125 foreign firms utilized JETRO’s services to set up business in Japan during FY 2007 | Print |
 

May 29, 2008 -- During FY 2007 a total of 125 foreign firms utilized JETRO’s support and services1 to set up a business in Japan, an increase over the figure recorded in FY 2006 of 115. By region, the majority of these new firms are from Europe (48 firms [Germany 17, U.K. 8, France 7, etc.]), Asia/Pacific (40 firms [China 18, Korea 7, Australia 5, India 3, Singapore 3, etc.] and North America (34 firms [U.S. 31, Canada 3]). These new entrants are spread across a wide range of industries, including software/content (24), services (24), machinery & equipment (16) and automobile & automobile parts (14); other categories include electrics & electronics, clothing and accessories, telecommunication equipment, food, general consumer goods and medical treatment and nursing, etc. Notably, many European and the U.S. automobile parts corporations set up businesses in Aichi and Kanagawa prefectures during FY 2007.

Two notable trends emerged among the firms that utilized JETRO to enter the Japanese market in recent years 1) Half of the companies set up offices in regions across the country other than in Tokyo2; and 2) the number of firms from Europe and Asia/Pacific are on the rise.

North American Companies
The 34 companies from North America that established their business in Japan represented the following industries: automotive (2), electronics (1), environment (2), health care (4), information and communication technology (ICT) (6), manufacturing (7), retail (4), semiconductors (1) and services (7).

About JETRO
JETRO is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO's core focus in the 21st century has shifted toward promoting foreign direct investment into Japan and helping small to medium-sized Japanese firms maximize their global export potential.

In North America, companies work with one of six JETRO US offices (Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco) or one of two JETRO Canada offices (Toronto and Vancouver).

In addition to helping North American companies establish their business in Japan, JETRO also helps Japanese ventures begin their business in the US through Business Innovation Centers located in Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, and San Jose.

See a list of past JETRO clients.

For more information on taking your business to Japan, contact a JETRO representative.

Examples of Foreign Firms Making Use of JETRO to Enter Japanese Market

H&M Hennes & Mauritz Japan K K ("H&M," Sweden)
Global Apparel Retailer Starts Business in Japan
H&M is a leading global apparel retailer, with some 1,500 shops in 28 countries worldwide. A specialty retailer of its own private label apparel, the company boasts the second highest sales worldwide. In anticipation of opening their first stores in Japan in Tokyo’s Harajuku and Ginza shopping areas, the company formally established a subsidiary in August 2007. JETRO advised H&M on product labeling (country of origin and quality information for home products), and helped arrange meetings with relevant government agencies and organizations. The firm also received support in locating suitable offices and information on resident visas.

Bodycote Japan K.K. (United Kingdom)
Leading British Materials Testing and Thermal Processing Service Firm Enters Japan Market
Bodycote International, a leading provider of contracted thermal processing services, operates more than 180 thermal processing plants and 120 materials testing facilities in 35 countries worldwide and has some 11,000 employees. The firm established a subsidiary in March 2008 in Nagoya, where companies in the automobile and aerospace industries are concentrated. JETRO supported the firm’s business expansion by providing free temporary office space, information on local government incentives as well as help arranging press conferences and meetings with potential business partners.

Preservation Technologies Japan (United States)
Leading Book Preservation Firm Taps into Japan Market
US-based Preservation Technologies L.P. is a provider of deacidification products and services for libraries, archives, and consumers worldwide. The firm’s patented Bookkeeper® Deacidification Process, which safely, effectively and economically neutralizes acids in books and documents, has earned the firm large contracts with prominent institutions such as the US Library of Congress and others. To popularize their technology in Japan, the firm established a subsidiary in Saitama in April 2007, and later opened a deacidification plant. JETRO provided the firm with consultation on company establishment procedures as well as information on permits and licenses.

Notes:

1 JETRO operates six Invest Japan Business Support Centers (IBSCs) across Japan to provide one-stop support and service to foreign firms seeking to set-up business in Japan. The centers, linked into relevant government ministries, agencies and regional governments provide free temporary office space (up to 50 business days), consultation with expert advisors and access to a wealth of business information. More than 500 firms have made use of the IBSC to set-up their business in Japan since the first IBSC opened in Tokyo in 2003.

2 JETRO helps foreign firms arrange and carry out visits to Japanese regions and to participate in trade shows in these regions. In addition, Regional Information pages in JETRO’s website makes it easier for foreign firms to connect with local investment officials and find potential business partners and also to get the latest information on business climates and incentives for foreign firms.