The location of Okinawa - at the center of East Asia, within 4 hours away by air from major cities in Japan and Asian countries - makes a speedy access to the mega-market of a population of 2 billion possible.The handling volume of international cargos at Naha Airport in 2019 was approximately 100,000 tons, which was the fifth largest in Japan after Narita, Haneda, Kansai and Chubu airports. Business opportunities in Okinawa are greatly growing.
Products may be qualified as "Made in Japan" by having them manufactured in Okinawa in accordance with laws and regulations. Having products qualified as "Made in Japan" can increase its added-values as Japan-brand products, and with that, strategic promotion of the products to many markets overseas can be anticipated. Further, acquiring Certificate of Origin in Japan can possibly enable businesses to utilize Japan's Free Trade Agreement (FTA / EPA) system, with which more advantageous tax conditions will be applied for exporting to third countries.
Okinawa has adopted high-rate income tax deductions (up to 40%) and tax incentives to promote facility investments that can not be seen in other prefectures. Various special zones or regional systems such as "International Logistics Hub Industrial Cluster Zone," "Information and Communication Industry Promotion Zone," "Special Economic and Financial Revitalization Zone," "Industrial Innovation Zone" and "Program for Tourism Destination Promotion Zones" are established so that businesses in Okinawa will be carried out advantageously.
Okinawa attracts many tourists every year. Since hotel guests are almost averaged across all prefectures, cosmetic manufacturers and food companies use this opportunity for market research. Marketing effort also is underway such as development of local collaboration products with popular animated characters and testing new products at specialty shops. By deploying a business in Okinawa - one of the favorite destinations for tourists - your products will gain more attention and you can improve the brand name recognition in Japan and overseas.
Although most parts of Japan witness declining and aging population, Okinawa has a growing population and a stable labor force can be secured over the medium to long term. Every year, schools such as National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Occupational Development School and Okinawa Industrial High School contribute to many industrial human resources that you can expect to secure talented personnel. Furthermore, Okinawa Prefecture provides subsidies up to 1.2 million yen per person for new employment under 35 years old. (up to 2 years)
*As of 2021
Population Estimates by Statistics Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
Population Change by Prefecture, 2018 to 19
*As of 2019
"Mean Age in Each Prefecture" 2019, by National Institute of Population and Social Security Research
The disaster risk in Okinawa is low due to its distance from the mainland. In fact, several companies have set up their businesses here because of this reason.
It is essential to have a safe, secure and comfortable environment in order to conduct business safely. In addition to the well-acknowledged good public order in Japan, the friendly nature peculiar to Okinawa welcomes those foreigners coming to Okinawa warmly. Various international events are organized at the International Exchange Foundation and JICA Okinawa, and all families are welcomed to participate. Also, the rich culture of Okinawa contributed to 9 locations on UNESCO World Heritage List.
The second runway with a total length of 2,700m started operation at Naha Airport in March 2020. At Naha Port, the development of a large-scale, high-performance comprehensive distribution center is under way. The possibilities of business utilizing Okinawa's sky and ocean will further expand.
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Overseas and Business Support Division, Okinawa Industry Promotion Public Corporation
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