Investing in Japan
Regional Information
Shizuoka
A concentration of highly innovative, vibrant technological industry set amongst abundant nature and a developed transportation network
- Your Regional Guide: Koji Terao
Inquiry form
One Step Service Center (Shizuoka International Business Association)
Sangyo-Keizai Kaikan 4F, 44-1 Ohtemachi, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-city, Shizuoka Prefecture 420-0853
TEL: +81-54-254-5161 FAX: +81-54-251-1918
- Basic Information
- Regional Profile
- Services for investment in Japan
- Available incentives
- Living environment for foreigners
- Links to Related Websites
Basic Information
| Population | 3.79 million (Male: 1.87 million, Female: 1.92 million) (2005) |
|---|---|
| Labor force | 2.08 million (Male: 1.21 million, Female: 0.87 million) (2005) |
| Area | 7,780km² (2005) |
| GDP | 16,068 billion yen (2004) |
| Major industries | Transportation equipment and machinery, musical instruments, electrical machinery, chemical engineering, food products |
| Developing industries | Medical, functional food products, optical-related, distribution-related |
| Offices overseas | Singapore/Shanghai, China |
| Offices in Japan | Tokyo/Osaka |
| JETRO office | JETRO Shizuoka |
Regional Profile
Strength of the region's industries and economy
A key feature of industry in Shizuoka is its manufacturing which is based on outstanding technology. A number of small to medium-sized companies, including venture corporations which support the industrial capability of major global corporations, provide world-class technical information and capabilities as well as high-quality, highly-efficient manufacturing. From transport to electronics, chemical products, machinery, food products, paper, pulp and IT, Shizuoka’s small to medium-sized companies span a diverse range of industry sectors and contribute greatly as partner businesses and suppliers to companies expanding into the prefecture. Thanks to this cluster of companies and industries, Shizuoka boasts the third highest total shipment value in Japan for manufactured products. Also, in 2007, Shizuoka had the largest number of outside businesses operating offices, factories, etc., within it for all prefectures in Japan; it was previously in the No. 1 position three years before in 2004. And in terms of foreign firms operating business facilities in the prefecture, the total since 1989 for Shizuoka is the highest in Japan.
Strength of the region's education/research institutes
Shizuoka has 19 four-year universities and graduate schools and 1 technical junior college. In particular Shizuoka University and Hamamatsu University School of Medicine are both education and research hubs of the Hamamatsu technopolis region, producing a large number of creative human resources. Also, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, and the University of Shizuoka have all adopted the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology-supported “21st Century Center of Excellence Program”.
Prefectural research institutions include the Industrial Research Institute (Numazu, Fuji, and Hamamatsu Industrial Technology Centers), Shizuoka Prefectural Research Institute of Agriculture and Forestry, Livestock Research Institute, Marine Industry Research Institute and others.
Industry-government-academia collaboration
There is one major reason to choose Shizuoka as a site for business expansion, and that is the next-generational research and development taking place in the prefecture that to the positive synergy that exists between its three main industrial clusters. In Shizuoka, collaboration between industry, academia and government has produced the “Shizuoka Triangle Research Cluster” project. The central region of the prefecture, with its abundance of agricultural products, possesses high added-value food product-related industries; the eastern region focuses on cancer research and advanced pharmaceutical development; and the western region has a concentration of cutting-edge optical technology and electronics companies. Within each of these clusters, businesses and research institutions, such as universities, work together to generate new business opportunities. The seeds of next-generation industries are being developed in Shizuoka.
- Eastern Shizuoka: Pharmaceutical Valley (Fujisanroku leading-edge health industry): A global leader in advanced medical research
- Central Shizuoka: Food Science Hills (food, pharmaceutical and chemical products industries): Pursuing new “foods” and a higher quality of life
- Western Shizuoka: Photon Valley (optical and electronic technology-related industries): A concentration of photo-electronic technology for the next generation
Strength of the region's infrastructure
One major reason to choose Shizuoka is its excellent access to Japanese and global markets.Located near the center of Japan, Shizuoka is only one hour from Tokyo and Nagoya and two hours from Osaka by shinkansen (bullet train). The Tomei Expressway provides access to Tokyo and Nagoya in two hours and just over four hours to Osaka. Shizuoka is therefore close to Japan’s three major markets.Once the New Tomei Expressway is completed, access from Shizuoka will become even more convenient.Also, the opening of the Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport in March 2009 will provide faster access to international destinations.
<Land>
The Tomei Expressway, a major east-west artery for Japan, runs across Shizuoka and helps to make transportation by land more efficient. There are 16 interchanges in Shizuoka which allow vehicles to reach Tokyo and Nagoya in just two hours and Osaka in four hours and twenty minutes. Currently, the New Tomei Expressway is being constructed, promising even more convenient access once it is completed.
<Air>
The Mt. Fuji Shizuoka Airport is scheduled to open in March 2009, providing access to global markets when it does. The airport will maintain domestic routes to destinations such as Hokkaido and Kyushu and will have international routes to destinations primarily in Asia. It will serve to greatly increase ease of travel both within Japan and abroad.
