Follow-Up of the Program for Accerelation of Foreign Direct Investment in Japan (As of October, 2008)
Measures

Related
Summary of Progress (as of October 1, 2008)
Ministries andAgencies
1. Economic Growth and Improvement of Living Standards in Regions
No.1○ The Central Government and Cabinet(Cabinet Secretariat)
the
Japan
External
Trade Secretariat,
Assistance has been given to regional efforts to promote
Organization (JETRO) will make METI(Ministry
direct investment in Japan, through the acceptance ofan effort to grasp needs or desires of Economy,
proposals under the special measure concerningofforeignenterprises, Traderegulations applicable to special zones for structuralandforeign-owned enterprises already Industry), andreform (five times,) the acceptance of proposals underhaving bases in Japan and regions JETRO
the support measure for regional revival (three times,)
through cooperation with local
the acceptance of requests for deregulation on agovernments and the utilization
nationwide basis (five times,) the approval of a plan forof networks with private financial
special zone for structural reform (seven times,) and theinstitutions,advisory
approval of a regional revival plan (eight times) sinceorganizations, etc., or through thefiscal 2006.
utilization of knowledge of(METI and JETRO)
private persons about financing,- To enable a seamless coordination from thesales, marketing, etc., and offer
identification of project of a foreign enterprise to theseamless
assistancefrom
provision of services after their participation in theidentification and establishment
Japanese market, the “Project to Support Regionalof enterprises and business
Activities to Attract Foreign Enterprises” (delegated to
expansion in collaboration with
JETRO) has been implemented since fiscal 2005. In
the Industrial Cluster Program,fiscal 2007, assistance has been given to 17 regions
measures related to small andaccording to the annual quota. As a result,medium-sizedenterprises
approximately 550 foreign enterprises have been
(SMEs), and efforts related to
attracted and assistance has been made to thespecial zones and regional
establishment of approximately 110 such enterprises
revival.
during the period from April 2005 to the end of
September 2008.
- Under the “Project to Support Regional Activities to
Attract Foreign Enterprises” (delegated to JETRO) in
fiscal 2008, assistance was given to the exhibition byforeign enterprises interested in direct investment inJapan by establishing a foreign enterprise exhibitionzone at the “JAIMA Show 2008” (Chiba City) in
September 2008. Activities to introduce foreign
Measures that Should Be or
Will Be Taken

1

Summary of Measures to Be Taken in the Future(Cabinet Secretariat)
Measures concerning special zone and regional
revival will be continued to further promote
direct investment in Japan.

(METI and JETRO)- Under the “Project to Support Regional
Activities to Attract Foreign Enterprises”(delegated to JETRO) in fiscal 2008, a foreign
enterprise exhibition zone will be established atfive domestic exhibitions* to give assistance toforeign enterprises interested in direct investment
in Japan.
* 1) “Eco Techno 2008” (held in October in Kita
Kyushu City); 2) “Eco Clean Car Fair” (held in
November in Nagoya City); 3) “Business EXPO
Hokkaido Technical Information & Business
Exchange Fair 2008” (held in November in
Sapporo City); 4) “Tokyo Metropolitan Industry
Fair 2008” (held in November in Tokyo); and 5)“SEMICON Japan” (held in December in Chiba
City)- A workshop, where foreign-owned enterprises
already having bases in Japan explain to persons
in charge of attraction of foreign enterprises at
local governments about their business expansion

enterprises to local enterprises were made incollaboration with local governments, etc.
- Foreign enterprises were invited, in collaboration witha local government, to the “Regional Conference 2007
on Direct Investment in Japan and the Greater Nagoya
Initiative Symposium” (cosponsored by the Greater
Nagoya Cluster Forum 2007) held in Nagoya in January
2007 by utilizing the “Project to Support Regional
Activities to Attract Foreign Enterprises” (delegated to
JETRO). At this occasion, such foreign enterprises hadbusiness exchange with local enterprise exhibiting at theforum and other attendants.
- In September 2007, attractive points of Japan andKansai District were introduced at the “9th World
Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention” held in both Kobe
City and Osaka City, as part of the “Invest Japan”(Cabinet Secretariat) and the “Visit Japan Campaign”(Kinki District Transport Bureau) as two-way projects.
At this occasion, the “Joint Symposium for Invest Japan
and Visit Japan,” which is a two-way project to further
expand direct investment in Japan and increase thenumber of foreign tourists visiting Japan, wasimplemented.
about their business expansion plans in Japan, was held
- A workshop, where foreign-owned enterprises alreadyhaving bases in Japan explain to persons in charge ofattraction of foreign enterprises at local governments (inOctober 2007, and February and June 2008.)- As for collaboration with the Industrial Cluster
Program, a measure to allow persons involved in the
Industrial Cluster Program to attend as observers ameeting where projects are adopted for the “Regional
Industry Tie-UP Program (RIT Program)” implemented
by JETRO to support exchanges between local andoverseas industries was taken. Under the RIT Programfor fiscal 2007, promotion and core organizations as thecenter of the Industrial Cluster Program, which accountfor approximately half of 20 projects in total, wereadopted.
- Under the “Kansai Front Runner Project” as one of the
projects of the Industrial Cluster Program, a Permanent
2plans in Japan, will be held (in October 2008.)- Assistance under the “Project to Support
Regional Activities to Attract Foreign
Enterprises” (delegated to JETRO) will be
continued in the future in collaboration withrelated measures under the “Special
Zone/Regional Revival Plans” (Cabinet
Secretariat,) the “Region Support Program”
implemented by the Ministry of Internal Affairs
and Communications (MIC,) the Act on the
Promotion of Establishment of Enterprises, theIndustrial Cluster Program, and SME-related
measures.
- A measure will be taken to enhancecoordination with overseas industrial clusters by
utilizing the “Regional Industry Tie-UP Program(RIT Program)” implemented by JETRO to
support exchanges between local and overseas
industries.
- In October 2008, a Business Matching withlarge enterprises and a forum will be held, anddispatch of information using the Permanent
Matching System (the Information Home
Appliances Business Partner) will be made.

Matching System (the Information Home Appliances
Business Partner) based on which foreign-affiliatedenterprises, etc. can submit information on technology
or ideas related the information home appliances sector
to main information home appliances manufacturers in
Kansai District was established in June 2006 (at 10
places each in Japan and Overseas.)- Consultation for encouraging reinvestment or
secondaryinvestment
wasconducted
for
foreign-affiliated enterprises by utilizing knowledge ofadvisors with work experience in the private sector who
are familiar with medical care/welfare, IT and auto
industry.
No.2○ To further promote local METI
revitalizationbyutilizing JETRO
know-hows of foreign enterprises
through the formation by the
JETRO
of
a
broad-based
information exchange network
including foreign countries inorder to support the realization of
new businesses using local
resourcesbyprivateorganizations, such as SMEs inregions

and (METI and JETRO)- To enable a seamless coordination from theidentification of project of a foreign enterprise to theprovision of services after their participation in theJapanese market, the “Project to Support Regional
Activities to Attract Foreign Enterprises” (delegated to
JETRO) has been implemented since fiscal 2005. In
fiscal 2007, assistance has been given to 17 regions
according to the annual quota. As a result,approximately 550 foreign enterprises have been
attracted and assistance has been made to theestablishment of approximately 110 such enterprises
during the period from April 2005 to the end of
September 2008. (ibid)- Under the “Project to Support Regional Activities to
Attract Foreign Enterprises” (delegated to JETRO) in
fiscal 2008, assistance was given to the exhibition byforeign enterprises interested in direct investment inJapan by establishing a foreign enterprise exhibitionzone at the “JAIMA Show 2008” (Chiba City) in
September 2008. Activities to introduce foreign
enterprises to local enterprises were made incollaboration with local governments, etc. (ibid)- Foreign enterprises were invited, in collaboration witha local government, to the “Regional Conference 2007
on Direct Investment in Japan and the Greater Nagoya
3(METI and JETRO)- Assistance under the “Project to Support
Regional Activities to Attract Foreign
Enterprises” will be continued to further activate
regional conditions in the future in collaboration
with related measures and by utilizing know-how
of foreign enterprises.

