By any metric, Japan should have great appeal for foreign investors. It is an advanced economy with a strong market, established industrial base, renowned tech sector, a reputation for quality, and a stable and secure economy. The substantial depreciation of the Yen, which hit historic lows this year, presents foreign companies with a unique opportunity to take advantage of this prime economic situation.

Yet in practice, Japan has some of the See more +

By any metric, Japan should have great appeal for foreign investors. It is an advanced economy with a strong market, established industrial base, renowned tech sector, a reputation for quality, and a stable and secure economy. The substantial depreciation of the Yen, which hit historic lows this year, presents foreign companies with a unique opportunity to take advantage of this prime economic situation.

Yet in practice, Japan has some of the lowest rates of foreign direct investment (FDI) of its peers—just 8% of GDP value. Why? Companies often cite Japan’s unique regulatory scheme and business practices. But Japan’s government has promised to boost FDI 50% (80 trillion yen) by 2030. This article outlines these new initiatives and considerations for companies that wish to take advantage of this prime economic situation. See less -