Chapter 3
Japan's Foreign Policy to Promote National and Global Interests
5 Promoting Resource Diplomacy along with Foreign Direct Investment in Japan
(1) Securing a Stable Supply of Energy and Mineral Resources at Reasonable Prices
A The Current Situation Concerning Energy and Mineral Resources in Japan and Abroad
(A) Situation in the World
Changes in recent years have been seen in the international energy market with respect to three areas: (1) demand (consumption), (2) supply (production), and (3) resource selection. Regarding (1) demand, global demand for primary energy has shifted towards non-OECD member countries, primarily China and India. With respect to (2) supply, the U.S. became the world's largest producer of both oil and natural gas due to the “Shale Revolution,”(13) and liberalization of export controls on crude oil in December 2015. The U.S. is promoting energy export policies such as further exports of the U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG). As for (3) resource selection, based on the fact that production and usage on energy account for about two-thirds of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the transitions to cleaner energy resources such as renewable energy are accelerating. In addition, since the Paris Agreement on climate change was adopted in December 2015, companies and other organizations have made further progress in their efforts toward low-carbonization. Since 2021, numerous countries around the world have declared that they will achieve carbon neutrality in the second half of this century. On the other hand, energy prices, which had been on an upward trajectory since 2021, experienced significant volatility in 2022 amid the energy crisis caused by Russia's aggression against Ukraine, and since October 2023 due to the intensifying situation in the Middle East. Although energy prices in 2024 have retrieved relative stability in 2024, the international community faces the dual challenges of how to stabilize energy markets and achieve decarbonization.
(13) Shale Revolution: The development in the late 2000s of new technologies for drilling for oil and natural gas contained in layers of rock known as shale in the U.S., and the ability to do so at an economical cost, has led to a significant increase in U.S. oil and natural gas production, affecting many aspects of international affairs.
(B) Situation in Japan
Since the Great East Japan Earthquake, the percentage of fossil fuels out of power generation in Japan has reached about 90% in 2012, up from about 60% before the earthquake, due to the shutdown of nuclear power plants. Japan's primary energy self-sufficiency ratio (including nuclear power), which relies on imports from overseas for almost all of its oil, natural gas, coal and other energy resources, dropped sharply from 20% before the 2011 earthquake to 6.3% in 2014. It remains at a low level compared to other OECD countries despite a recovery to 12.1% in 2019. Approximately 95% of Japan's oil imports come from Middle Eastern countries. With regard to LNG and coal, Japan depends less on the Middle East than for oil but almost completely on Asia and Oceania. Under the circumstances, efforts to secure a stable supply of energy at reasonable prices are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, there is also a call to address climate change. In October 2020, the Government of Japan announced its intention to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and in April 2021 expressed a new target to achieve an emissions reduction of 46% compared to FY2013 by FY2030 and announced its new reduction goal to continue making further efforts to realize a 50% reduction. Against this backdrop, the Sixth Strategic Energy Plan, approved by the Cabinet in October 2021, lays out specific measures to be taken by 2030 with a continued focus on the principle of “3E+S,” which emphasizes energy source safety (Safety), ensuring of a stable energy supply (Energy Security), the economic efficiency of energy costs (Economic Efficiency), and environmental suitability from the point of view of climate and other elements (Environment). Since May 2024, the Strategic Policy Committee under the Advisory Committee for Natural Resources and Energy has been holding discussions toward formulating the Seventh Strategic Energy Plan.
B Diplomatic Efforts to Secure a Stable Supply of Energy and Mineral Resources at Reasonable Prices
Securing a stable supply of energy and mineral resources at reasonable prices are the foundation for a vital Japanese economy and the livelihoods of its people. MOFA has been strengthening diplomatic efforts with a focus on the following activities.
