiroshima and Fukuyama offer regular container liner service, making them immensely suitable as bases for domestic and international logistics.

Flights are available to six (seven) cities from Hiroshima Airport: Beijing, Dalian, Shanghai, Chengdu, Seoul, Taipei and Hong Kong (from August 16, 2015), serving more overseas destinations than other airports in the Chugoku and Shikoku Regions.
There are 3 flights to Narita (1 hour and 30 minutes), 17 flights to Haneda (1 hour and 20 minutes), 2 flights to Sapporo, 2 flights to Sendai, 1 flight to Okinawa every day.

The Foreign Business Division offers consultations on investment and business in Hiroshima. It provides tailored support suited to each company's needs, such as collecting information on recruitment, finding office space, and introducing potential customers.