<Sea>
In addition to the Port of Shimizu, which is a specially-designated port, Shizuoka maintains other ports such as Omaezaki Port. The Port of Shimizu maintains 23 regular container routes and was the first port in Japan to adopt a 24-hour cargo handling system; it is also directly connected to major arterial routes in Japan, such as the Tomei Expressway, making it a key business hub.
<Railway>
The Tokaido shinkansen (bullet train) line (six stations) provides rapid access to three of Japan’s largest metropolitan areas.
Foreign company(s) operating in the industry
According to industrial location trend surveys performed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the number of foreign firms with facilities (1,000m2 or larger and more than 50% financed with foreign capital) in Shizuoka has grown to 24 over the 18 year period from 1989 to 2006, putting it at No. 1 amongst prefectures in Japan. The main reason these companies chose Shizuoka was the relatively low cost of living and operations it provided coupled with ease of access to three of Japan’s largest metropolitan areas. Examining these companies according to industry sector shows that manufacturing has the largest representation, particularly high-tech companies.
| Company name | JAPAN AIR GASES |
|---|---|
| Industry sector | Industrial and medical gas manufacturing and sales, etc. |
| Date of entry | 2006 |
| Motivation for selecting region | The two key factors for choosing a new production base were proximity to a large number of customers and finding a location in the center of the prefecture; fortunately, a site in Yoshida Town in Shizuoka, which is located next to a large customer base, was able to be secured. Dealing with the various regulations after securing the site required some work, but the staff in the business promotion sections of the prefectural and municipal governments provided a great deal of needed support. |
Services for investment in Japan
| Menu of services | Fees charged? | Content of services |
|---|---|---|
| Providing market information | ||
| Advice on market participation | No | Consultation provided. |
| Consulting by external experts and advisers | No | Consultation provided. |
| Support for establishing a base | ||
| Listing of potential customers and partners | No | Consultation provided. |
| Listing of potential customers and partners | No | Consultation provided. |
| Support for establishing a base | ||
| Providing incubation facilities or other facilities | As a rule, a fee is charged | Information on incubation facilities is provided. Some facilities may charge a fee. |
| Providing incubation facilities or other facilities | No | Consultation provided. |
| Providing information on procedures for investing in Japan | No | Consultation provided. |
| Arranging the meetings needed to establish a base (real estate, manpower services) | No | Consultation provided. |
| Introduction of available properties and advice on hiring personnel | No | Consultation provided. |
| Providing information on permits and licensing procedures | No | Consultation provided. |
| Providing information on subsidy programs | No | Consultation provided. |
Support service
Services provided through the One-Stop Service Center
1) Information provided for site selection and market development; information provided on preferential treatment
2) Consultations and advice on paperwork and procedures for relevant organizations
3) Introductions to specialists, such as lawyers
4) Information provided on the Japanese market; information provided on daily living
5) Introductions to partner companies
Database of candidate partners
- The Information of Shizuoka Pref. on International Business
This database aims to match foreign firms with local companies interested in international business and has been established in order to promote business for companies with offices, etc., located in Shizuoka, in particular business with foreign firms. Searches can be performed by keyword or by category (industry sector, manufacturing or sales item, etc.).
- Shizuoka One-stop Service Center
One-Stop Service Center Website
- Information on companies supporting the Shizuoka manufacturing industry
- Information on Shizuoka’s biotech industry (biotech-related company profiles), etc.
Available incentives
<Subsidies>
1) Office space rent subsidies for foreign firms
Assistance in reducing the burden of initial investment for foreign firms setting up offices, etc., in Shizuoka for the first time is given in the form of a rent subsidy for the first year which covers half of their rent. Maximum amount: 500,000 yen.
2) New industry facility establishment business cost subsidy
Manufacturing companies establishing new facilities (factories and/or research facilities) in Shizuoka will receive a subsidy for up to 7% (up to 10% if located on a public industrial park) of the costs of constructing facilities related to production, research, development, and operations and of the costs of purchasing machinery and equipment. Maximum amount: 500 million yen.
3) Regional industry facility establishment business cost subsidy
Manufacturing facilities, research institutes and/or software industry, etc., companies being established for the first time in Shizuoka will receive a subsidy covering 1/5th of the cost of land acquisition and up to 500,000 yen per new employee. This money will be provided half from the prefectural government and half from the municipal government. Maximum amount: 200 million yen.
<Overlapping subsidies>
1) and 3) can overlap and both be applied if facility investment employee hiring are at or above a given size.
Living environment for foreigners
| Living environment | Shizuoka’s appeal lies not only in its rich business environment and culture. The prefecture also offers beautiful natural scenery and a wealth of traditional culture which enhance the quality of life. It is for this reason, also, that Shizuoka attracts so many companies. Land prices are significantly cheaper than Tokyo or Osaka, and the lower cost of living affords residents a fuller life. In terms of business and personal life, Shizuoka offers much to satisfy the needs of global companies. |
|---|
Links to Related Websites
