Investing in Japan

Regional Information Okinawa
Okinawa as a Business Hub that connects Asia and Japan
Your Regional Guide : Emi Adachi
![]() |
Okinawa Investment Support Center
Okinawa Sangyo Sien Center4F 1831-1 Oroku, Naha City, Okinawa, 901-0152 |

Okinawa
- If you can't find the information you need, please contact JETRO
.
- Please note that inquires not regarding investment in Japan may not be answered.
The information below is as of November 2017. (Basic Information: September 2018)
Basic Information
Population *1 | 1.39 million |
---|---|
Labor force *1 | 0.65 million |
Area (square kilometer) *2 | 2,280.98 |
GDP *3 | 4,141,564 million yen |
Major industries | Tourism, agriculture/fisheries, civil engineering/construction, petroleum, and wholesale/retail |
Wage *4 |
|
Land price(for 1square meter) *5 |
|
Number of Establishments *6 | 70,329 |
Number of Employees *6 | 609,821 |
Offices overseas |
Taipei, Taiwan / Hong Kong / Shanghai,Beijing, China ,Singapore |
JETRO office |
JETRO Okinawa |
Regional Profile
Strength of the region's industries and economy
Okinawa Prefecture is located at the center of Japan, East Asia and Southeast Asia. Giant markets such as China and ASEAN with the population of 2 billion are within four-hour flight, having the geographic advantage of connecting Japan and Asian countries. It is also a region offering various types of preferential treatment measures targeting national taxes, regional taxes and tariffs, since it is the only region in Japan featuring a “special economic zone.” Okinawa Prefecture enjoys a highly favorable natural environment characterized by a subtropical maritime climate, along with a unique culture and history and other charismatic tourist and resort resources. It ranks as the nation’s largest marine resort region, attracting about 8.61 million tourists annually from both Japan and abroad (6.53 million tourists from Japan and 2.08 million tourists from abroad).
Available incentives
The most beneficial tax treatment measures in Japan can be accessed in the various special zones such as "the International Logistics Hub Industry Development Zone", "the Designated Information and Communications Industry Promotion Zone", and "the Financial Business Promotion Zone".
Incentive name |
Subsidies and tax breaks |
---|---|
Incentive type | Tax incentives |
Outline of Incentives (Requirements etc.) |
Companies that locate in the various special zones such as "the International Logistics Hub Industry Development Zone", "the Designated Information and Communications Industry Promotion Zone", and "the Financial Business Promotion Zone" receive a number of preferential tax treatment, such as 40% deduction from taxable income for corporation tax, and partial exemptions from local government taxes such as real estate acquisition tax and fixed asset tax.Companies are able to choose between alternative systems for the application of tariffs. (only in the International Logistics Hub Industry Development Zone ) Companies hiring more than three employees under 35 years of age receive subsidies equal to one third of the employees' wages (up to 1.2million yen). (Other conditions also apply.) |
Incentive name |
Subsidies Program for Obtaining Invested Fixed Assets |
---|---|
Incentive type | Subsidy |
Incentive target industries |
Manufacturing businesses, manufacturing business with advance technology, information and communication business, international air transport business |
Outline of Incentives (Requirements etc.) |
Subsidiaries for expenses on invested fixed assets obtained for constructing plants and warehouses and for operating business
* Requirements may differ by business category and expenses |
Incentive name |
Subsidiaries Program for Supporting Industrial Cluster for International Logistics Bases |
---|---|
Incentive type | Subsidy |
Incentive target industries |
9 business categories including manufacturing and repair of certain machinery |
Outline of Incentives (Requirements etc.) |
In the area of industrial clusters of international logistics bases, JETRO supports the initial investment burden of the new international logistics hub industry (9 industries such as manufacturing, specific machinery and repair industries, etc.). |
Incentive name |
Rented plants for general manufacturing |
---|---|
Incentive type | Other |
Incentive target industries |
Manufacturing |
Outline of Incentives (Requirements etc.) |
Aims to reduce the initial investment for companies wishing to locate in Uruma/Okinawa region, which is the industrial cluster of international logistics bases, at the time of establishment and starting business |
Incentive name |
Business to secure air containers |
---|---|
Incentive type | Other |
Incentive target industries |
Exporters of prefectural products (producers, manufacturers, wholesalers such as trading companies, distributors) |
Outline of Incentives (Requirements etc.) |
The prefecture leases the container space of airline companies and provides amount equivalent to freight cost to exporters of prefectural products within the budget
* Charges such as fuel surcharge, customs clearing expenses, cargo handling commissions must be paid by the user |
Industry Location Support Center supports companies already located in Uruma/Okinawa region, which is the industrial cluster of international logistics bases, or companies preparing for starting business there in the future. It is also a facility with the role of supporting the foundation and operation of business with support office, meeting room, administration office, etc., in order to promote the further expansion into the region. (Service available only in Japanese.)
Database of candidate partners
- Okinawa Industry Promotion Public Corporation: Company website search