No.3

○
To
accumulate
local METI
investment-related
information JETRO(information
concerningindustrial
accumulation,
professional persons, enterprises,
infrastructure, etc. in each region)and create a Website for investors
that will build up information
depending on the needs ofInitiative Symposium” (cosponsored by the Greater
Nagoya Cluster Forum 2007) held in Nagoya in January
2007 by utilizing the “Project to Support Regional
Activities to Attract Foreign Enterprises” (delegated to
JETRO). At this occasion, such foreign enterprises hadbusiness exchange with local enterprise exhibiting at theforum and other attendants. (ibid)- In September 2007, attractive points of Japan andKansai District were introduced at the “9th World
Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention” held in both Kobe
City and Osaka City, as part of the “Invest Japan”(Cabinet Secretariat) and the “Visit Japan Campaign”(Kinki District Transport Bureau) as two-way projects.
At this occasion, the “Joint Symposium for Invest Japan
and Visit Japan,” which is a two-way project to further
expand direct investment in Japan and increase thenumber of foreign tourists visiting Japan, wasimplemented. (ibid)- A workshop, where foreign-owned enterprises alreadyhaving bases in Japan explain to persons in charge ofattraction of foreign enterprises at local governments
about their business expansion plans in Japan, was held(in October 2007, and February and June 2008.) (ibid)- The Regional Industry Tie-UP Program (RIT Program)which has enhanced collaboration with the Industrial
Cluster Program has been implemented since fiscal
2007. For the RIT Program, a measure to enhance theinformation exchange through the collaboration with theIndustrial Cluster Program was taken by allowing
persons involved in the Industrial Cluster Program toattend as observers a meeting where projects are
adopted.
and (METI and JETRO)- A Navigation System for Supporting Foreign
Enterprises Investing in Japan has been established on
the Website of JETRO since October 2006. The
navigation system provides foreign enterprises withinformation concerning specific industries to which
selected local governments strongly desire to attract
foreign enterprises, the conditions of agglomeration ofsuch industries and R&D institutions, regional
4(METI and JETRO)- An effort will be continued to improve theconvenience of users. For the Navigation System
for Supporting Foreign Enterprises Investing inJapan (in Japanese and English,) its design will
be changed, and the basic information site inGermany, French, Chinese (both original andsimplified forms) and Korean will be establishedin December 2008.

investors
In the case of a willing local
government, it is desirable toconduct these activities throughbroad-based collaboration under
the leadership of the head in orderto realize the efficient andeffective dispatch of information.

No.4○ To help create research andeducation
institutions
withinternational
competitiveness,prioritized investment based on
the competitive principle will befurther promoted for suchorganizations
that
aim
at
becoming world’s top ranking
researchandeducation
institutions. The objective of thisprioritized investment is to help
create approximately 30 research
institutions of the world’s top
ranking.

Cabinet Office,andMEXT(Ministryof
Education,
Culture, Sports,
ScienceandTechnology)

infrastructure,
attractive
incentives,
investment
professionals, and foreign enterprises already havingbases in Japan.
- In fiscal 2007, a system was established in the
Navigation System for Supporting Foreign Enterprises
Investing in Japan. Under the system, persons in chargeof attraction of foreign investment at local governments
and experts in respective industries are registered withphotos as “investment information concierge” or guidefor investment-related information. The investment
information concierge works as a unitary desk toreceive questions from, and dispatch answers to, foreign
enterprises. In addition, the FAQs (summary ofquestions made to local governments) were prepared.
Furthermore, a corner where “information on potential
partner enterprises in Japan” is provided is alsoestablished.
(Cabinet Office)At the meeting of the Council for Science andTechnology Policy held in December 2006, executive
members reported on the basic concept of developmentof world’s top ranking research institutes inconsideration of the “3rd Science and Technology Basic
Plan,” the “Integrated Strategy for Innovation
Creation,” etc. (“About the Development of World
Premier International Research Center”).
At the meeting of the Council for Science andTechnology Policy held in November 2007, executive
members reported on measures to improve international
competitiveness of research activities made byuniversities in Japan, including those to promoteinternational virtuous circulation of excellent personnel
and to create an internationally attractive research
environment or infrastructure. (“Reform of Research
Systems of Universities and Graduate Schools: For
Improving International Competitiveness of Research
Activities”)(MEXT)- Under the “21st Century COE Program” that has been
implemented since fiscal 2002 (fiscal 2008 budget: 3.9billion yen), assistance for the development of world’s
5- During fiscal 2008, assistance will be given to
the wide-area collaboration activities of local
governments in joint exhibition at the fairs held
overseas under the “Project to Support Regional
Activities to Attract Foreign Enterprises”(delegated to JETRO).** 1) Bio-Technica 2008 (Germany, October,Kansai Bio Bridge); 2) the 23rd International
Fair of Electronic Parts, Components, Systems
and Applications (Germany, November, Greater
Nagoya Initiative): and 3) International Fancy
Food and Confection Show NAAFT Winter 2009
(U.S.A., January, Saitama/Shizuoka Group)(Cabinet Office)As for the “World Premier International ResearchCenter Initiative,” MEXT selected five research
institutes in fiscal 2007, and started this program.
The Council for Science and Technology Policy
has been following up the program(MEXT)- Under the “21st Century COE Program” (fiscal
2008 budget: 3.9 billion yen), continued
assistance will be given to the centers selected in

No.5

No.6

○ To realize local revitalization
by creating an environment inwhich unique, autonomous andindependent efforts are promoted
in localities based on the Basic
Policy for Local Regeneration

top ranking research and education centers has been
predominantly given to a certain number of state,
prefectural and private universities based on the third
party assessment in respect for the competitive
principle. In addition, the “Global COE Program”(fiscal 2008 budget: 34.0 billion yen) has been newly
implemented since fiscal 2007 in consideration of thefavorable results of the “21st Century COE Program.”
Under the “Global COE Program,” assistance for thedevelopment of internationally prominent education andresearch centers has been predominantly given to 63
centers in fiscal 2007 and 68 centers in fiscal 2008.
- MEXT started the “World Premier International
Research Center Initiative (the WPI Program)” in fiscal
2007, and selected five centers based on the invitationof applications.
(Cabinet Secretariat)
Cabinet Office,
MEXT,
and The number of local revitalization projects utilizing
support measures for promoting local revitalization
Relatedreached 1,063.
Ministries(MEXT)
As of October 1, 2008, approximately 80
industry-government-academia
collaboration
coordinators have been assigned to universities, etc.
These coordinators function as mediator for transfer ofknowledge, research results, etc. from universities, etc.
to industries and local communities.
○ To promote closer ties between MOFA(Ministry(METI)
domestic and overseas industrial of
Foreign - Japan and France have mutually exchanged
clusters by utilizing diplomatic Affairs ),information on contact points for industrial clusters androutes and the JETRO and by METI
and dispatched a mission including professionals on bio
enhancing
JETRO
technology and nanotechnology to the other country
government-to-government(the Japanese mission visited France in March 2006,(G-to-G)
exchanges
andand the French mission visited Japan in May 2006.)
international exchanges in the- At the end of September 2006, the Kansai Bio Mission
private sector
consisting of those members of industry, government
In addition, efforts will be madeand academia who activate bio clusters in Kansai
to enhance cooperation in theDistrict visited Cambridge, which is the largest place offields of business tie-ups,
agglomeration of bio enterprises in Europe, and actively
6fiscal 2004. Under the “Global COE Program”(fiscal 2008 budget: 34.0 billion yen, fiscal 2009budget request: 34.5 billion yen,) continued
assistance will be given to the centers selected infiscal 2007, and assistance will be given to 68
centers to be newly selected.
- In fiscal 2008, under the “World PremierInternational Research Center Initiative (the WPIProgram)” (fiscal 2009 budget request: 7.1
billion yen,) assistance will be given to enhance
activities of the five centers that have been
already selected and started activities.
Under these programs, assistance will be
continued to help develop internationallyprominent centers.
(Cabinet Secretariat)
Local revitalization will be promoted in the
future too by creating an environment in which
unique, autonomous and independent efforts arepromoted in localities based on the Basic Policy
for Local Regeneration.
(MEXT)
Under the “Industry-Government-Academia
Strategic Collaboration Program (the Coordinate
Program)” that had begun in fiscal 2008,
industry-government-academia
collaboration
coordinators will be assigned to universities, etc.
in the future too.
(METI)- A Japan-U.S. Investment Promotion Seminar
will be held in Shizuoka in October 2008 (thevenues is not finalized yet.)- An Investment Japan Symposium will be held
in Chicago in October 2008, in London in
November 2008 and in Paris in December 2008.
- At the National Cluster Forum and theAdvanced Technology Fair held in December
2008, information on overseas clusters will be
introduced. In the current fiscal year, both Japanand the European Commission will separately

development of joint research andbilateral investment.

No.7

exchanged information.
- An Investment Japan Symposium was held in London
in September 2006, and in Singapore and Sao Francisco
in November 2006. An Investment Japan Symposium
was held in Gyeonggi-do, Korea, in June 2007, in
Washington, D.C. and Miami in October 2007, and in
Düsseldorf in November 2007.
- A Japan-U.S. Investment Promotion Seminar as part ofthe
U.S.-Japan Investment Initiative was held in Sendai and
Yokohama in October 2006. A U.S.-Japan Bilateral
Investment Seminar was held in Osaka in September
2007.
- It was decided to conduct activities to attract foreign
enterprises in collaboration with domestic and overseas
industrial clusters as part of the “Project to Support
Regional Activities to Attract Foreign Enterprises”(delegated to JETRO. Therefore, the “Joint Event for
the Tokai District Cluster Forum & the GNI Foreign
Enterprise Attraction Project” was held in Nagoya in
January 2007.
- In July 2008, the “2008 Report on the U.S.-Japan
Investment Initiative” was issued.
- At the National Cluster Forum and the Advanced
Technology Fair held in Tokyo in November 2007 incollaboration with the MEXT’s Knowledge Cluster
Initiative (the First Stage,) information on overseas
clusters was introduced.
○ To realize “10 million foreign MLIT(Ministry(MLIT)
tourists by 2010” through steady ofLand, To attain the target of increasing the number of foreign
implementation of the Visit Japan Infrastructure,
tourist visiting Japan to 10 million by 2010, information
Campaign, etc., and aim at Transportand on attractiveness of tourism in Japan will be dispatchedachieving a “Tourism Giant Open Tourism)
overseas and the Visit Japan Campaign which promotes
to the World”
the development of attractive tourism products, etc. will
be implemented jointly by government and private
sectors.