(A) Gathering and Analysis of Resource-Related Information at Diplomatic Missions Overseas, and Strategy Meeting on Diplomatic Missions Overseas Concerning Energy and Mineral Resources
In order to focus on the acquisition and stable supply of energy and mineral resources, and with a view to strengthening the function of diplomatic missions overseas, “Special Assistants for Energy and Mineral Resources” have been assigned to 60 diplomatic missions overseas in a total of 53 countries as of the end of 2024. These individuals collect and consolidate on-site information on oil, natural gas, coal, and critical mineral resources, and strive to build and strengthen comprehensive and mutually beneficial bilateral relations with resource-rich countries through liaison and coordination with private companies and related organizations.
Furthermore, since 2009, MOFA has been holding regular Strategy Meetings on Diplomatic Missions Overseas Concerning Energy and Mineral Resources, bringing together representatives of diplomatic missions overseas located in major resource-rich countries as well as ministries, agencies, institutions, experts, and companies, to discuss diplomatic efforts to ensure a stable supply of energy and mineral resources, formulate policy, and strengthen mutual cooperation. In 2024, a meeting with the theme of “strengthening cooperation toward building diversified and resilient supply chains for critical minerals” was held that saw participants share the current status and challenges of resource diplomacy efforts in each country, as well as reaffirm the importance of cooperation between relevant domestic organizations and diplomatic missions overseas.
(B) Efforts for Energy Market Stabilization
Russia's aggression against Ukraine that began in February 2022 caused energy prices to soar, with oil prices exceeding 130 U.S. dollars per barrel and European gas market prices rising above 70 U.S. dollars per million BTU. This destabilized the energy market.
Amidst this situation, in February and March, Japan diverted to Europe a portion of the LNG handled by Japanese companies in order to alleviate the tight supply and demand of natural gas in Europe. In addition, as a member of the International Energy Agency (IEA), Japan conducted two collective releases of oil reserves from March to April, releasing a total of 22.5 million barrels of petroleum reserves, the largest amount ever.
Amidst this energy situation, Japan is also encouraging resource-producing countries to increase their production in order to stabilize the energy market. In May 2024, Prime Minister Kishida held a video conference with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed, and in July, Foreign Minister Kamikawa held a meeting with Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy to Japan Sultan Al Jaber of the UAE. In addition to making use of the opportunities presented by successive summit and ministerial-level meetings with oil-producing countries, Japan also made efforts to lobby at various levels through its diplomatic missions and relevant ministries and agencies.
(C) Initiatives and Results Achieved by International and Other Organizations
Japan makes active use of international fora and rules to coordinate and collaborate internationally toward achieving a stable energy supply and enhancing the diversity and resilience of supply chains for critical mineral resources. To ensure energy security and achieve realistic energy transitions toward decarbonization, Japan also communicates to the international community the importance of securing a stable energy supply and diversifying supply sources, as well as achieving a system for the stable supply of critical mineral resources essential for achieving energy transitions.
In February, Prime Minister Kishida sent a video message to the IEA Ministerial Meeting in which he expressed Japan's expectation for further contributions from the IEA, whose core mission is energy security, toward realizing an orderly global energy transition under diversified paths, and stated that Japan would continue to cooperate with the IEA. In addition, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Tsuji, who attended the meeting, stated that as the world undertakes a historic energy transition amid geopolitical risks and the climate crisis, in order to accelerate this transition through various means toward a shared goal of achieving net zero emissions, it is important to promote broad collaboration between the public, private, and academic sectors, as well as the use of clean energy technologies. He also stated that Japan would continue to work with the IEA.
In September, a Principals' Meeting of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) was held that saw Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Akahori state that strengthening engagement with resource-producing countries and financial institutions is extremely important for sustainable mineral resource development and building diversified and resilient supply chains for critical minerals. He also noted that it is important to understand the challenges and support needs of resource-producing countries through MSP activities and to work to promote individual projects and cooperation in order to meet the expectations of resource-rich countries. In addition, he made clear Japan's position of strengthening cooperation with MSP member countries and resource-producing countries.
