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gE Module: Doing Business in Japan open_in_new

The Japan module should provide one with an understanding of Japanese social and business cultures, market potential and hot industries, how to deal with business customs and common business situations, and the current characteristics of the Japanese marketing and supply chain industries. A case study on the Japanese economic recovery is provided in this module.

Government Resources

Main Government Page
Statistics Office
Central Banks
Stock Exchanges
Commerce Ministry
Investment Promotion Agency

News Sites

Nikkei Asian Review serves as a primary business-information source for top corporate executives and decision-makers in Japan. The site is an online resource that provides daily coverage on Japanese business news and financial markets. A subscription fee is required for certain features of the site.

The business section of The Asahi Shimbun, a popular newspaper in Japan, provides recent stories covering a range of businesses. 

The Japan Times provides business news affecting the country. Articles on this site cover a variety of business topics including the economy, corporations, financial markets, and technology.

The business news section of The Mainichi provides articles on business events affecting Japan. Global business news and world events coverage are also available on the site.

Regulatory Agency Sites

The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) specializes in space development, as well as aviation research and development. Exploring space and pursuing aerospace fields are JAXA's greatest missions. The site includes topics, press releases, missions, and global activities.

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) is responsible for the regulation and oversight of the atomic energy industry in Japan. This site contains a list of news, information, publications, and JAEA research and development.

The Japan Railway Construction, Transport, and Technology Agency (JRTT) was created to promote the establishment of mass transportation systems in Japan through the creation of railways and marine transportation companies. The JRTT is in charge of ensuring a smooth evolution of Japan's rail, marine, and air transportation industries. 

The Financial Services Agency (FSA) of Japan is responsible for the oversight and regulation of the Japanese financial services industry. The site provides information about various laws and regulations, measures, regulated institutions, and topical information. In addition, the site provides annual reports, announcements, and FAQs related to the financial industry.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) is in charge of the promotion and policies of the Japanese Agriculture industry. The site provides links to current promotions, statistics, and policies, as well as annual reports on the department and the industries they oversee.

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) offers information on the budget, customs, national property, government bonds, tax policy, and stabilization of Japan. The site also provides links to other major financial institutions in Japan.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare provides regulations on maximum residue limits for agricultural chemicals in foods, basic food and drug regulations, standards for foods, and food additives for Japan. The site includes policy information, news, statistics, and documents.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) regulates the information, communications, and postal services sectors, along with several other systems such as administrative organizations, electoral systems, and disaster prevention. The MIC promotes the fair competition of these sectors while also developing new technological systems for information and communications. The MIC grants licenses to operators and sets tariffs and taxes for regulation.

The National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS) conducts testing, research, and studies toward the proper evaluation of the quality, safety, and efficacy of pharmaceutical products, foods, and the numerous chemicals in the living environment. The site includes information on drugs, medical devices, food, and chemicals as well as general information on the NIHS.

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) is a research institute attached to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare for conducting fundamental and applied research on infectious diseases and setting testing standards for the development of antibiotics and vaccines. The NIID website contains information about the institute, as well as recent news articles and research being done. 

The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission (SESC) of Japan is responsible for the oversight and regulation of the securities and capital market sectors of the Japanese financial services industry. The site contains news, regulations, and publications as they apply to Japan.

Other Resources

Business in Asia covers business, economic, and cultural topics for Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The site also offers statistical data for each country.

With a goal to offer information on the Japanese economy, the Center on Japanese Economy and Business provides publications, an events calendar, and other information regarding their program. Economic reports pertaining to Japan are also featured on this site.

The publications section of the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ) provides annual research reports, monthly economic notes, newsletters, and industrial financial indicators concerning the Japanese economy. All publications can be downloaded in a PDF.

The Japan module should provide one with an understanding of Japanese social and business cultures, market potential and hot industries, how to deal with business customs and common business situations, and the current characteristics of the Japanese marketing and supply chain industries. A case study on the Japanese economic recovery is provided in this module.

The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) provides information about various financial instruments, environmental conservation efforts, and finance groups in different areas. In addition, JBIC provides reports and press releases.

The Japan Business Federation, also known as Keidanren, is an economic organization that aims to utilize corporations, individuals, and local communities to further develop the economy and strengthen the country's quality of life. The website provides information on the current economic and business environment in Japan through a variety of articles, opinion pieces, and policy recommendations.

The Japan Economic Foundation (JEF) provides a bi-monthly newsletter regarding Japan's economy and its international business outlook, as well as more internal aspects of Japan's economy for potential investors. It also acts as a platform that arranges opportunities for Japanese and foreign leaders to exchange ideas by offering conferences and research activities.

Striving to improve the Japanese economy, the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) provides statistics on the electronic and information technology industry in Japan as well as information on different activities pursued by JEITA. Links to different exhibitions, press releases, publications, and a list of its members are also included. 

Japan for Sustainability (JFS) is a non-profit organization providing information on developments and activities in Japan that lead toward sustainability. The site has a variety of news articles on topics such as biodiversity, steady-state economy, and energy. The JFS newsletter, issued monthly, summarizes the latest environmental trends and topics in Japan.

Provided as a special report by Global Markets, Japan in the Global Capital Markets 2017 details the latest trends that are impacting Japan's interaction with the international capital markets. Key features include the impact of recent economic policies, trends in the Yen market, and a bond market outlook. The report is available to download free of charge in PDF.

The Japan Institute for Social and Economic Affairs (Keizai Koho Center) provides economic reports covering business trends in Japan. The site also offers a publication called "Japan and the World" which is a well-respected data book on Japanese social and economic statistics. This is an annual publication. Some reports provided by the website require payment.

The Daiwa Institute of Research (DIR) provides economic research, consulting, and system solutions. Under the research section, Japan's economic outlooks are available on a monthly, a quarterly, and a medium-term basis. In addition, there are economic indicators and analyses, legal and tax information, and other research reports. DIR news releases are also posted on the homepage when available.

The Institute of Developing Economies - Japan External Trade Organization (IDE-JETRO) strives for increasing trade and collaboration with the developing world. The site provides various research reports, which are based on different regions and topics, a library of resources, publications, and relevant data.

Provided by Mizuho Securities, Mizuho Research Institute (MHRI) is a research tool that contains Japanese economic analyses, outlooks, and research papers. This resource also offers information tailored for prospective Japanese investors, or those looking for research information.

Web Japan, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, is a group of websites introducing the economy, society, culture, and other aspects of Japan. The site provides information on Japan with statistics, economic reports, articles on current trends, and background information.