7

hold a regional cluster forum at the same time inorder to enhance collaboration between clusters
in Japan and those in EU. At these occasions, aBusiness Matching will be held.
- During fiscal 2008, assistance will be given to
the wide-area collaboration activities of local
governments in joint exhibition at the fairs held
overseas under the “Project to Support Regional
Activities to Attract Foreign Enterprises”(delegated to JETRO).** 1) Bio-Technica 2008 (Germany, October,Kansai Bio Bridge); 2) the 23rd International
Fair of Electronic Parts, Components, Systems
and Applications (Germany, November, Greater
Nagoya Initiative): and 3) International Fancy
Food and Confection Show NAAFT Winter 2009
(U.S.A., January, Saitama/Shizuoka Group)(ibid)(MLIT)
In fiscal 2008, in order to improve satisfaction offoreign tourists visiting Japan, increase thenumber of repeaters and further activateinternational tourism, efforts to introduce
attractiveness of Japan to foreign tourists and to
improve the convenience of tourists through theintroduction of commonly usable IC cards will
be made as part of the Visit Japan Campaign. At
the same time, the holding of international
conferences in Japan will be encouraged.
The Japan Tourism Agency was inaugurated on
October 1, 2008. This is one of the efforts toNo.8

enhance the system to strongly promote the Visit
Japan Campaign, etc. in collaboration withrelated ministries and agencies and private
enterprises, etc.
(Cabinet Secretariat)
In response to proposals made by the Local
Government Forum for Promoting Foreign
Direct Investment in Japan, etc., exceptions toregulations related to direct investment in Japan
will be implemented in the future too under the
Structural Reform Special Zone System.

○ To promote the special zone Cabinet
system in order to increase direct Secretariat
investment in Japan, for example,
the application of packaged
exceptions to regulations on
direct investment in Japan on
condition that local governments
will be actively involved in thesystem, in consideration of local
proposals, etc. made by the Local
Government
Forum
for
PromotingForeign
DirectInvestment in Japan(Cabinet Secretariat)- In response to the 9th proposals, etc. related to special
zones for structural reform, including proposals madeby regions such as the Local Government Forum for
Promoting Foreign Direct Investment in Japan, theCentral Government decided on the necessary measuresfor promoting investment in Japan, including
immigration inspection procedure for highly intelligent
persons, (September 15, 2006 decision by the
Headquarters for Promoting Special Zones for
Structural Reform.)- With an aim of reviewing the Structural Reform
Special Zone System and further promoting
deregulations, an Evaluation/Inspection Committee has
been created and the revised act enhancing activities toimprove regional originality and ingenuity was enforced
in March 2007.
No.9○ To promote revitalization of JETRO(JETRO)(JETRO)
local economy by encouraging- Consultation for encouraging foreign-affiliated Since the business expansion of foreign-affiliatedforeign-owned enterprises alreadyenterprises to conduct reinvestment or secondary enterprises in Japan is expected to cause a ripple
having bases in Japan to further
investment, or identification of related projects, have effect on regional economies, activities toenhance local business operations
been implemented by utilizing knowledge of advisors encourage reinvestment or secondary investment
by making reinvestment orwith work experience in the private sector who are will be continued.
secondary investments (New)familiar with medical care/welfare, IT and auto industry.
- A workshop, where foreign-owned enterprises alreadyhaving bases in Japan explain to persons in charge ofattraction of foreign enterprises at local governments
about their business expansion plans in Japan, was held(in October 2007, and February and June 2008.)
2 Improvement of the Investment Environment to Tide Japanese Enterprises Over International Competition
A Improvement of the Business Environment for EnterprisesA-1) To help enterprises utilize management resources more effectively, business environment will be broadly improved through the facilitation of reorganizationor organizational changes, such as M&As and through the improvement of infrastructure including recruitment of personnel, movement of personnel and distributionof goods, smooth transfer of funds and technology.
① (Improvement of Flexibility for Reorganization and Organizational Forms)
No.10○ To implement the measure MOJ(Ministry of (MOJ and METI)－
8

related to the “deregulation ofcompensation for merger costs,
etc.” under the Companies Act by
the summer of 2007 without fail,and to draw a conclusion for the
related tax measures after a study
will be made in full considerationofappropriatenessandimpartiality of taxation and the
avoidance of tax evasion beforesuchmeasureswillbe
implemented
If necessary, related laws will be
examined so that reorganizations
may be smoothly implemented.

Justice),
MOF(Ministry of
Finance),(METI),
andRelated
Ministries

The
provisions
concerning“deregulationofcompensation for merger costs, etc.” in the Companies
Act were enforced on May 1, 2007. At the same time, apart of the Ordinance for Enforcement of theCompanies Act was revised to expand the scope ofobligation to disclose the nonsurviving company, etc. asa result of M&A in advance.
In the case that stocks (limited to those for whichtransfer is not restricted) of a foreign enterprise are used
to pay compensation for merger costs, etc., the same
conditions for resolution will apply to this case as those
applicable to the case that stocks of a Japanese company
are used.
(MOF and METI)
Measures, including tax-deferral, were taken for
so-called triangular merger, etc. which became possibleon or after May 1, 2007.

No.11○ Ascertain the actual status of METI
utilization of the limited liability
company (LLC) system andlimited liability partnership (LLP)
system.

(METI)The result from the sSurveying of the result status ofregistration for LLP and application to LLP and theresult was published in 2008 May.

No.12

○ With an aim of supervising the FSA(Financial
conditions
howcorporate Services Agency)
governance is implemented andmaking a ruling on corporate
governance,themarketsupervisory body will make aneffort to improve the transparency
and reliability of enterprises
through enhanced disclosure bylisted enterprises, such as reviewof the takeover bid (TOB)
regulations and the system ofreporting on large shareholders,introduction of the quarterly
reportingsystem,andenhancement of internal control
over financial statements, etc.

(FSA)
- The provisions concerning ‘review of the tender offer
system, etc. and the system of reporting on large
shareholders’in the Act to Revise a Part of the Securities
and Exchange Act were enforced on December 13, 2006
(provided, however, that the provision concerning
review of deadline, etc. of an exceptional report under
the system of reporting on large shareholders, and theprovision concerning the obligatory electronic
submission of reports on large shareholders, were
enforced on January 1, 2007 and April 1, 2007,
respectively.)- On February 15, 2007, the “On the Setting of theStandards and Practice Standards for Management
Assessment and Audit concerning Internal Control Over
Financial Reporting(Council Opinions)” was issued.
- On March 27, 2007, the “Proposal on the9－(METI)
As soon as organizing the result from data for thesurvey of the status of LLP in 2008 isorganizedresearched in the end of 2008, theresult is going to will be published.

－No.13

No.14

No.15

○ To encourage institutional FSA, andinvestors to disclose how their Related
voting rights were exercised in Ministries
order to enhance fiduciary
responsibility○ Publicity about the report on METI, MOJ and“Takeover Defense Measures in FSA
Light of Recent Environmental
Changes”(New)② (Personnel Development)○In order to acquire creative MEXT
personnel,
broad-based
introduction of the system ofrestricted
termofoffice,recruitment of researchers in an
openmanner,includingapplications open to the public,

Establishment of Quarterly Review Standards” wasissued.
- The provisions concerning the ‘introduction of theinternal control reporting system and the quarterly
reporting system’ in the Act to Revise a Part of the
Securities and Exchange Act were enforced from thefiscal year starting on or after April 1, 2008.
(FSA)
The Investment Trusts Association was encouraged to
publicize the results of exercise of voting rights byproxies of its members. As a result, the association
decided to publicize the result of survey on exercise of
voting rights once a year in and after October 2006.
(Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW))
Every year, Government Pension Investment Fund sums
up and discloses the results of exercise of voting rights
by fiduciary institutions in its annual business report.
The results of exercise of voting rights by fiduciary
institutions in fiscal 2007 were reported on July 4, 2008.
(METI, MOJ and FSA)
After the guidelines for takeover defense measures were
published in 2005, companies in Japan actually had
adopted takeover defence measures so far (as of the endof June in 2008, approximately 570 companies had
adopted these measures). In recent years, cases where
disputes over takeover defense measures led to judicial
dicisions have also appeared. In consideration of thesecurrent situations, the Corporate Value Study Groupchaired by Prof. Hideki Kanda of the University ofTokyo Graduate School submitted a report on“Takeover Defense Measures in Light of Recent
Environmental Changes” at the end of June in 2008.

(FSA)
The Investment Trusts Association will continue
to disclose the results of exercise of voting rights
in the future.
(MHLW)The disclosure of the results of exercise of voting
rights will be continued in the future.

(METI, MOJ and FSA)
Publicity about the report on “Takeover Defense
Measures in Light of Recent Environmental
Changes” submitted by the Corporate Value
Study Group.

