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The significance of West Japan

 The significance of West Japan


Success in Japan: The Reasons Why Western Japan is Vital for Business In addition to being a beautiful and historically significant area, Western Japan is a bustling business hub with plenty of chances. It is a desirable site for enterprises due to its economic strength, innovation, talented workforce, manufacturing skills, cultural appeal, global connectedness, government assistance, and high standard of living. The significance of West Japan as a strategic center for development and success should not be undervalued or disregarded as the business environment in Japan continues to change.


The area makes up 45% of Japan's GDP and includes 29 of the country's 47 prefectures. This is comparable to that of Britain and France and exceeds the GDP of Russia.


Western Japan is home to six of the country's ten most populated metropolitan regions. Important economic hubs like Kyushu and Kansai contribute 10.0% and 16.2% of Japan's GDP, respectively.


Western Japan often has cheaper living expenses than Tokyo, which may be quite advantageous for both employers and workers.


Leading technological businesses, research centers, and universities may be found in large numbers in Western Japan. There is a strong tech ecosystem in the area. Numerous startups and digital behemoths have emerged from this rich foundation for invention, offering firms plenty of chances to work together, conduct research, and grow.


Western Japan is renowned for its superior manufacturing. Among the leading companies with headquarters in the area are Daikin Industries, Panasonic, and Kobe Steel. Robust logistical networks, regional suppliers, and a solid regulatory framework are advantageous for the manufacturing sector and foster the expansion and prosperity of enterprises in the area.


Businesses in the tourist and hospitality industries find Western Japan to be an appealing site due to its rich cultural heritage and significant historical landmarks. Travelers from all over the globe are drawn to the temples of Kyoto, the deer park in Nara, and the lively street food scene in Osaka. Companies that support the travel and tourism sector may benefit from these distinctive features.


Western Another key element that draws firms to Japan is its accessibility to global markets. Among the busiest airports in Japan are the Port of Kobe and Kansai International Airport in Osaka, which provide easy access to a wide range of international locations. Businesses may readily import and export products and services because to this connection.


While Kyushu and Kansai are distinct from Eastern Japan in many ways, they are also significant economic hubs with niche markets that may provide fresh commercial prospects.


Japan


The Kansai area, home to major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, is western Japan's economic hub. Osaka in particular is often referred to be the "Kitchen of the Nation" because of its importance in trade and business. The area is well-known for its well-built infrastructure, which includes top-notch ports, airports, and transit systems. Trade with nearby nations and effective supply chain management are made possible by this.


The economy of the seven prefectures that make up Kansai represents 16.2% of Japan's GDP and is comparable in size to that of Turkey. About half of the region's production is produced in Osaka, the most populated place in the region. In keeping with regional production, the manufacturing industry in the area contributes 16.6% of the nation's overall output, with a focus on electrical and electronic equipment. Strong net exports (-0.4% vs. -0.9% and 2.0% vs. 1.9%, respectively) are predicted to propel Kansai's regional economy above the national average. With a higher exposure to Asia (67% of all regional exports vs. 54% of national exports), exports from the region make up 21.3% of all exports from the country. Compared to the national average, it generates a larger percentage of produced goods and services.


Leading technological businesses, research centers, and universities may be found in large numbers in Western Japan. For instance, the IT industries are flourishing in Osaka and Kyoto. Numerous startups and digital behemoths have emerged from this rich foundation for invention, offering firms plenty of chances to work together, conduct research, and grow.


Japan has refocused its attention on three areas of great promise: women's economics, tourism, and medicine. The Kansai region plays a significant role in these areas.


Medicine: Kansai is the hub for production connected to the medical industry, accounting for the biggest portion of the country's output of medical drugs (29%) and medical devices (18%). Its population is predicted to age more quickly than the national average, increasing demand for products and services linked to medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. In addition, it is anticipated that by 2025, national exports of medical gadgets and pharmaceuticals would surpass ¥1 trillion, about four times their present value.


Travel: After Haneda and Narita, Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the busiest airport for international travelers.


"Women's economics" : Compared to the national average, a lower percentage of women work in Kansai (about 40% vs. 45%). The GDP of Kansai may rise by 1.8% if the rate of female labor participation were raised to the national average. If this is accomplished, there will be a higher demand for child care centers and associated services.


Japan's Kyushu

The seven prefectures that make up Kyushu's economy provide around 10% of the country's GDP. It is marginally smaller than Taiwan and almost the same size as Austria, the 28th biggest economy in the world. The sectors of agriculture (19.5% of national output), IC manufacture (28.1%), and automotive production (13.3%) represent rather significant segments of the area economy. Despite a larger percentage of exports (59.3% vs.54%), the regional economy is predicted to expand somewhat below the national average (1.3% vs. 1.9%) because of its increased reliance on the agriculture sector.


Similar to Kansai, Kyushu makes significant contributions to the fields of "tourism" and "medical/health," but it also plays a significant role in advancing renewable energy, the environment, and agriculture.


Advanced facilities for hydrogen energy research are available at Kyushu University. Leading research centers and similar national government programs should serve as a foundation for the growth of this industry.


Because of the aging and shrinking working-age population, which will increase demand for nursing and medical services, the industry is likely to see losses larger than the national average. Increased consumer knowledge of health issues might lead to more demand for "healthy food," or value-added products with a solid agricultural foundation.


