Japan flag Japan: Investing in Japan

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Japan

FDI in Figures

FDI flows to Japan remain low compared to most other developed nations across the world and are relatively unstable. According to UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2023, FDI inflow rose by 31.9% in 2022 - the highest level ever recorded - totalling USD 32.5 billion, making the country the thirteenth-largest recipient worldwide. In the same year, the total stock of FDI stood at USD 225.3 billion, around 5.3% of the country’s GDP. Japan is also one of the major foreign investors, with the total stock of outward FDI at USD 1.94 trillion (the second in the world after the U.S.). The major investing countries in terms of FDI stock are the U.S. (22.3%), the UK (16.7%), Singapore (10.4%), the Netherlands (7.3%), France (7%), and Hong Kong (5.7% - data Japan External Trade Organization). Investments are mainly oriented towards finance and insurance, transportation equipment production, electric machinery, communication, and chemicals and pharmaceuticals. According to the latest government figures, FDI inflows totalled USD 18.7 billion in the first three quarters of 2023.

Japan maintains a supportive legal and regulatory environment for investors, continually aligning regulations with international standards. Intellectual property rights are well-protected, with robust enforcement mechanisms in place. The capital markets are deep and accessible to foreign investors, with nearly all foreign exchange transactions freely permitted, including profit transfers and capital repatriation. However, foreign investors encounter challenges such as a historical reluctance towards mergers and acquisitions in Japanese corporate culture, weak corporate governance leading to low returns on equity, and cash hoarding. Additionally, inflexible labour laws and a regimented system of labour recruitment and management contribute to increased costs and complexities in human resource management for investors and business owners. Typically, the sole requirement for foreign investors entering Japan is to submit an ex post facto report to the relevant ministries. However, legislation introduced in 2020 has reduced the ownership threshold for pre-approval notification to the government for foreign investors, from 10% to 1%, particularly in industries deemed to pose potential risks to Japanese national security. Japan’s overall good business climate is confirmed by the country’s ranking in the Global Innovation Index 2023 (13th among the 132 economies) and in the 2023 Index of Economic Freedom (38th out of 184 countries). Moreover, Japan stands at the 3rd position in Kearney’s Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index 2023.

 
Foreign Direct Investment 202020212022
FDI Inward Flow (million USD) 10,70324,65232,509
FDI Stock (million USD) 250,070241,125225,367
Number of Greenfield Investments* 216198224
Value of Greenfield Investments (million USD) 7,63122,0826,051

Source: UNCTAD, Latest available data

Note: * Greenfield Investments are a form of Foreign Direct Investment where a parent company starts a new venture in a foreign country by constructing new operational facilities from the ground up.

 
Country Comparison For the Protection of Investors Japan OECD United States Germany
Index of Transaction Transparency* 7.0 6.5 7.0 5.0
Index of Manager’s Responsibility** 6.0 5.3 9.0 5.0
Index of Shareholders’ Power*** 8.0 7.3 9.0 5.0

Source: Doing Business, Latest available data

Note: *The Greater the Index, the More Transparent the Conditions of Transactions. **The Greater the Index, the More the Manager is Personally Responsible. *** The Greater the Index, the Easier it Will Be For Shareholders to Take Legal Action.

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What to consider if you invest in Japan

Strong Points
Advantages for FDI in Japan:

  • In addition to having the third largest economy in the world, Japan has very strong purchasing power and therefore strong domestic demand.
  • As a leader in high technology, research and development (with the largest number of patents in the world), Japan has had a steadily growing economy and rock solid stability for several decades.
  • Because of its geographical location, any foreign investor operating in the Japanese market has a facilitated entry to other Asian markets. 
  • The business environment is clearly favourable and reinforced by a stable political system.
  • The workforce is highly skilled and the Japanese are known as great workers dedicated to their company. 
  • The ageing of its population opens up great opportunities for products and services geared towards older age groups (health care technology, medical devices, entertainment, pharmaceuticals, etc.).
  • Japan has signed Trade agreement with the EU and Transpacific Partnership (December 2018).

Further arguments in favour of investing in Japan can be found on the website of the Japanese investment agency (JETRO).

Weak Points

 Here is a non-exhaustive list of the main obstacles to FDI in Japan:

  • Excessive regulation that hinders economic growth as it increases the cost of starting activities
  • The difficulties the country faces in restoring public finances and deflation 
  • International competition restricted by a very insular local business culture: Japanese prefer to do business (especially M & A transactions) with known partner companies. In the same way, it is preferable to establish networks and alliances with companies and national professional organizations. 
  • Cultural and linguistic challenges that can be complicated to overcome for an SME 
  • Low productivity of Japanese SMEs.
  • Still insufficient female labor participation, lack of child care
  • Ageing population at risk of jeopardizing the social security system
Government Measures to Motivate or Restrict FDI
Japan offers a number of national and local tax incentives that are available to foreign investors in Japan. These incentive schemes have been created for the benefit of both foreign investors and all Japanese companies. These incentives include the following:

  • Tax incentives for comprehensive special zones - The government offers tax benefits in the form of special depreciation rules and other deductions related to investment in equipment and plant related to special sectors.
  • Tax incentives for strengthening local business.
  • Tax incentives for wage and productivity improvement. These programmes offer tax incentives to increase employees' salaries and for investing in information technology.
  • Local tax incentives

For more information, visit the Japan External Trade Organization JETRO site.

Bilateral investment conventions signed by Japan
Japan is a signatory to 34 bilateral investment treaties. For a list of conventions signed by Japan, consult the list prepared by UNCTAD.

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Latest Update: March 2024