(MEXT)(MEXT)
Since fiscal 2006, 9 institutions of universities, etc. have In fiscal 2009, the project will be continued to
implemented the “Project to Promote the Creation of an help develop creative researchers.
Environment in Which Independent Young Researchers
Can Make a Study,” which encourages the introductionof a system in which independent researchers
accumulate experience under the condition of restricted10

No.16No.17

and enhanced exchange of highly
intelligent persons through thepromotionofpersonnel
exchanges
amongindustry,
government and academia will be
made.

term of office and acquire a secured job after having
passed a strict examination. In fiscal 2007, 12
institutions implemented the project. In fiscal 2008, 9
institutions implement the project covering 30 themes.

○ To develop those personnel MOFA andwith expertise, linguistic skill in MEXT
Englishrequiredintheinternational community andcapabilitiesofpresentation,planning and management who
can work in the international
business scene
From this viewpoint, English
education at elementary andjunior high schools will beenhanced, and exchanges withinternational students will bepromoted.

(MOFA)
Diplomatic establishments abroad conducted publicity
activities and invited and screened applicants, on behalfof MOFA, under the JET Program to attract foreign
young persons as language instructor, etc. to Japan.

○ Efforts will be further MEXT
strengthened to develop those METI
personnel who are familiar withboth business administration andtechnology and can be an
immediate asset to enterprises, or
personnel with linguistic skill.
For this purpose, support will begiven to excellent educational
programs of specialized graduate
schools, etc. in order to enhance
education in the fields of“management of technology(MOT)” and “business.” Thecreation or reorganization offaculties and/or departments in a
flexible manner will be promoted
so that higher education that canmeet the needs of the industrial(MEXT)- 88 and 66 teachers participated in the overseas training
in fiscals 2006 and 2007, respectively.
- With an aim of promoting exchanges, including
studying abroad by high school students, financial
assistances were given to the organizations sponsoring
the exchange of high school students studying abroad.
and (MEXT)- Under the “Program to Promote Education to Develop
High-Level Professionals at Specialized Graduate
Schools, etc.,”assistance was given to selected efforts
after having screened efforts to improve education
methods, etc. at specialized graduate schools, etc. in the
sectors of ‘business’ and ‘management of technology(MOT)’ in collaboration with the industrial circles, etc.
- In fiscal 2006, 73 universities, 45 junior colleges, 18
technical colleges and 2 law schools underwent acertification examination. In fiscal 2007, 130
universities, 55 junior colleges, 20 technical collegesand 22 law schools underwent a certification
examination. In fiscal 2008, a certification examinationis underway for 114 universities, 64 junior colleges, 2technical colleges and 44 law schools, 14 specialized
graduate schools for business administration, 5
specialized graduate schools for accounting, and 1
specialized graduate school for obstetrics. In fiscal
11(MOFA)
With an aim of developing persons withinternational mind, diplomatic establishments
abroad will continue proactive publicity activities
and screening of excellent young persons
participating in the JET Program.
(MEXT)- Overseas training will be continued to help
improvetheleadershipabilityofEnglish-language teachers and the language
teaching system.
- Exchanges, including studying abroad by highschool students, will be continued to help
develop persons with international mind throughenhanced cross-cultural experience（MEXT）- Assistance to the screening mentioned in theleft column will be continued.
- To ensure the quality of higher education, asystem will be improved so that all universities,
etc. can undergo a certification examination at
regular intervals specified by the laws andregulations.** At intervals of five years or less in the case of
specialized graduate schools. At intervals ofseven years or less in the case of others.

circles and the international
community and contribute to
local communities as bases ofknowledge, and the certification
examination system will besteadily
implemented
toguarantee
thequalityofuniversities, etc. that provide
these educations.

No.18

2007, two bodies were approved as certification
examination body for specialized graduate schools forbusiness administration and accounting. In April 2008,
another two bodies were approved as certification
examination body for specialized graduate schools forbusiness administration and obstetrics. As a result, thetotal number of specialized graduate schools to conduct
a certification examination for specialized graduate
schools (including business schools) stands at six atpresent.
(METI)- The “Project to Accelerate the Introduction of the
MOT Personnel Development Program,” which aims at
developing MOT personnel who is familiar with bothbusiness administration and technology and can work as
immediate asset to an enterprise, was implemented (infiscals 2002 through 2006.) Under the project, activities
to develop, demonstrate and diffuse educational
programs were made, and the methods to evaluate andapprove these programs were examined in order tosecure the certain level of quality. The project achieveda measure of success: the importance and awareness of
MOT has improved and many personnel development
programs have been developed. (MOT program: 4,000
persons/year, in-house training: 6,000 persons/year)- In fiscal 2007, activities to evaluate MOT programs
were made based on the MOT Education Guidelines.
These activities worked as preparations for establishinga system to secure the certain level of quality for these
programs.
③ (Increase in the Number of Overseas Personnel Accepted)○ To actively accept excellent MOJ,
MOFA, (MOFA)
foreign personnel such as MEXT, MHLW, Proactive publicity and provision of information on
students and researchers from METI and MLIT attractiveness of studying in Japan were made throughvarious countries, including Asianthe Website titled “Study in Japan: Comprehensive
countries, by enhancing R&D
Guide” (since March 2002), assistance to theinfrastructure,
improving
implementation of explanatory meetings for studying inmeasures for accepting overseas
Japan. On behalf of MOFA, diplomatic establishments
students(forexample,abroad invited applications from, and conductedscholarship), helping overseas
screening for, candidates for Japanese government
students finding employment in
scholarship students .
12(METI)In order to assess how MOT education programs
are utilized, a survey on the current conditions of
persons who have completed the course of these
programs will be conducted.

(MOFA)
An effort will be continued to identify excellent
foreign personnel through proactive publicity,while a priority is placed not only on the‘number’ but also on the ‘quality’ of students
studying in Japan.

Japan,andimprovinganenvironment for international
students at universities, etc., andtoimprovethecurrent
environment so that they canmeet with Japanese excellent
personnel to create a new fusion.
To improve R&D and education
institutions with international
competitiveness and promote
innovative R&D activities byinviting foreign enterprises andoverseas R&D institutions to set
up bases in Japan and by
attracting foreign personnel towork in Japan.

(MEXT)- Since fiscal 2005, the “Project to Enhance theUniversities’ International Strategy Headquarters,”
which establishes an organization representing all
universities depending on their characteristics,
establishes an international strategy for such
universities, supports organized international activities
by such universities, and develops an excellent
international strategy model, has been implemented.
In fiscal 2008, expenses needed to respond to
diplomatic requests, etc. made for the system foraccepting international students studying in Japan at theexpense of Japanese government (especially excellent
international students are accepted and scholarship, etc.
are granted to them) were appropriated in the budget.
- With the aim of strategically enhancing the short-term
studying in Japan assistance system, the “Short-TermStudent Exchange Promotion Program” of Japan
Student Services Organization will be abolished, andinstead the “International Student Scholarship for
Short-Term Study in Japan” will be newly established.
- Expense for the Honors Scholarship for Privately
Financed International Students, which is granted to
excellent privately financed international students, wasappropriated in the budget. The budgeted amount covers
the expense for creating a system in which applicants
are screened by an examination before studying inJapan and the expense of honors scholarship for 12,100
students.
- The “300000 International Students Action Plan,”which aims at increasing the number of international
students to 300,000 around fiscal 2020, is considered asa part of the “Global Strategy” which makes Japan acountry open to the world and expands flows of
persons, goods, money and information between Japanand Asia or theWorld. On July 29, 2008, MEXT andother related ministries (MOFA, MOJ, MHLW, METI
and MLIT) established the outline of the plan, andsubmitted it to a ministerial conference after the Cabinet
meeting held on the same day.
- Under the Foreign Special Researcher Project,
13(MOJ, MOFA, MEXT, MHLW, METI and
MLIT)- To attain the target of the “300000 International
Students
ActionPlan,”
international
student-related measures will be enhanced andintellectual contribution to various countries will
be made. At the same time, a strategic effort to
attract excellent international students will bemade by paying due attention to countries,
regions and study fields. For these purposes,
systematic measures ranging from those for
acceptance of international students to those forgraduating students will be taken in collaboration
with related ministries and agencies: 1) seamlessprovision of information in foreign countries andassistance; 2) promotion of internationalizationof universities (30 Global Universities); and 3)
the improvement of an environment in whichinternational students are accepted and theenhancement of assistance for them in findingjobs.

