About Us

ActivitiesFacilitating Innovations Through Inward Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Japan and Supporting Overseas Expansions of Startups

Promoting FDI into Japan

JETRO is a government-related organization tasked with attracting inward FDI. Therefore, we can provide effective support for foreign companies entering the Japanese market or expanding their business in Japan. In particular, we focus on attracting projects that use new technologies and business models capable of creating high added value and/or contributing to improving productivity. In cooperation with local governments eager to welcome foreign companies, we also put efforts into attracting firms that can help revitalize regional economies in Japan.

Supporting the businesses of foreign and foreign-affiliated companies

JETRO provides foreign and foreign-affiliated companies (including startups) with information on Japan's investment environments, markets, industries, licensing, and much more. Our organization also assists these firms with the establishment of business bases for companies entering Japan for the first time and with the expansion of operations for those already present. At the same time, we facilitate open innovation by Japanese companies through collaboration with overseas startups.

Investing in Japan

Investment promotion seminar overseas

Strengthening cooperation with local governments

We cooperate with local governments that are highly motivated to attract foreign companies. Therefore, we organize various promotional events and invitational programs, both in Japan and overseas. This significantly helps foreign and foreign-affiliated companies advance in Japan’s various regions.

Foreign companies invited to local region

Other Programs and Services

The provision of information through various seminars and our website
Business incubation services (including rent-free office space) through our six Invest Japan Business Support Centers (IBSCs)
Policy proposals based on the needs of foreign and foreign-affiliated companies

Support for Overseas Expansions of Startups

To create globally active startups, JETRO supports overseas business expansion with the Japanese government and related organizations. In line with this, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) began a J-Startup Program in 2018. J-Startup focuses on promising startups. JETRO provides hands-on support for activities such as participating in exhibitions linked to business ecosystems around the world as well as various pre-dispatch intensive training courses like “boot camps” and mentoring programs.

Supporting startups that aim to expand to overseas markets

JETRO actively supports startup exhibitions at leading conferences in overseas business ecosystems. We also help with participation in pitch contests, work to expand local media coverage of a startup, enhance Japan’s ability to project itself, and facilitate concrete results.

Promoting Japanese startups at a major exhibition in the US

Use of business ecosystems around the world

JETRO has set up about ten Global Acceleration Hubs to support the local expansion of Japanese startups. These hubs also help local leading startups enter Japan, where mentoring, business-matching services, and co-working office spaces are provided. We do all this in partnership with local leading accelerators.