Tochigi

In Tochigi Prefecture, known as "the Monozukuri (manufacturing) prefecture," manufacturing industries play a vital role in the local economy. The value of shipments of manufacturing products is ranked 12th nationwide, and the ratio of manufacturing to gross prefectural product is the second-highest in Japan (2017). Tochigi boasts a concentration of a well-balanced wide array of manufacturing industries; in particular, Tochigi is a leading prefecture in the pharmaceutical and medical sector and the transportation equipment sector, such as automobile, aircraft, and industrial transportation. Tochigi provides capacity building and support for research and development activities to further industrial agglomeration.

A subsidy equivalent to the real estate acquisition tax on land and buildings is available to companies establishing a new plant, etc., in the prefecture. Also, under certain conditions, this subsidy can be applied to production equipment. Moreover, in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the subsidy requirements have been relaxed for companies strengthening their production systems and food-related companies. (Maximum amount: 3 billion yen)

A subsidy equivalent to the real estate acquisition tax on buildings is available to companies with existing operations in the prefecture and constructing or expanding plants, etc. Also, under certain conditions, this subsidy can be applied to production equipment.
Moreover, in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the subsidy requirements have been relaxed for companies strengthening their production systems and food-related companies. (Maximum amount: 3 billion yen)

Rent subsidies are available to companies outside the prefecture establishing offices to relocate headquarters functions or promote remote work by dispersing offices to regions.
(Head office: subsidy rate of 2/3 up to 5 million yen
Office: subsidy rate of 2/3 up to 3 million yen)

The automotive industry is the key industry of Tochigi Prefecture. Leading large corporations and their affiliated companies and SMEs with great technologies gather here. Additionally, the aerospace industry plays a vital role in Tochigi Prefecture. Tochigi ranks among the nation's top in terms of the number of businesses and the volume of products shipped in the aerospace industry. Leading aerospace-related companies and SMEs with advanced technologies operate in the Prefecture. These companies, universities, and industry-support organizations have established the "Tochigi Auto Industry Promotion Association" and the "Tochigi Aerospace Promotion Association" to facilitate interactions in the industries and conduct various support programs.

The medical device industry will demonstrate solid growth as an industry playing a vital role in supporting citizens' health and producing high-value-added. Tochigi ranks among the nation's top in terms of the number of businesses and the volume of products shipped in the medical device industry. It is home to the industry's leading companies and SMEs with excellent technologies. These companies, universities, and industry-support organizations have established the "Tochigi Medical Device Industry Promotion Association" to facilitate interactions in the industries and conduct various support programs.

Tochigi Prefecture promotes the "Food Valley Tochigi" project. The project aims to make Tochigi a vibrant hub for the food industries through the local economic development under the theme of "food."
Specifically, Tochigi aims to develop a wide range of industries related to "food" from the primary to tertiary sectors, including agriculture, food products, distribution, retail, and foodservice, by promoting industry-academia-government collaboration centered on the "Food Valley Tochigi Promotion Council." The project also aims to build a resourceful industry structure that can adjust to changes in the business environment inside and outside Japan.

Tochigi Prefecture promotes "multi-cultural symbiotic society" as a comfortable and livable place for Japanese and foreign residents. With the Tochigi International Association's cooperation, the Tochigi Prefecture government has established an array of assistance measures, such as providing helpful information in multiple languages on websites and through email notifications on smartphones and offering consultation services for foreign residents.
Tochigi Consultation and Support Center for Foreign Residents: http://tia21.or.jp/hello.html

Tochigi, located in the northern Kanto region, is an inland prefecture that borders Ibaraki (east), Gunma (west), Fukushima (north), and Saitama (south). The prefectural capital Utsunomiya is approximately 100 km from Tokyo and 500 km from Osaka. It takes 150 minutes from Shin-Osaka Station to Tokyo and 50 minutes from Tokyo to Utsunomiya by Shinkansen. By car, it takes 100 minutes from Tokyo to Utsunomiya on the Tohoku Expressway. The Kita-Kanto Expressway, running east to west in the prefecture, was completed in March 2011, providing one-hour drive access to the Ibaraki Port Hitachinaka District from Utsunomiya. From Utsunomiya, Osaka can be reached without traveling through Tokyo (on the Shuto Expressway) by instead using the Ken-O Expressway. It also affords easy access to Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport and Ibaraki Airport, Fukushima Airport, and Sendai Airport by expressways.

Air: Approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes by car from Narita International Airport
Land: Approx. 50 minutes on the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Utsunomiya

Tochigi Industrial Creation Plaza consists of two facilities. Tochigi Industrial Technology Center supports corporations for new technology-related developments and technological advancements. On the other hand, Tochigi Industrial Exchange Center supports corporations aiming to establish new businesses in new fields. Tochigi Industrial Technology Center supports research based on business needs and joint research by corporations and universities by providing its facilities and equipment. Tochigi Industrial Technology Center provides space for businesses conducting research and development and startups.