The government wants to quadruple agricultural exports to ¥1tr (£4.5bn) and make the Japanese agriculture industry competitive. The region's agriculture will benefit from this policy boost by producing more food, particularly considering its advantageous position (near to customers in rising Asian markets).


The Kyushu Economic Federation hopes to increase the number of international visitors to the area from the current 1.3 million to 4.4 million, a more than threefold increase. Numerous natural resources, including onsens (hot springs), which may be employed as tourism attractions, are available in the region. Tokyo is the only other Japanese city that has less international conferences than Fukuoka.


Due of their shared high development potential, Kansai and Kyushu provide chances for UK enterprises to capitalize on the expanding demand in both regions. This include the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, which have historically been strong points for the UK.


Furthermore, OsakaEXPO2025 is seen by the public and business sectors in the area as a significant chance for expansion in trade and tourism.


Local governments provide a range of incentives, such as grants and tax breaks, to further promote investment and company expansion in the region. These incentives are intended to draw in and assist companies operating in fields like biotechnology, sophisticated manufacturing, and renewable energy.


Japan's Principal Industries


The sizable and alluring Japanese market presents chances for UK businesses in every industry. Here you can find a summary of the leading industries and growth prospects, tools to go further into your industry, and a way to get in touch with industry experts.


buyer


Japan is home to some of the world's richest, pickiest, and most quality-conscious customers. The brand's authenticity and legacy are major selling points in the UK market, drawing in customers from a wide range of industries. In this nation that is infatuated with fashion, British designers and design firms are being praised for everything from consumer goods and giftware to architecture. Huge retail prospects are presented by the expansion of e-commerce in Japan, and British food and drink firms are venturing into a competitive market where genuine British goods are valued.


more information regarding:


clothing style cuisine beverage

Alex Hughes, CEO of Rutherford, provides insightful commentary on how he succeeded in the Japanese market.


Tajinder Banwait, the creator of Urban Apothecary, discusses how his award-winning company in Japan came to be.


advanced technologies


The pioneer of the high-tech economy was Japan. Visitors to Japan are still in awe by the pervasiveness of technology and its increasing use in daily life. This is especially true in the medical industry, where e-health is setting the standard for managing an aging population on a fast track. All life sciences areas are seeing increased demand as a result of the aging trend, and UK businesses are leading the way in leveraging this. Given the continued dominance of Japanese multinational corporations in the IT and communications industry, as well as their increasing thirst for cutting-edge technology and services, digital media presents a particularly attractive opportunity for those who value the UK's distinctive creative legacy. Furthermore, since the technology industry is always changing, there will be additional business prospects in Japan in sectors like cybersecurity, space exploration, and new technologies as they become increasingly in demand over the next years.


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biological sciences

Communications & IT

digital content

Emerging Technologies, Space, and Cybersecurity


Anil Mahotra, the founder of Bango, and Andy Suzuki, the manager in Japan, describe how they entered the Japanese market.


Q-Games: The captivating narrative of Dylan Cuthbert's ascent to prominence in the Japanese gaming industry


Everything you need to know about the fascinating UK/Japan Digital Partnership, as explained by TechUK's Jana Parska


Investigating Japan's Space Zone: With Masayasu Ishida of the SPACETIDE Foundation


Services


Services are Britain's main export to Japan, where there is a strong market for them. In the financial and business services sectors, where possibilities are being created by the change to a worldwide economy, the UK is well-represented. This also holds true for education and training; Japanese businesses seeking to expand their workforce globally in response to China's economic challenge are aware of the UK's capabilities in these domains.


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Training and education related to financial and business services

Fintech in Japan: Click this link to find out more about the potential and trends in the Japanese Fintech industry.


An extensive podcast with Takuma Tanaka of the Japan Financial Services Agency (JFSA) discussing the financial services industry in Japan


Industrial and Manufacturing


Japan's world-class industrial base was the driving force behind its modernization throughout the twentieth century. From the manufacture of cars to heavy industries, Japanese manufacturing businesses continue to dominate the globe in many profitable areas. It also fuels Japan's ongoing export prosperity. UK businesses are doing well in a variety of industrial subsectors, such aerospace and automotive, where there is a market for Japanese manufacturers' cutting-edge and inventive products. One of the biggest export industries for the UK to Japan is still chemicals. The Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011 prompted a national review of the energy mix, resulting in a notable increase in renewable energy, an area in which the UK is widely regarded as a leader in the world. Nuclear collaboration between the UK and Japan has significantly increased as a result of the continuing effort to decommission the Fukushima reactor.


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Chemical Production, Nuclear Energy, and the Japanese Energy Markets: All the Information You Need to Know from Our Interview with Dan Shulman


A conversation on the hydrogen economy in Japan with Richard Lyle and Professor Joe Howe


protection and safety


Japan spends the fifth most on defense in the world. Even though the US and UK have always had a strategic military alliance, recent legislative changes to procurement laws have created significant possibilities for the UK defense industry. For UK enterprises, the security industry presents a significant opportunity. Japanese consumers and businesses have historically turned to Western industrialized nations for security solutions.


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protection and safety

Market prospects for defense and security in Japan Senior defense consultant Gary Waterfall works at Clarion Defense



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