Furthermore, with a view to securing its rights and interests over its continental shelf, including the resources contained in the surrounding seabed areas, Japan has been working to establish a continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles (extended continental shelf) in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). In 2008, Japan made a submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) for the extension of Japan's continental shelves, and in 2012 received recommendations that a certain range of extension be approved. With regard to the extended continental shelf in the Ogasawara Plateau Region, following necessary consultations with the U.S., as the sole country concerned, most of that area was prescribed as Japan's extended continental shelf in June 2024.
(D) Adoption of a Modernized Text for the Energy Charter Treaty
The Energy Charter Treaty (ECT) is a multilateral treaty that entered into force in April 1998 (entered into force for Japan in 2002). It was established as a legal framework for implementing the European Energy Charter, which called for promoting improvements based on market principles in the energy sector in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe following the collapse of the Soviet Union, as well as promoting trade and investment activities in the global energy sector. This treaty(14) has been signed by 47 countries and organizations mostly located in Europe and Central Asia (as of January 2025). Following negotiations to revise the treaty since 2020, a Modernized text of the Energy Charter Treaty was adopted at the 35th meeting of the Energy Charter Conference in December 2024. The modernized treaty includes the application of the investment protection provisions of the treaty to new energy sources such as hydrogen and ammonia, clarification of the obligations of Contracting Parties regarding investment protection, more detailed procedure of Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS), establishment of new provisions regarding sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, and provisions regarding further promotion of freedom of transit. Japan has contributed to the development of the ECT by serving as the chair of the Energy Charter Conference in 2016, the first time for a chair to be from East Asia, and hosting the 27th meeting of the Energy Charter Conference in Tokyo. In addition, HIROSE Atsuko, a Japanese national, has been Deputy Secretary General of the Energy Charter Secretariat, the governing body of the ECT, since September 2021.
(14) The ECT prescribes the liberalization of the trade and transit of energy source materials and commodities, the protection of investments in the energy sector, and other matters. It ensures a stable supply of energy from supply countries to demand countries, contributes to improving energy security for Japan, which largely relies on other countries for energy resources, and provides an important legal foundation for further improving the investment environment for Japanese companies overseas.
(E) Efforts in the Public Relations Field
In March, MOFA held an online seminar on the theme of “Critical Minerals Essential for Clean Energy Transitions.” During the seminar, Director of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Planning and Programme Support Office Elizabeth Press, and Senior Research Director and Manager of the Global Energy Group 1, Director of the Energy Security Unit at the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan, KUTANI Ichiro delivered keynote speeches. In addition, stakeholders including government officials involved in energy and critical minerals took to the stage as panelists with a lively discussion on efforts required to diversify and strengthen critical mineral supply chains, which are essential for energy transitions.
(2) Ensuring Food Security
A Food Security Situation
The global food security situation has deteriorated rapidly and on a global scale, especially in Africa and the Middle East, due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine. This comes at a time when the multiple risks including COVID-19, rising energy prices, climate change, and conflicts are impacting agri-food systems, causing supply chain destabilization and disruptions. There also exist many challenges to building sustainable and resilient agri-food systems, including how to best use land for food production, conduct agricultural production adapted to climate change, and make efficient use of fertilizers.
According to the 2024 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report,(15) between 713 million and 757 million people worldwide faced hunger in 2023, accounting for one in 11 people worldwide and one in 5 in Africa.
(15) The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI): SOFI is an annual report on global food insecurity and nutrition jointly prepared by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
B Diplomatic Efforts to Ensure Food Security
To ensure food security in the international community, MOFA is implementing and building on the following diplomatic efforts.
(A) Cooperation in International Frameworks
At the G7 Apulia Summit in June, Prime Minister Kishida discussed food security in the session on “Artificial Intelligence and Energy / Africa and Mediterranean,” noting that although concrete joint actions, including those taken by invited countries, had been agreed upon at the G7 Hiroshima Summit, there are still many countries that continue to require assistance. He stated that it is urgent to establish inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agri-food systems. He also stated that Japan will continue to contribute to food security in Africa by collaborating with the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS),(16) a project that focuses on soil health and crops that are resilient to climate change. Attending the G20 Rio de Janeiro Summit in November, Prime Minister Ishiba stated that the principle of human security requires eradicating hunger and poverty and realizing a prosperous society in which everyone can live happily and with respect for human dignity, and that key to achieving this are the aspects of food security and building a sustainable and resilient food system. One of the major outcomes of the summit was the creation of the “Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty,” of which Japan became a member. In June, Japan participated in the “Dialogue on the Food Security Crisis between Food Exporting Countries and Importing Countries” with the International Grains Council (IGC). This dialogue, with broad participation from governments, international organizations, and companies, discussed actions that market participants, including exporting and importing countries, should take in the event of a food security crisis to avoid worsening the crisis, and compiled the results as “The Key Principles of Actions on Food Security Crises for Exporters and Importers.”
