Regions & Prefectures

Japan is divided into 9 regions, which are split into 47 smaller prefectures. Those regions are not formally specified; they do not have elected officials nor are they corporate bodies. However, the practice of ordering prefectures based on their geographic region is traditional. They are numbered based on their location from north to south.

The following pages contain a presentation for each prefecture providing a general overview about their economy (local industries specialisation, opportunities, available incentives and support for EU companies...), advancement of local research and science, local culture, geography, landscape and environment. 

The NHK made some videos presenting the 47 Prefectures of Japan they are available here (click on the "more" icon at the bottom of the page, just under the small map of Japan).

Regions

Hokkaido

The main advantage of this region is its natural environment, allowing the area to have the highest levels of production in agriculture and fisheries.

Tohoku

Tohoku region is specialized in the electrical machinery and food industry sectors. Among Tohoku’s trading partners, Asia and North America are in top positions.

Kanto

Kanto region functions as Japan’s greatest launch-pad for new businesses and industries, and with Tokyo located in it, the region can be considered Japan's engine.

Chubu

Chubu region accounts for 20% of the nationwide share in shipments of manufactured goods and is a catalyst driving the Japanese economy with its manufacturing base.

Kansai

The Kansai region in Japan is located in the heart of Japan. Including the three major cities of Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe, the Kansai region has the nation’s second-largest economy, with a population of over 20 million.

Chugoku

The Chugoku Region includes research and development businesses in the fields of electronics, biotechnology, and new materials, and is leading the world with its advanced technical power.

Shikoku

Agriculture industries are well developed in the region and provide a gross domestic product that is higher than the average when compared to other areas of Japan.

Kyushu & Okinawa  

Thanks to their location, both Kyushu and Okinawa are strategic regions for Japan to connect with nearby Korea, China and the whole East Asia region in general.

Expert Reports

• A Practical Guide to Opportunities for EU SMEs Created by Policy Changes of Abenomics’ First and Third Arrows – What SMEs Need to Know (2015)
• Opportunities for EU SMEs in Japan’s Prefectures and Cities (2015)
• Practical Booklet on 7 Major cities in Japan (2016)
• FDI Incentives by Prefecture (2022)

Picture: Map of 1600's Feudal Japan
Picture copyrights: public domain