excellent young researchers from various countries are
accepted by universities, etc. in Japan and engaged injoint researches, etc. This project contributes to thepromotion of internationalization of Japan’s research
environment and the development of researches in theircountries. (Actual number of accepted researchers:
1,962 in fiscal 2006 and 1,818 in fiscal 2007)(METI and MEXT)- Under the “Career Development Program for Foreign
Students from Asia,” excellent foreign students from
Asia, etc. who is willing to find a job at Japaneseenterprises were attracted to Japan, and a packaged
assistance consisting of professional education
programs developed jointly by industry andgovernment, training on business Japanese, training on
doing business in Japan, internship programs andassistance to finding a job was given to them in order tohelp develop foreign persons who can work in theJapanese industry and further increase the number ofsuch excellent students. In fiscal 2008, 21 consortiums(23 universities) were selected to implement theProgram to Develop Highly Specialized Foreign
Students (this is a program mainly implemented byuniversities), and foreign students who participate inthis program were accepted as international students
studying in Japan at the expense of the Japanese
government. In the same fiscal year, 9 organizations(one organization for each of the nine regions across thecountry) were selected to implement the Program to
Develop Highly Professional Foreign Students (this is a
program mainly implemented by an enterprise in eachregion.) Approximately 1, 300 foreign students,
including international students studying in Japan at theexpense of the Japanese government, will participate inthese programs.
(Budget for fiscal 2008: 3.26 billion yen (continued))

14(METI and MEXT)- Efforts mentioned in the left column will be
continued. (Budget request for fiscal 2009: 3.6
billion yen (continued))(METI)
Since fiscal 2007, the “Knowledge Fusion Assistance(Intellectual Cafe) Program” has been implemented tooffer an ‘opportunity’ for domestic and overseas
excellent personnel to meet and create a new fusion.
Under this program, an effort was made to broadly
enlighten the importance of fusion of knowledge ofdifferent fields. As part of enlightening activities, the“First Intellectual Cafe International Symposium” washeld in Tokyo in November 2007 under thecosponsorshipwiththeOrganizationfor
Economic-Co-operation and Development (OECD).
(Budget for fiscal 2007: 50 million yen (continued))(MHLW)
Employment Service Centers for Foreigners, etc.
assisted international students in finding a job in Japanby giving them job consultation, job placement services,
etc. Through the enhanced collaboration with
universities, an internship program and job guidancewere provided to international students even when they
were first-year or second-year students. Furthermore,
efforts were made to assist international students infinding a job in Japan: for example, Employment
Service Centers for Foreigners, etc. actively provided
job placement services to international students incollaboration with centers for Japanese students.

No.19○ To increase the number of MOJ,
highlyintelligent
personnel Related
accepted, including excellent Ministries
foreign researchers and engineers,
and to make a study on theacceptance of personnel in those
fields that are not considered as
professional or technical atpresent while paying attention to
problems involvedand (MOJ)
As for the acceptance of highly-skilled foreign workers
such as excellent foreign researchers, engineers, etc.,
the Law for partial Amendment of the Immigration
Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Act No.43 of
May 24, 2006), which was passed and enacted at the164th session of the Diet, stipulated the following
activities on a nationwide basis under the status ofresidence of “Designated Activities” ; designatedresearch activities, designated (information processing
15(METI)In order to continue activities to enlighten theimportance of fusion of knowledge of different
fields, the “Second Intellectual Cafe International
Symposium” will be held in November 2008
under the cosponsorship with the OECD.

(MHLW)
It will be necessary to improve the functions of
Employment Service Centers for Foreigners andthereby assist international students and highly
intelligent persons in finding a job in Japanthrough active job placement services to them.
To attain these objectives, however, it isnecessary to reform the attitude of enterprises in
employing foreign persons and their labor
management in response to the needs of the ageof globalization. Therefore, a study on
appropriate labor management, etc. will be madeby members from industry, government andacademia, and the results thereof will be widely
diffused. In addition, business owners will be
encouraged to follow the Guideline of
Employment of Foreign Workers establishedunder the Employment Measures Act.
(MOJ)
The acceptance of highly-skilled foreign workers
i, including excellent foreign researchers andengineers, will be expanded. In addition, a study
on the acceptance of foreign workersin the fields
that are not currently considered as professionalor technical will be made by paying attention to
problems involved.

activities, foreign professor’s educational activities, etc.,
which were implemented as preferential measures forthe status of residence under the Law on the Special
Zones for Structural Reform. (These provisions were
enforced on November 24, 2006.)(MEXT)- Since fiscal 2005, the “Project to Enhance theUniversities’ International Strategy Headquarters,”
which establishes an organization representing all
universities depending on their characteristics,
establishes an international strategy for such
universities, supports organized international activities
by such universities, and develops an excellent
international strategy model, has been implemented.
(ibid)- Under the Foreign Special Researcher Project,
excellent young researchers from various countries are
accepted by universities, etc. in Japan and engaged injoint research, etc. This project contributed to thepromotion of internationalization of Japan’s research
environment and the development of researches in theircountries. (Actual number of accepted researchers:
1,962 in fiscal 2006 and 1,818 in fiscal 2007) (ibid)(MHLW)
Employment Service Centers for Foreigners, etc.
assisted international students in finding a job in Japanby giving them job consultation, job placement services,
etc. Through the enhanced collaboration with
universities, an internship program and job guidancewere provided to international students even when they
were first-year or second-year students. Furthermore,
efforts were made to assist international students infinding a job in Japan: for example, Employment
Service Centers for Foreigners, etc. actively provided
job placement services to international students incollaboration with centers for Japanese students. (ibid)- On June 22, 2006, a project team on the problems offoreign workers consisting of related Senior
Vice-Ministers prepared the “Summary of Approaches
to the Acceptance of Foreign Workers.”
16(MEXT)The project mentioned in the left column will be
continued
in
order
to
promotetheinternationalization of a research environment
and the acceptance of excellent foreign
researchers.

(MHLW)
It will be necessary to improve the functions of
Employment Service Centers for Foreigners andthereby assist international students and highly
intelligent persons in finding a job in Japanthrough active job placement services to them.
To attain these objectives, however, it isnecessary to reform the attitude of enterprises in
employing foreign persons and their labor
management in response to the needs of the ageof globalization. Therefore, a study on
appropriate labor management, etc. will be madeby members from industry, government andacademia, and the results thereof will be widely
diffused. In addition, business owners will be
encouraged to follow the Guideline of
Employment of Foreign Workers establishedunder the Employment Measures Act. (ibid)No.20

No.21

No.22

④ (Improvement of the Work Environment)○ To give the widest possible MHLW
publicity to the spirit and contentsof the Labor Contract Act thatspecifies the basic rules of labor
contract○ To identify the conditions of MHLW
implementation of the DefinedContribution Pension Plan, and to
study the plan so that it may be
more easily practicable○ To conduct with foreign MOFA
countries negotiations concerning MHLW
the conclusion of a social security
agreement to avoid dual coverageand totalize periods of coverage
under the social security system,
including the public pension
system in Japan and a foreigncountry(MHLW)
Based on the discussions made at Working Conditions
Committee, Labour Policy Council, the Labor Contract
Act, which clarifies the basic rules of labor contracts,
was enforced on March 1, 2008.
(MHLW)
Since five years have passed since the enactment of theDefined Contribution Pension Act and the Defined
Benefit Corporate Pension Act, the Corporate Pension
Study Group was established in October 2006. The
Corporate Pension Study Group examined theconditions how corporate pension plans are
implemented, and prepared the “Results of Verificationof the Situation Regarding the Implementation of
Corporate Pension Schemes” in July 2007.
Based on these results, a request for FY 2008 tax reform
concerning the application of deduction from income topersonal contributions under a defined contribution
pension plan and other matters was submitted. At theend of 2007, the ruling coalition stated in its Outline ofTax Reform Proposals that this request should be
examined in the future.
In September 2008, a request for FY 2009 tax reform
was made.
and (MOFA and MHLW)- The Social Security Agreements have been concluded
with seven countries: Germany, the U.K., Korea, theU.S., Belgium, France and Canada.
- Japan signed the Social Security Agreement with
Australia in February 2007. This agreement was passed
at the Diet in June 2007. Preparations are now made forthe effectuation of the agreement.
- Japan signed the Social Security Agreements with the
Netherland and the Czech Republic in February 2008.
This agreements were passed at the Diet in June 2008.
Preparations are now made for the effectuation of theagreements.
- Japan and Spain conducted the third talks and came togeneral agreement in September 2008.
- Japan and Italy conducted the first talks in May 2008.
17（MHLW）The spirit and contents of the Labor Contract Act
clarifying the basic rules of labor contracts will
be widely diffused.
(MHLW)
If the request for tax reform was accepted by thegovernment, a necessary legislative reform will
be made.

(MOFA and MHLW)- Japan and each of Australia, the Netherlands
and the Czech Republic will conduct
preparations to realize the effectuation of theagreement as soon as possible.
- Japan and Spain will conduct preparations for
signing the agreement.
- Japan and Italy will conduct talks on thesigning of the agreement.
- Japan will conduct working-level talks for thestart of the negotiations on the agreement with
Ireland, Hungary, Sweden and Switzerland.
- Japan and Luxembourg will conduct
working-level talks to prepare for thecommencement of negotiations on theagreement.

