Chugoku

The Chugoku Region is located in the western part of Japan. It borders the regions of Kyushu, Shikoku and Kansai, making it a transportation hub for all of western Japan.

Infrastructure includes advanced airports and seaports which generate an active movement of people and goods from this region to other parts of Japan and overseas.

Also, the Chugoku Region includes research and development businesses in the fields of electronics, biotechnology, new materials and is leading the world with its advanced technical power. Against this background of industrial concentration, more and more commercial research facilities, including national and other public experimental and research organisations, are being established in the region.

Chugoku accounts for around 6% of Japan's total GDP.

Prefectures:

Tottori Prefecture

Long-established industries: agriculture, food processing, electronic components, liquid crystal industry, machinery, paper related. Growing industries: biotechnology.

Shimane Prefecture

Long-established industries: agriculture, forestry, fisheries, manufacturing industries (machinery, metal, processed marine products, precision machinery), IT-related industries.

Okayama Prefecture 

Long-established industries: agriculture, textile products, iron and steel, petro-chemistry, lumber, shipbuilding, automotive industries, agricultural machinery. Growing industries: precision machinery, biotechnology, advanced medical equipment, IT. 

Hiroshima Prefecture

Long-established industries: transportation machinery and equipment (automotive industry, shipbuilding), iron and steel, food products, electronic parts and devices, semiconductors.

Yamaguchi Prefecture

Long-established industries:  agriculture, forestry, fisheries, marine products, metal, chemicals, petroleum, transportation equipment and general machinery.

Further Readings:

• The NHK made some videos presenting the 47 Prefectures of Japan. They are available here (at the bottom of the page, under "Destinations").
• Our report "FDI Incentives by Prefecture 2022" will provide you with a concise summary of FDI incentives in Japan organised by prefecture and assist you in determining which of Japan's prefectures are more suitable for your business.

Sources

• http://www.chugoku.meti.go.jp/english-hp/about_cr.html
• https://www.esri.cao.go.jp/jp/sna/sonota/kenmin/kenmin_top.html

Picture: Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture
Picture copyright: EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation