Investing in Japan
Regional Information
Gifu
A crossroads of people and industry in the center of Japan
- Your Regional Guide: Kaori Itoh
Inquiry form
Business Investment Promotion Division
2-1-1 Yabuta-minami, Gifu-city, Gifu Prefecture 500-8570
TEL: +81-58-272-8371 FAX: +81-58-278-2659
- Basic Information
- Regional Profile
- Services for investment in Japan
- Available incentives
- Living environment for foreigners
- Links to Related Websites
Basic Information
| Population | 2.10 million (October 2006) |
|---|---|
| Labor force | 1.13 million (October 2005) |
| Area | 10621.17km² (October 2007) |
| GDP | 7,247 billion yen (2005) |
| Major industries | Transportation equipment and machinery (automobiles, aircraft), general machinery, machinery and metals, electrical machinery, food products |
| Developing industries | Information, communications and video-related; medical and welfare-related; environmental-related; biotechnology; tourism |
| Offices overseas | Shanghai/New York |
| Offices in Japan | Tokyo/Nagoya city, Aichi Prefecture |
| JETRO office | JETRO Gifu |
Regional Profile
Strength of the region's industries and economy
Gifu Prefecture is a member of the Greater Nagoya Initiative (GNI). It has a strong manufacturing industry which ships a great quantity of transportation equipment and machinery, general equipment and machinery, electrical equipment and machinery, plastics and more. It is home to a large number of technologically sophisticated small and medium-sized companies and possesses a diverse range of knowledge – from foundational technology to advanced technology – which gives it its manufacturing strength. Gifu develops both its established, core equipment and machinery manufacturing companies as well as cultivates a concentration of diverse industries, such as die-making, pressing, parts fabrication, etc., in the areas surrounding these companies. Furthermore, the foundational technology of these industries helps support the development of leading-edge industries. In particular, industries like die-making and cutting help meet the strict quality demands of the aerospace and electrical machinery industries so that they can maintain their preeminent place in the world.In this way, atop a concentration of diverse and sophisticated technology, Gifu is able to flexibly and assuredly adapt to the fluctuating demand for finished products such as aircraft and automobiles. At the same time, Gifu abounds in distinctive, local industries, such as textiles and clothing, ceramics, furniture and woodworking, knives, and papermaking, which are rooted in the local cultures and traditions.
Strength of the region's education/research institutes
Gifu has 13 universities, 1 technical junior college, 10 junior colleges, and 82 high schools.
Gifu University (in Gifu City) has five departments (Education, Regional Studies, Medicine, Engineering, and Applied Biological Sciences), 5 graduate courses (Education, Regional Studies, Medicine, Engineering, and Agriculture), and 3 independent graduate courses (United Graduate School of Veterinary Science, United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical information Sciences). The number of students enrolled at the university as of May 1, 2007 was 5,947 undergraduates and 1,708 graduate students. The 9 departments within the Faculty of Engineering engage in a broad range of research; in particular partnerships between industry, academia and government are promoted through the university’s Cooperative Research Headquarters which handles technical consultations from local companies and helps further joint research projects.
In addition, there are many research institutions like The Softopia Japan Foundation, Techno Plaza, Gifu International Institute of Biotechnology, Gifu Prefectural Research Institute for Health and Environmental Sciences, Gifu Prefectural Industrial Technology Center, Gifu Prefectural Research Institute for Machinery and Materials, Gifu Prefectural Research Institute of Information Technology, Gifu Prefectural Ceramics Research Institute, Gifu Prefectural Research Institute for Human Life Technology, Gifu Prefectural Agricultural Technology Center, Gifu Prefectural Research Institute for Agricultural Technology in Hilly and Mountainous Areas, Gifu Prefectural Research Institute fo Bioengineering, Gifu Prefectural Livestock Research Institute, Gifu Prefectural Fresh Water Fish Research Institute, Institute of Advanced Media Arts and Sciences, and International Academy of Media Arts and Sciences etc.
Industry-government-academia collaboration
The Research Institute for Machinery and Materials (Seki City) and the Gifu Research and Development Foundation (Kakamigahara City) have established (May 2008) the Aircraft Components Study Group which includes companies involved in the aircraft manufacturing industry and which aims to improve the level of aircraft part fabrication technology amongst companies in Gifu Prefecture and to improve the level of the machinery and metals industry overall through the application of this technology. The GNI region is one of the largest manufacturing centers in Japan, mainly for the automobile industry but also for the aircraft industry. And thanks to orders for the next generation of passenger planes, the market for aircraft is only expected to increase.The Aircraft Components Study Group is developing and implementing technical support activities which will improve the utilization and precision fabrication of new materials necessary to the aircraft industry, such as carbon composite materials; enhance advanced quality control, etc., for products; and bolster materials and fabrication technology.