No.23

No.24- In September 2008, Japan and Ireland conducted thesecond working-level talks to prepare for the start ofnegotiations on the agreement.
- In February 2008, Japan and Hungary conducted thefirst working-level talks to prepare for the start ofnegotiations on the agreement.
- In March 2008, Japan and Sweden conducted the firstworking-level talks to prepare for the start ofnegotiations on the agreement.
- In April 2008, Japan and Switzerland conducted thefirst working-level talks to prepare for the start ofnegotiations on the agreement.
- Japan and Luxembourg reached agreement on the startofworking-level talks to prepare for the commencement ofnegotiations on an agreement between the twocountries.
(MOFA and MHLW)The “Act Concerning Exceptions to the Employees’
Pension Insurance Act in Order to Enforce the Social
Security Agreements” was approved by both Houses(the 166th ordinary session of the Diet,) andpromulgated on June 27, 2007 and enforced on March
1, 2008. The objective of this Act is to improve thecurrent legal system so that a Social Security Agreement
may be concluded with any country in a rapid manner.
⑤ (Efficiency in Personnel Movement and Physical Distribution)○ To start operation of the Next MOF,
MLIT, (MOF, MLIT, MOJ, MHLW, MAFF and METI)
Generation Single Window as the MOJ,
MHLW, The “Next Generation Single Window as the portal
portal common to the government MAFF(Ministrycommon to the government” will begin to operate on
in 2008 based on the Plan to of Agriculture, October 12, 2008 through the coordination among theStreamline
Operations
and Forestry
and ministries and agencies handling export/import andSystems Related to Export/Import Fisheries)and seaport/airport procedures.
and Seaport/Airport Procedures
METI○ To conduct works to expand MLIT
facilities at airports of Narita,
Haneda, etc. by fiscal 2009 inorder to facilitate international
movement of persons anddistribution of goods(MLIT)- At Narita Airport, the work to extend the parallel
runway to the north into a 2,500m runway has been
conducted since September 2006. The extended runway
will come into service at the end of fiscal 2009. As for
Haneda Airport, the result of review of a runway
18(MOFA and MHLW)
Unlike before, due to the enforcement of thisAct, it becomes unnecessary to enact a law foreach Social Security Agreement, and it becomes
possible to concurrently conduct talks on the
conclusion of the Agreement with many
countries. Therefore, an effort will be made toaccelerate the conclusion of a Social Security
Agreement in the future.
(MOF, MLIT, MOJ, MHLW, MAFF and METI)The Single Window (common portal) whichstarts operation on October 12, 2008 will be
continuously reviewed.

(MLIT)- The work at Narita Airport to extend theparallel runway into a 2,500m runway will besteadily continued. The re-expansion project at
Haneda Airport will be steadily continued so thatthe improved runway will come into service at

To improve access to airports andconnections between internationaland domestic flights at hub
airports in metropolitan areas

No.25

○
To
accelerate
the MLIT
internationalization of Haneda MOFA
Airport and around-the-clock
operation of international airports
located in metropolitan areas, andto utilize these airports to the
maximum (New)improvement work under the re-expansion project was
publicized in March 2007 (as a result, the runway will
come into service at the end of October 2010.) The
work is now enhanced so that the runway may comeinto service at the end of October 2010.
- As for Narita Rapid Rail Access (between
Inba-Nihon-Idai station and Narita Airport station,)work is now underway to start operation in fiscal 2010.
As for Keikyu Kamata station, work is now underway
to improve access to Narita Airport (this work isscheduled to be completed in fiscal 2012.)- With the aim of realizing a seamless transport between
Narita and Haneda Airports, research and study will bemade to increase access between both airports andaccess between the center of the Metropolis and each ofboth airports.
and (MLIT)- In June 2007, the operation of international charteredpassenger flights during specified time zones (i.e.
departures between 8:30 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. andarrivals between 6 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.) was approved.
As a result, Japan Airlines, All Nippon Airways, etc.
operated such chartered flights during these time zones.
All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines operate aninternational chartered passenger flight destined forHong Kong during these time zones every day.
- At Haneda Airport, landing slot during daytime wasincreased by 10 a day with effect from September 2007
due to the improvement of high speed taxiway, etc.
- A charter flight between Haneda Airport and Shanghai
Honggiao Airport started operation in September 2007.
- During the period of the Beijing Olympic Games,
international chartered flights were operated between
Haneda Airport and an airport located in Beijing. At
present, talks are underway with China in order torealize a chartered flight between Haneda Airport andBeijing Nanyuan Airport.

19

the end of October 2010.
- Narita Rapid Rail Access is expected to start
operation in fiscal 2010. The work at Keikyu
Kamata station is scheduled to be completed infiscal 2012.
- In fiscal 2009, with the aim of realizing aseamless transport between Narita and Haneda
Airports, research and study will be made toincrease access between both airports and accessbetween the center of the Metropolis and each ofboth airports.

(MLIT)- At the beginning after new runway, etc. comes
into service in 2010, the total number ofapproximately 80,000 international regularflights will be operated: approximately 30,000
flights during daytime and approximately 30,000
at midnight and in the early morning at Haneda
Airport (approximately 60,000 in total); andapproximately 20,000 flights at Narita Airport.
- For Haneda Airport in and after 2010, demandfor domestic flights will be properly met. In
addition, in due consideration of an increase indemand for domestic and international flights,
the number of such international flights that can
exploit the convenience of access of Haneda will
be increased during daytime and international
flights between Haneda and major airports in theworld at midnight and in the early morning will
be permitted in order to contribute to thearound-the-clock operation of the airports as awhole located in the Metropolitan area.

No.26○
Improvement
and MLIT
around-the-clock operations ofports will be promoted to enhancetheir functions as international
ports. By fiscal 2010, measures
will be taken to reduce port costs
and lead time at super hub ports.

No.27○ To promote air liberalization MLIT
(New)
MOFA

No.28

(MLIT)- Since fiscal 2007, priority works to improve super hub
ports have been implemented. Maintenance works wereconducted for deep water piers (depth of water: -16m),
etc. outside the central breakwater at Tokyo Port,
Minami-Honmoku pier at Yokohama Port, etc.
- At super hub ports, private business enterprises
operating large terminals at other ports too began
operations one after another.
- Since fiscal 2001, around-the-clock loading andunloading operations have been implemented except on
the first day of a year.
- In fiscal 2005, facilities in which the government’s
inspection can be conducted around the clock evenduring midnight or despite bad weather conditions,
including rainfall, were constructed.
and (MLIT)- In and after August 2008, based on the Asian Gateway
Initiative, Japan reached an agreement on air
liberalization (except air routes in the Metropolitan area
in Japan in which the capacities of airports are
restricted) with Korea, Thailand, Macao, Hong Kong,
Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore.
- As for local airports, Japan sent to foreign airlines, inNovember 2007, a notification that they can extend
services to these ports on a temporary basis even before
the mutual agreement on air liberalization.

⑥ (Facilitation of International Capital Transfer)○ To help improve the MOFA and MOF
international taxation system bypromoting the revision of tax
treaties with an aim of avoiding
dual taxation and making taxation
fairer(MOFA and MOF)
- To avoid double taxation and realize appropriate
taxation, the Japan-U.S. Tax Convention the Protocol to
Revise the Japan-India tax Convention the Japan-U.K.
Tax Convention and the Protocol to Revise theJapan-France Tax Convention entered into force inMarch 2004, June 2006, October 2006 and December
2007, respectively.
- The Japan-Philippines Tax Convention was approvedby the Diet in June 2007, and the Japan-Pakistan Tax
Convention and the Japan-Australia Tax Convention
were approved by the Diet in June 2008.
- Japan and Kazakhstan, and Japan and Brunei, reached
20(MLIT)
With an aim of achieving a reduction in port
costs, lead-time, etc. at the super hub ports byfiscal 2010, priority works to improve super hub
ports and efforts to improve efficiency at these
ports will be continued.

(MLIT and MOFA)- An effort will be made to reach agreement on
air liberalization with other Asian countries,
including China.
- Although there exist various problems, airliberalization talks will be conducted with
Western countries by carefully watchingdevelopments in these countries.

(MOFA and MOF)
Talks on the conclusion of a Tax Convention will
be conducted with UAE, Kuwait and theNetherlands.

No.29○The improvement of the MEXT
professional education system, METI
including specialized graduate
schoolsthat
conduct
theeducationofleading-edge
financial engineering, will bepromoted through collaboration
among industry, government andacademia in order to accelerate
the development of persons withhigh-level capability in the fieldof finance who can promote
innovations.

a basic agreement on the conclusion of a Tax
Convention in June 2008.
and (MEXT)
Under the “Program to Promote Education to Develop
High-Level Professionals at Specialized Graduate
Schools, etc.,” selection of persons was made, andassistance was given to them.
(METI)In June 2007, the “Industry-Academia Collaboration
Council on Developing and Utilizing Persons with
High-Level Capability in the Field of Finance” wasestablished as the forum in collaboration with businesscorporations, financial institutions, universities andrelated ministries and agencies (MEXT and FSA). In
February 2008, the report titled “Development andUtilization of Persons with High-Level Capability in the
Field of Finance,” which was based on a survey andexaminations made in fiscal 2007, was publicized, andan open symposium was held.
(METI)The Fund Conference was established in September
2008.

