If you are thinking of starting a business in Kansai Japan (such as in Osaka, Kyoto, etc.), it is important to understand the type of industries common in Kansai. There are a wide range of industries common in Kansai. The Kansai area, composed of the area surrounding Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe and Nara, has been a major hub of business and commerce since ancient times in Japan. Kansai’s traditional role as a hub of industry continues to this day but modern enterprises have taken their place alongside more traditional crafts.
Some of the major companies that have their headquarters in the Kansai area include, Sharp, Panasonic, Mitsubishi and Kyocera. The Kansai area also is home to a majority of Japan’s high tech solar power and advanced battery industries. On the other hand, traditional crafts and tourism related industries still thrive in the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara.
The Kansai area of Japan is said to have more opportunities for start-ups and up and coming businesses compare to Tokyo, which already has such a saturated market. For example, the Osaka City Government and the entrepreneurship hub Osaka Innovation Hub are working to make things easier for international businesses to get started and make connections. Osaka has a reputation of being better for medium-sized manufacturing, and development of prototypes, and many up and coming entrepreneurs are taking notice. There are also many potential opportunities for import and export business in Osaka since there is less competition compared to Tokyo.
The Kansai area is an ideal place to establish a new business in Japan or for a foreign corporation to enter the Japanese market as there are many different industries common in Kansai. If you have any questions about starting a business in Japan, please contact our office for a legal consultation with one of our lawyers.