Strength of the region's infrastructure
Gifu is located in almost the very center of Japan, providing the most advantageous location in terms of both time and distance to the major cities of Japan. Although the prefecture is located inland, it provides convenient access to destinations both domestic and foreign via the round-the-clock Central Japan International Airport, which maintains both domestic and international routes, and through its close proximity to Port Nagoya, designated as a “Super Central Port”. Gifu is also located close to the major consumer area of Nagoya, with travel between Gifu City and Nagoya taking as little as 18 minutes. Whether industrial activity or daily living, Gifu provides convenience.
<Land>
The Meishin Expressway (from Nagoya to Kobe) and the Chuo Expressway (from Tokyo to Komaki) both run through Gifu and are both major transportation arteries for Japan. The Tokai-Hokuriku Expressway, which opened fully in July 2008 and links the Sea of Japan to the Pacific Ocean (Ichinomiya City in Aichi – Tonami City in Toyama), the eastward Tokai-Kanjo Expressway and the Chubu-Jukan Expressway (Highway 158), opened in 2005, have been linked to create a comprehensive arterial highway system.
<Air>
The Central Japan International Airport is a convenient transit point as it maintains both domestic and overseas routes, linking major foreign cities with major cities and Japan. In addition, in terms of physical distribution, it offers round-the-clock freight shipping to help companies shrink their lead time and it is the first airport in Japan to be designated as a comprehensive bonded area. The Central Japan International Airport contributes to greatly increased cargo processing capability, reduced distribution costs and a superior level of efficiency.
<Sea>
In order strengthen its competitiveness as an international port, Port Nagoya is undertaking experimental and pioneering initiatives through the joint cooperation of the national government, the private sector and the port management which will realize “ports costs and service levels beyond those of the other major ports in Asia”.
<Railway>
Using the Tokaido Nozomi shinkansen (bullet train), passengers can reach Tokyo from Nagoya in 98 minutes and reach Nagoya from Shin-Osaka in 52 minutes; on the JR Tokaido main line express passengers can reach Gifu from Nagoya in 18 minutes and Ogaki from Gifu in 11 minutes. From Gifu to Kozan on the JR Kozan line express takes 115 minutes; from Nagoya to Tajimi on the JR Chuo main line express takes 32 minutes; and from Tajimi to Nakatsugawa takes 37 minutes.
Foreign company(s) operating in the industry
Gifu’s Seki City has the largest shipment value in Japan for knives. Because of the advanced technological environment in place for knife manufacturing, companies such as Zwilling J.A. Henckels have expanded into the area.Also, IT companies such as Sun Microsystems have expanded to the IT hub Softopia Japan (Ogaki City).
| Company name | Leatherman Tool Group., Inc |
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| Industry sector | Import and wholesale of American-made, multifunctional tools |
| Date of entry | 1986 |
| Motivation for selecting region |
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| Comments |
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| Company name | NIHON HYDRO-PAC INC. |
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| Industry sector | Import and sale of American-made, high-pressure, specialized equipment |
| Date of entry | 1987 |
| Motivation for selecting region |
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| Comments |
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| Company name | ZWILLING J.A. HENCKELS JAPAN LTD.. |
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| Industry sector | Import, manufacture and sale of ZWILLING J.A.HENCKELS brand cutlery, tableware, kitchenware, and related giftware, etc. |
| Date of entry | 1973 |
| Motivation for selecting region | The top brands in the world of knives and cutlery originate from “Solingen in the West and Seki in the East”. Solingen is an industrial city in the northwest of Germany which has flourished as a center for blade production from the middle ages up to the present. Meanwhile, Seki City in Gifu Prefecture reached its height as a blade producing region during the Muromachi Period, from roughly the end of the 15th century through the first half of the 16th century. Solingen and Seki both share a passion for manufacturing research and development in terms of their history, technical prowess and environment. |
| Comments | The Japan plant was established as part of ZWILLING’s global strategy for the production of high-grade cutlery. The company’s German president and his staff carried out the preparations and groundwork for the plant, and now it is a leading-edge facility that skillfully combines the work of machines and craftsmen. |
Services for investment in Japan
| Menu of services | Fees charged? | Content of services |
|---|---|---|
| Providing market information | ||
| Advice on market participation | No | The Greater Nagoya Initiative Council (GNIC) provides “one-stop” service for the GN area.Information about Gifu can be obtained from the Gifu Economic and Industrial Promotion Center. Introductions to outside specialists require a fee. |
| Consulting by external experts and advisers | Yes | The Greater Nagoya Initiative Council (GNIC) provides “one-stop” service for the GN area.Information about Gifu and introductions to outside specialists can be obtained from the Gifu Economic and Industrial Promotion Center. |
| Arranging appointments with potential customers and partners | Yes | The Greater Nagoya Initiative Council (GNIC) provides “one-stop” service for the GN area.Information about Gifu and introductions to outside specialists can be obtained from the Gifu Economic and Industrial Promotion Center. |