No.30

○ Necessary improvements, such METI
as promotion of dialogues
between the industrial circles andfunds and activation of the Fund
Conference, will be made in orderto more effectively utilize funds
that are increasingly important as
the main source of new riskmoney (New)No.31○ To rapidly and flexibly conduct MOFA,
METI
negotiations on the conclusion of andRelateda bilateral investment treaty to Ministries
meet the actual needs
It can be understood that if an
Economic Partnership Agreement(EPA) includes a chapter forinvestment, such EPA will be
useful for supplementing theMultilateral Trading System andpromotingfurther
trade
liberalization
andeconomic(MOFA)- Activities related to investment agreements are as
follows.
Those concluded or signed: Egypt, Sri Lanka, China,
Turkey, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia,
Mongolia, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos andUzbekistan.
Those under negotiations: Peru, Saudi Arabia, China
and Korea- Activities related to the Economic Partnership
Agreements (EPA) including a chapter for investment
are as follows.
21(MEXT)The selection and assistance mentioned in the left
column will be continued.
(METI)The expert committee and the working group
under the council would conduct further
researches
andexaminations.
Then,
environmental arrangement in order to develop
and utilize persons with high-level capability inthe field of finance, for example, development ofprograms, will be implemented.

(METI)
An environment will be created within this fiscal
year so that funds may be more effectively
utilized through the provision of opportunities of
dialogs between the industrial circles and funds
and the activation of the Fund Conference.

(MOFA)- Activities related to investment agreements
and EPAs including a chapter for investment
will be continually pursued based on the 2008
Basic Policy for Economic and Financial Reform(Cabinet Decision in June 2008.)

revitalization. Therefore, theconclusion of such EPA will bepromoted (New)

No.32

Those concluded or signed: Singapore, Mexico,
Malaysia, Chile, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia andPhilippines
EPA for which basic points are agreed: Switzerland
Those under negotiations: India and Australia⑦ (Improvement, etc. of Measures Related to Technology, Intellectual Property, Standards, Qualifications and Land Use)○ To aim at realizing world’s top Cabinet Office(Cabinet Office)(Cabinet Office)ranking science and technology (MEXT
and The “3rd Science and Technology Basic Plan” is The long-term strategic guideline titledlevel by prioritizing science and METI)
promoted in order to realize a world best science and “Innovation 25” will be promoted along with thetechnology projects based on thetechnology. Specifically, the Council for Science and “3rd Science and Technology Basic Plan.”
Science and Technology basic
Technology Policy offered an opinion titled thePlan and the General Strategy for“Institutional Reforms for the Promotion of Science andInnovation Creation, conducting
Technology and the Social Reduction of Its
strict evaluations of selected
Achievements” on December 25, 2006. The Council for
important projects, increasing
Science and Technology Policy submitted a report oncompetitive funds, drasticallyfollow-up results on May 19, 2008, and offered anstrengthening the evaluation
opinion titled “Expansion of Competitive Funds andsystemandenhancing
Promotion of Institutional Reforms” on June 14, 2007.
collaboration among industry,On June 1, 2007, the Cabinet decided upon thegovernment and academia
long-term strategic guideline titled “Innovation 25,”
including the promotion of the Project for Accelerating
Social Returns in order to help create and promote
innovations.
(MEXT)(MEXT)- As for the expansion of competitive funds, budgetary - In and after fiscal 2008, competitive funds will
request of 448.3 billion yen (increase of approximately be expanded to help create world’s top ranking
69.3 billion yen over the previous fiscal year) was made research achievements and contribute to thefor fiscal 2009 in order to stimulate a competitive creation of a competitive research environment.
environment and activate research activities.
- Based on related policies, including those of the- As for drastic strengthening the evaluation system, an “3rd Science and Technology Basic Plan,” etc.,
effort was made to make the evaluation system for an effort will be made to make the evaluationcompetitive funds fairer and more transparent by system for competitive funds fairer and more
appropriately nominating program directors or officers transparent. In addition, e-Rad will be steadily
for respective competitive fund systems from fiscal implemented.
2007. In order to eliminate unreasonable duplication - Strategically prioritized science and technology
and excessive concentration of research funds and will be promoted based on promotional measures
allocate these funds effectively, the R&D Management by sector.
System Common to the Government (e-Rad) began
operation in January 2008 in advance of the originalschedule.
- In July 2006, promotional measures by sector were22

No.33

○
In
order
to
promote Cabinet
collaborations between foreign MEXT
enterprises
anddomestic METI
universities,
anintellectual
property
strategy,
includingaggressive submission of patentapplications in foreign countries,
will be established and subsidy
forexpensesofpatentapplications made by universities,
etc. in foreign countries will be
increased, and the international
functions of intellectual property
headquarters of universities, etc.
will be enhanced through the
improvement of international
collaboration between industry
and academia and of information

established based on the strategy by sector to promote
the Science and Technology Basic Plan, andstrategically prioritized science and technology,
including the National Critical Technology, waspromoted.
(METI)To realize the Innovation Superhighway Initiative, theIndustrial Revitalization Act was revised, and at thesame time the Industrial Technology Enhancement Act
was also revised by adding thereto provisions
concerning the “enhancement of the technology
management capability” and the “promotion ofindustrial reduction of the achievements of R&D
activities of the central government and universities”(these acts were enacted on April 27, 2007, promulgatedon May 11, 2007 and enforced on August 6, 2007,) andthe New Energy and Industrial Technology
Development (NEDO) Act and the National Institute ofAdvanced Industrial Science and Technology Act werealso revised by adding thereto the business to enhance
the technology management capability (these acts wereenacted on April 27, 2007, promulgated on May 11,2007 and enforced on August 6, 2007).
Office, (MEXT)
and - Under the “Project of Support Center for Technology
Transfer,” expenses, etc. for applications for overseas
patents made by universities, etc. were subsidized(fiscals 2003 through 2007: 4,500 cases.)- In April 2007, under the “Project to Enhance theUniversities’ Intellectual Property Headquarters,” 17
institutions
for
which
the
“CreationofIndustry-Government-AcademiaInternational
Collaboration System” applies were selected, andefforts to enhance the international functions ofintellectual property headquarters of universities, etc.,
such as development of personnel engaged ininternational intellectual properties, strategic acquisitionof basic patents in foreign countries, and an increase in
the number of researches made based on contracts withforeign enterprises through the enhancement ofinternational legal functions, of international
23(METI)To change Japan into the world’s most excellent
innovation center, measures to help realize theInnovation
Superhighway
Initiative(simultaneous promotion of R&D and businessactivities by carefully watching two-way flows
between R&D and markets, and the promotion offusion of different sectors, etc.) will be taken.

(MEXT)- Under the “Project of Support Center forTechnology Transfer,” expenses, etc. forapplications for overseas patents made byuniversities, etc. will be subsidized (fiscals 2008:
approximately 1,000 cases.)- Under the “Industry-Government-Academia
Strategic Collaboration Program (Strategic
Collaboration Program,)” efforts to create,
protect and utilize strategic intellectual
properties, including enhanced international
collaboration among industry, government andacademia, will be continued, and assistances will
be given to those activities which should be
actively promoted from the viewpoints ofpolicies.

dispatching function due to thenominationofinternational
coordinators (tentative naming)and improvement of public
relations business and through theenhancement of legal functionneeded for international contracts.

No.34

○
To
help
realize
the METI
establishment of a “world patent MOFA
system,”international
harmonization of patent systems
atvariousranging
fromsubstantive laws, examination
practices to search environment
will
bepromoted,andinternational patent examination
work sharing among patentoffices will be promoted throughthe wide introduction of thecollaborations among industry, government andacademia and of dispatch of information, were begun.
In
June
2008,
under
the
“Industry-Government-Academia
Strategic
Collaboration Program (Strategic Collaboration
Program,)” 16 institutions for which the “promotion ofinternational collaboration among industry, government
and academia” applies were selected, and suchassistances to independent and unique various efforts ofuniversities, etc. as the development of personnel
engaged in international intellectual properties, theenhancement of international legal functions andprevention of disputes and enhancement of dispatch of
information, were implemented. (Budget for fiscal
2008: part of 2,819 million yen)
(METI)
Since 2005, the central government has been
subsidizing a part of the expenses of such applications
foroverseaspatents
that
are
made
by
government-approved TLOs to transfer the researchachievements of universities to private enterprises.
and (METI)- A The Patent Examination Prosecution Highway Trialpilot Program program started with the U.S. Patent andTrademark Office (in July 2006,) the U.K. Intellectual
Property Office (in MarchJuly 20082007,) the German
Patent and Trademark Office (in March 2008,) and theDanish Patent and Trademark Office (in July 2008.)- The implementation of the Patent Examination
Prosecution Highway Program program started on a fullscale-time basis with the Korean Intellectual Property
Office (in April 2007) and the U.S. Patent andTrademark Office (in January 2008.)

24(METI)
The central government will continue tosubsidize a part of the expenses of suchapplications for overseas patents that are madeby government-approved TLOs to transfer the
research achievements of universities to private
enterprises.
(METI)- In the future, negotiations will be held with theCanadian Intellectual Property Office and theEuropean Patent Office (EPO) in order toincrease the number of countries or regions withwhich the Patent Examination Prosecution
Highway is implemented.

Patent Prosecution Highway.

No.35○ To encourage more foreign Related
enterprises to participate in the Ministries
Japanese markets in which
conformity
assessmentfor
products, services, workers, etc.
must be made in advance, mutual
recognition will be further
promotedbytakingtheconditions of a foreign country
and Japan into consideration.