(16) Vision for Adaptive Crops and Soils (VACS): This initiative was launched in February 2023 under the leadership of the U.S., the African Union (AU), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO). It aims to build a food system in Africa that will help strengthen food security and nutrition by improving soil health and promoting the production of traditional crops that are highly nutritious and resilient to climate change, with the goal of combating climate change and satisfying increasing food demand. Japan has contributed approximately 6 million U.S. dollars to FAO to support VACS efforts. Under the G7 Italian presidency in 2024, the importance of supporting VACS was also noted in the Leaders' Declaration.
(B) Strengthening Cooperation with International Organizations
As a responsible member of the international community, Japan supports the activities of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), a specialized agency of the UN in the fields of food and agriculture. Japan, a major donor to the FAO, significantly contributes to strengthening global food security through efforts such as providing development assistance in areas of food and agriculture, and creating international rules that include food safety standards. Japan also works to strengthen relations with the FAO through annual strategic consultations and other means.
(3) Fisheries (Tuna, Whaling, etc.)
Japan is one of the major fishing countries and consumers of fishery products in the world. Japan actively contributes through international organizations to the appropriate conservation management and sustainable use of marine living resources.
Japan advocates the view that cetaceans are one of the marine living resources that should be utilized in a sustainable manner based on scientific evidence. Based on the fact that the International Whaling Commission (IWC) has a dual mandate, that is, of “conservation of whale stocks” and “orderly development of the whaling industry,” Japan has sincerely engaged in dialogues based on scientific data collected for more than 30 years. However, it unveiled the fact that it is not possible to seek the coexistence with States that deny sustainable use of whales and focus exclusively on their protection. Therefore, Japan withdrew from the IWC in 2019 and resumed commercial whaling.
Japan limits commercial whaling to its territorial sea and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with catch limits calculated in line with the method adopted by the IWC, which is based on scientific evidence, and in a manner that will not adversely affect the stock even if the whaling continues for 100 years.
Japan's policy of actively contributing to international cooperation for the proper management of marine living resources has not changed since its withdrawal from the IWC. Japan has been actively involved and has cooperated with international organizations such as the IWC and the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO), including participation as an observer at the Meeting of the IWC, and IWC Scientific Committee meetings. Japan has also developed non-lethal scientific research on whale stocks, some of which is conducted jointly with the IWC. The results are provided to the IWC and other international organizations as important data that can serve as a basis for realizing sustainable utilization and appropriate management of whale stocks.
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a serious threat to the sustainable fishing industry. Through international opportunities such as the APEC Leaders' Meeting held in November, Japan has continued to affirm the importance of the international community working together to promote measures against IUU fishing. Furthermore, Japan has been encouraging non-contracting parties to sign the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing (PSMA), which stipulates rules for port states to take measures against IUU fishing vessels, including denial of port entry. Japan is also providing capacity building assistance to developing countries for the purpose of countering IUU fishing, including the provision of relevant equipment.
In the Central Arctic Ocean, there are concerns about the possibility of unregulated fishing in the future due to partial melting of ice caused by global warming. Against the backdrop of these concerns, the Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean entered into force in June 2021 with 10 member countries and organizations, including Japan and five Arctic Ocean coastal states. At the third meeting of the conference of the parties to the Agreement, held in June 2024, an implementation plan for the Joint Program of Scientific Research and Monitoring for the Central Arctic Ocean was adopted, and discussions were held on formulating conservation and management measures for exploratory fishing.