| Support for establishing a base | ||
| Monitoring surveys (evaluation of products and services) | Yes | The Greater Nagoya Initiative Council (GNIC) provides “one-stop” service for the GN area.Information about Gifu and introductions to outside specialists can be obtained from the Gifu Economic and Industrial Promotion Center. |
| Listing of potential customers and partners | No | The Greater Nagoya Initiative Council (GNIC) provides “one-stop” service for the GN area.Information about Gifu can be obtained from the Gifu Economic and Industrial Promotion Center, and its website offers a feature that allows for targeted company searches. |
| Listing of potential customers and partners | No | The Greater Nagoya Initiative Council (GNIC) provides “one-stop” service for the GN area. |
| Support for establishing a base | ||
| Providing incubation facilities or other facilities | Yes | A “Dream Core Incubation Room” can be found in Softopia Japan |
| Providing incubation facilities or other facilities | Yes | The Greater Nagoya Initiative Council (GNIC) provides “one-stop” service for the GN area; introductions to outside specialists can be obtained. |
| Providing information on procedures for investing in Japan | No | The Greater Nagoya Initiative Council (GNIC) provides “one-stop” service for the GN area; introductions to outside specialists require a fee. |
| Arranging the meetings needed to establish a base (real estate, manpower services) | No | The Greater Nagoya Initiative Council (GNIC) provides “one-stop” service for the GN area; introductions to outside specialists require a fee. |
| Introduction of available properties and advice on hiring personnel | No | The Greater Nagoya Initiative Council (GNIC) provides “one-stop” service for the GN area; introductions to outside specialists require a fee. |
| Providing information on permits and licensing procedures | No | The Greater Nagoya Initiative Council (GNIC) provides “one-stop” service for the GN area; introductions to outside specialists require a fee. |
| Providing information on subsidy programs | No | The Greater Nagoya Initiative Council (GNIC) provides “one-stop” service for the GN area. Information about Gifu can be obtained from the Business Promotion Section of the Gifu Industry, Labor and Tourism Division. |
Support service
The Greater Nagoya Initiative Council (GNIC) provides “one-stop” service for companies developing business in or establishing facilities in the GN area; information about specific areas, surveys, PR, invitations, arranging meetings, and help with expansion are provided.
Database of candidate partners
Facilities and areas of specialization for 3,000 registered companies can be searched.
The GNI Partners Club, run by GNI, supports the aims of GNI and is made up of approximately 400 businesses, universities, research institutions and others in the greater Nagoya area that wish to partner with foreign firms.
The search function offered by this club provides a major boost in helping foreign firms participating in GNI to find business partners in the area. GNI creates opportunities for and support with corporate matching.
As a result, new business within the region is created, and through the use of the Overseas Company Invitation Program, there have been numerous examples of overseas firms and local businesses and others joining together to develop new business.
Available incentives
<Subsidy Measures>
Up to 1 billion yen is available in the form of the “Gifu Business Promotion Program Subsidy” to companies expanding their operations into Gifu.
<Preferential Treatment>
Companies acquiring production facilities costing more than a set amount within designated regions in the prefecture can be exempted from enterprise taxes and real-estate acquisition taxes, while industrial machinery, etc., can be subject to special depreciation.
Nearly all municipalities in the prefecture offer exemptions, etc. from taxes on fixed-assets.
<GNIC “One-Stop” Service>
“One-stop” service, such as information provision, is offered as a way to help overseas companies make a smooth entry into the region.
Living environment for foreigners
| Living environment | Gifu has long been famous for its abundant nature. The Hida region of northern Gifu has a chain of mountains (Mt. Ontake, Mt. Norikura, Mt. Okuhotaka, etc.) over 3,000m high. Meanwhile, in the Mino region in the south, the Kiso Three Rivers (Kiso, Nagara and Ibi) run through the Nobi Plain; in particular the mid-basin of the Nagara River is considered so beautiful that is has been selected for inclusion as one of “Japan’s One Hundred Famous Waters”. And in terms of living, Gifu is inexpensive when compared with big cities in terms of rent and other living costs; it offers more living space and shorter commuting times as well, making it a comfortable place to live. |
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| International schools | Ogaki City offers a Brazilian school – HIKO – which was the first such school established in Japan. |
| Health services catering to foreigners | There are approximately 60 medical facilities offering services in foreign languages. A list of hospitals that can accommodate non-Japanese speakers can be found on the Gifu International Center website. |
| Other | The Gifu International Center exists to support foreigners living in Gifu; it collects necessary information for living in the prefecture and puts it in a guidebook, which is available on the Web (in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Portuguese). |
Links to Related Websites
- Gifu International Center
- A Guide to Business Establishment in Gifu
- Gifu Prefecture Tourist Federation Gifu Tour Guide
- Greater Nagoya Initiative
