Investing in Japan - Attractive Sectors
In-depth survey of six key Japanese sectors: Automotive Parts, Retail, ICT, Biotechnology, Medical Care and the Environment. Detailed overview of each sector, including competitive advantages, target areas and government policy activity in these important growth areas.
Automotive Parts
The year 2006 was one in which Japan led the world in terms of the number of automobiles produced. Japanese automobile manufacturers produced more than 20 million units worldwide, more than half of which were manufactured in Japan. Moreover, the export rate of domestically produced vehicles exceeded 50%. (October 2008)
Retail
Valued at over 110 trillion yen in 2003, Japan's retail market stands as the second largest in the world. In addition to market size, the key of values of the Japanese consumer present ample opportunities for retailers offering luxury, style, comfort and convenience in their products and services. (October 2005)
ICT
The ICT industry has broadened its focus beyond manufacturing equipment to maintenance and management services as well as creating audio, video, print and digital content. These developments are anticipated to create a variety of new opportunities in Japan's ICT market. (October 2007)
Biotechnology
In 2005, Japan's biotechnology market was an estimated 1.76 trillion yen, making it the second largest in the world, after the U.S. The market is expected to continue to grow and expected to reach 25 trillion yen by 2010 due to factors such as the aging of society and increasing health awareness. (October 2007)
Medical Care
Japanese society has been aging more rapidly than other advanced industrialized societies. In 2000, Japan's rate of aging was five times faster than France and three times faster than the U.S. By the year 2050, it is projected that one out of every three Japanese will be a senior citizen. This will expand the need for greater medical and nursing care services, with the market for these services expected to grow to reach 75 trillion yen by 2010. (January 2007)
Environment
According to a survey conducted in 2003 by the Ministry of the Environment, the ecobusiness market is projected to grow from 28.9 trillion yen in 2000 to 47.2 trillion yen in 2010. Ecobusinesses that provide technology, products, or services that contribute to the protection of the environment play a vital role in the creation of a sustainable socioeconomic system with a low environmental impact, and the government will continue to actively promote and foster these businesses in the future. (January 2007)
