Economy

There are numerous reasons for wishing to do business with or in Japan: According to data from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Japan has enormous potential to become a regional centre for R&D in Asia, and enjoys an unparalleled reputation for excellence in R&D among Western and Asian businesses. Second, Japan plays an important role as a “bridge nation” between the East and the West, connecting Asian enterprises and markets with the West.

HOKKAIDO PREFECTURE

Main City: Sapporo                                                      

Population: 5,384,000 people, ranking 8/47 prefecture (2015) [1]

Area: 83,456 km² [2]

Geographical / Landscape description

Japan is the 3rd largest economy in the world. With GDP 1.5 the size of the UK and per capita GDP 6 times that of China, Japan remains the high-tech powerhouse economy of Asia. With the second highest spending worldwide on R&D, a hunger for IP and new trends, and an increasingly globalised outlook, Japanese companies remain amongst the most valuable and technologically advanced in the world. Japan’s major growth driver is exports despite external demand accounting for 16% of its total GDP.

OKINAWA PREFECTURE

Main City: Naha

Population: 1,434,000 people, ranking 25/47 prefectures (2015) [1]

Area: 2,271 km² [2]

Geographical / Landscape description

KAGOSHIMA PREFECTURE

Main City: Kagoshima

Population: 1,649,000 people, ranking 24/47 prefectures (2015) [1]

Area: 9,132 km² [2]

Geographical / Landscape description

MIYAZAKI PREFECTURE

Main City: Miyazaki

Population: 1,104,000 people ranking 36/47 prefecture (2015) [1]

Area: 7,735 km² [2]

Geographical / Landscape description