As one of the largest tuna consumer countries, Japan has joined Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMOs) for tuna, and leads discussions on establishing conservation and management measures (CMMs) at annual meetings and other occasions. In recent years, results are being seen from active efforts through international resource management. Regarding Pacific bluefin tuna, in light of the recovery of resource levels in recent years, an agreement was reached to increase the catch limits for small fish by 10% and for large fish by 50% compared to the previous year at the annual meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) in December. In addition, an increase in the total allowable catch (TAC) for bigeye tuna was adopted at the annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) held in November 2024. As for southern bluefin tuna, the agreement was made at an October meeting of the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) to maintain the current TAC based on the recommendation of the Scientific Committee.
With respect to Pacific saury, the stock has fallen to record lows, and the resulting poor catches have become a problem. At the annual meeting of the North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC) held in Osaka in April, an agreement was reached on harvest control rules that automatically calculate total allowable catches for Pacific saury based on its resource levels. Under these rules, the decision was made to reduce the TAC by 10%. For future meetings, it remains important to further improve resource management.
As for Japanese eel, the third scientific meeting on eel was held in June under the leadership of Japan. Scientific knowledge on the management of eel stocks was shared. Also, at the 17th informal consultation on international cooperation held face-to-face in Tokyo in June, Japan, the ROK, China, and Taiwan discussed and confirmed the upper limits of glass eel input into aquaculture ponds, and the four parties concurred on a joint press release about the results of the consultation.
(4) Foreign Direct Investment in Japan
With regard to promotion of foreign direct investment in Japan, the Council for Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment in Japan, which has met every year since 2014, is spearheading initiatives to promote activities for discovering and attracting investments. The Council gathers feedback from foreign company managers and takes measures such as regulatory and institutional reforms and support measures that help improve the investment environment in Japan. At its 11th council held in April 2023, the “Action Plan for Attracting Human and Financial Resources from Overseas,” compiling 100 measures to promote foreign direct investment in Japan, was formulated. In addition, at its 12th council held in May 2024, 10 measures that should be considered special priority initiatives were formulated as the “Priority Program for Accelerating Foreign Direct Investment in Japan,” which is being addressed across ministries and agencies. The Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2023 and 2024 (Basic Policies 2023 and 2024), which were formulated by the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy and then decided by the Cabinet, also clearly state the target of achieving a balance of 100 trillion yen in foreign direct investment in Japan by 2030 as soon as possible.
MOFA is strategically implementing various initiatives through diplomatic missions overseas based on the measures decided by the Council for Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment in Japan. In FY2023, the “Contact Points for Foreign Direct Investment in Japan,” established at 126 diplomatic missions overseas, have been conducting surveys of requests to improve Japanese regulations and systems, calling for investments in Japan by making use of networks of diplomatic missions overseas, and holding events to promote foreign direct investment in Japan, among other initiatives. More than 750 activities were conducted in FY2023. In June 2023, “FDI Task Forces” were established in five locations (New York, London, Paris, Dusseldorf and Sydney), through collaboration at the level of heads of diplomatic missions overseas and JETRO overseas offices in order to fundamentally strengthen mechanisms to attract human resources and investment from overseas. These task forces are currently working to strengthen operations at each location.
In Japan, MOFA held a Global Business Seminar in January 2024 as a means to widely disseminate information about Japan's business environment from an overseas perspective and Japan's attractiveness as an investment destination. Lectures were given by government and business representatives, along with corporate personnel, and lively discussions were held by the approximately 180 people in attendance, which included representatives of domestic and international companies, embassies in Tokyo, foreign economic organizations and chambers of commerce in Japan, as well as national and local government officials.
(5) The Road to 2025 World Exposition (Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan) and International Horticultural Expo 2027 (GREEN×EXPO 2027)
In preparation for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, in April 2025, the Government of Japan has been actively calling for participation from many countries, regions, and international organizations, and as of the end of December 2024, more than 160 countries, regions, and international organizations have expressed their intention to participate.
The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition (JAEX) held International Participants Meetings in June 2024 and January 2025, inviting countries, regions and international organizations planning to participate in the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan to Nara City, Nara Prefecture and Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, and providing them with a variety of information for final preparations leading up to the opening of the Expo.
The Expo, which is expected to attract a large number of visitors from Japan and abroad, will be a good opportunity to convey the appeals of Japan to the world and accelerate efforts to achieve the SDGs, which are all to be achieved by 2030, under the theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” MOFA is also focusing on providing indirect support for each country's preparations for exhibiting through diplomatic missions overseas and diplomatic routes, as well as activities to build momentum overseas via receptions and various events held at these missions. MOFA continues to work closely with relevant ministries and agencies as well as JAEX and make a concerted national effort to ensure the success of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.
Additionally, in 2027, an international horticultural exposition with the theme “Scenery of the Future for Happiness” will be held in Yokohama. The Expo aims at coexisting with nature such as flowers and greenery and presenting nature-based solutions to global issues including sustainable agriculture, climate change, and decarbonization. MOFA, in cooperation with the Japan Association for the International Horticultural Expo 2027, Yokohama and relevant ministries and agencies, is actively inviting countries and international organizations to participate.
Have you ever heard the term “Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)” in Japan? You may recall the familiar letter “I” from economics class, which stands for “Investment.” This is the same investment that often appears in the IS-LM curve and Keynesian theory. Investment is discussed so frequently because it plays such an important role in the economy.
FDI in Japan follows this same principle, but it's not just about capital flowing into the country from overseas investment. By effectively attracting talent, companies, and new ideas from overseas, FDI in Japan has the power to increase the competitiveness of the Japanese economy and promote innovation. This is how FDI in Japan makes a significant contribution to the sustainable growth of the Japanese economy.
In its “Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2023” and “Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2024,” the government has set a goal of achieving a balance of 100 trillion yen in FDI in Japan by 2030 as early as possible, and is currently working to promote FDI in Japan through an “All-Japan” effort. 100 trillion yen expressed in numerals is 100,000,000,000,000 yen. This has the same number of digits as the national general account budget for a single fiscal year, but we rarely have the opportunity to see such a large number in everyday life. In the world of sports, the term “100 million-yen-a-year player” is often used, but 100 trillion yen would be enough to hire one million such top athletes! This shows just how much potential FDI in Japan holds. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has established “contact points for promotion of foreign direct investment in Japan” at 126 overseas diplomatic missions and, while making use of this extensive network, is working to collect information that will contribute to the discovery of foreign direct investment opportunities in Japan, and has established a support mechanism for the successful realization of FDI projects in Japan.
In June 2023, “FDI Task Forces” were newly established at five locations: the United States (Consulate General of Japan in New York), the United Kingdom (Embassy of Japan in the UK), Germany (Consulate General of Japan in Düsseldorf), France (Embassy of Japan in France), and Australia (Consulate General of Japan in Sydney) in order to fundamentally strengthen the system to attract foreign direct investment in Japan.
FDI Task Forces are strengthening their engagement with executives of major local companies and relevant government agencies. With a view to promoting investment in Japan, they are working to provide necessary support for overseas companies seeking to expand their business in Japan, while collaborating at the level of heads of diplomatic missions overseas and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) overseas office.
Overview of FDI Task Force
For example, in June 2024, the Embassy of Japan in the UK, one of the locations where an FDI Task Force was established, held the “Japan-UK Financial Networking Reception.” This was the second such event, following the first one in May 2023. The reception was designed to encourage exchanges between a wide range of financial professionals in the public and private sectors, against the backdrop of growing momentum for further cooperation between Japan and the UK in the financial sector.
These receptions are not just places to exchange business cards; they can become the starting point for new economic cooperation relationships. Ideas and partnerships that will drive future economies are nurtured through such exchanges.
MOFA will continue making every effort to promote FDI in Japan in order to attract people, goods, capital, and ideas from overseas, strengthen the growth potential of the Japanese economy, and create innovation.