No.36○ To promote international Related
standardizationby
unifying Ministries
criteria and standards for
products, services, etc. that are
different from country to country(MOFA and METI)- To advance stagnant discussions on the Substantive
Patent Law Treaty at the WIPO, major advanced
countries, including the Trilateral Offices (the JPO, the
USPTO, and the EPO), held the conferences on theharmonization of patent system. This matter was studied
at the non-official meetings and plenary sessions held in
July and September 2007 and September 2008.
(MIC, METI and MOFA)- In September 2006, Japan and Philippines signed the
EPA including a chapter related to mutual recognition ofelectrical products. (Its effective date is not finalized.)- In November 2007, the EPA including a chapter
related to mutual recognition of electrical products
which was concluded between Japan and Thailand cameinto force.
- In January 2008, the “Agreement on Mutual
Recognition on Results of Conformity Assessment
Procedures between Japan and the United States ofAmerica” came into force.
(METI)In order to promote international standardization, Japan
has encouraged to propose international standards fromJapan to the international standardization bodies such as
the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)and the International Electrotechnical Commission(IEC).
According to WTO TBT Agreement, the JapaneseIndustrial Standards (JIS) which are comparable tointernational standards have been developed or revisedwith reference to relevant international standards.
(MIC)- As for the International Telecommunication Union(ITU,) Japan actively participated in meetings of ITU-R
in charge of the standardization of radio
communications and those of ITU-T in charge of thestandardization of telecommunications.
- One-segment broadcasting, digital radio broadcastingand Moba-HO, which have all been developed by
Japan, are approved as three formulas out of the six
standard broadcasting formulas for mobile phones. A
25(MOFA and METI)- Under the conditions that the U.S. is likely toshift to the first-to-file principle, Japan willcontinue to positively encourage Europe and lead
discussions on the Substantive Patent Law
Treaty.
(MIC and METI)- A mutual recognition will be made after the
EPA comes into force between Japan andPhilippines. (Its effective date is not finalized.)- Mutual recognition will be made between Japanand Thailand, and between Japan and the U.S.

(METI)
Japan will encourage to propose international
standards from Japan to the international
standardization bodies.
The Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) which
are comparable to international standards will be
developed or revised with reference to relevantinternational standards.

(MIC)- International standardization will be
strategically promoted thorough collaboration
among industry, government and academia andin partnership with Asian countries in order toactively contribute to standardization works
conducted by ITU, etc.

No.37○ To review the term of leasehold MOJ and MLIT
for business to enable long-term
land use without owning it

No.38○ Measures for building database MLIT
of real estate market, dispatching
information inside and outside
Japan, improving reliability ofreal estate market, and improving
conditions to facilitate investment
will be implemented. (New)No.39

recommendation based on the Emergency Warning
System proposed by Japan attracted the attention ofmany countries.
- As the standardization work for IPTV started on a fullscale, Japan enhanced its domestic study system, andactively contributed to such work.
(MOJ and MLIT)
Ruling coalition’s Diet members have studied the matterof extending the maximum term of fixed-term leaseholdfor business. MOJ and MLIT have cooperated in thesestudies as the case may be. Based on such studies,
related Diet members formed a conclusion of increasing
the maximum term from 20 years or less to less than 50
years. Then, the “Act on the Partial Revision of theLand Lease and House Lease Act” reflecting above
increase in the term came into force on December 14,
2007 and enacted on January 1, 2008.
(MLIT)- Dispatch of information inside and outside JapanIn September 2008, an international forum on real estate
investment was held in order to dispatch information on
the real estate market in Japan to persons inside andoutside Japan.
- Creation an environment to help improve theconfidence in the market and promote investment
Since fiscal 2007, assistance has been given to local
seminars on real estate securitization and a social
experiment on the formation of real estate securitization
fund has been conducted.

⑧ (Improvement of the Taxation System and Other Systems)○ To study ideal effective Related(Related Ministries)
corporate tax rates (New)Ministries
In June 2008, the “2008 Basic Policy for Economic andFiscal Reform” determined that effective corporate tax
rates should be studied at a time when fundamental tax
26(MOJ and MLIT)
An effort to diffuse and promote the system of
fixed-term leasehold for business will be made.

(MLIT)- Building of database of the real estate market
The database will begin services on a full scalefrom fiscal 2009.
- Dispatch of information inside and outside
Japan
Investment
promotion,
etc.
will
be
comprehensively made from fiscal 2009 byproviding information in English on attractive
points of the real estate market in Japan andurban development at opportunities, includinginternational conventions.
- Creation an environment to help improve theconfidence in the market and promote investment
In fiscal 2009, assistance will be given to local
seminars on real estate securitization and a social
experiment on the formation of real estate
securitization fund will be conducted.
(Related Ministries)
Ideal effective corporate tax rates will be
examined according to the “2008 Basic Policy
for Economic and Financial Reform.”.”reforms will be made.
No.40

No.41

No.42

○ To review the provisions Japan Fair Traderelated to the hearing procedures Commission
under the Anti-Monopoly Act in (JFTC)
its entirety(New)－⑨ (Enhancement of Attraction of Foreign-Owned Enterprises Through M&As)○ To enhance measures to attract Cabinet Office,foreign-owned
enterprises, METI andthrough M&As as basic means of
JETRO
investment in Japan, in such amanner that contributes to thecontinuance, regeneration andimproved
performancesofbusiness, and the continuance of
employment of workers, bydomestic enterprises, including
SMEs (New)(JFTC)
The consideration will be carried out regarding to
the provisions related to the hearing procedures
and appropriate measures will be taken within
FY 2009.

(Cabinet Office)
At Regional FDI Meeting held in fiscal 2008,
lectures on structural reforms, etc. through M&A
will be conducted for regional enterprises
including SMEs, etc. so that they can deepen
understanding of M&A.
(METI and JETRO)In fiscal 2008, an attitude survey on direct
investment in Japan will be conducted forforeign-affiliated enterprises. In addition, the－successful cases that M&As made by foreign
enterprises
helpeddomestic
enterprises,
including SMEs, to revitalize their business,
improve financial performances and maintainemployees will be collected, and widely diffused.
(JETRO)The systems to promote M&As will be improvedby enhancing collaboration with domestic andoverseas M&A support organizations, etc.
through the utilization of JETRO’s network.
A-2) To promote measures that contribute to productivity improvement or improved services to the public through the utilization of know-hows of foreign
enterprises in individual sectors of public services① (Public Services, etc.)○ In order to accelerate the Related(Cabinet Office)(Cabinet Office)further
utilizationof Ministries- With an aim of securing transparency and fairness in - With an aim of establishing a moreprivate-sector initiatives in public
selecting PFI enterprises, the following activities were user-friendly PFI system, studies will be made on
service sector, improvement of
made.
the clarification of output specifications and thethe conditions for utilizing the- In November 2006, the common consent among standardization of contracts.
Private Finance Initiative (PFI)
directors of the liaison conference among relevant
system, introduction of a test
ministries and agencies, which clarifies concrete
marketing system, publication of
methods, etc. to facilitate communications between
the third party contracting system
the public sector and private enterprises when PFI
for
water
service,andenterprises are selected, was made.
27

implementation of the safe andsecure house concept in ordet tobe easily used by foreign
enterprises,- In June 2007, the Committee for the Promotion of
the Private Finance Initiative (PFI Promotion
Committee) revised the “VFM (Value for Money)
Guideline” and the “Guideline for the Process for
Implementing PFI Projects.”- In November 2007, the PFI Promotion Committee
publicized the document titled PFI Promotion
Committee’s Report: Toward Realization of Real
Public -Private Partnership that sums up the tasks to
be examined in the future. The document pointed out
the necessity to create a PFI system friendly toforeign participants through the introduction of rules
closer to international standards, the promotion of
more transparent project process, and thestandardization of contracts.
- In July 2008, the Committee for the Promotion of
the Private Finance Initiative (PFI Promotion
Committee) revised the “VFM (Value for Money)
Guideline.”- In June 2007, a Website in English concerning PFI
started services.
(MOJ)
Immigration Bureau has been making efforts to utilize
more private resources in public service sector, and has
asked a private enterprise to conduct clerical works forstatus examination at Tokyo Regional Immigration
Bureau. Clerical works for status examination havebeen conducted by a private enterprise at Nagoya
Regional Immigration Bureau and Osaka Regional
Immigration Bureau since fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2007,
respectively.
(MHLW)- Since fiscal 2004, subsidy for expenses forestablishing or improving public health facilities has
been given to such designated medical institutions for
specified infectious diseases that have been constructedor improved by utilizing the PFI system.
- Since January 2002, the utilization of the PFI system
in constructing or improving nursing homes, etc. has
been encouraged at the occasions, including
Conferences by Section Chiefs in Charge of Long-Term
28

(MOJ)
If there are appropriate clerical works, theiroutsourcing to private enterprises will be studied.

(MHLW)- Subsidy for expenses for establishing or
improving public health facilities will be given tosuch designated medical institutions for specified
infectious diseases that are constructed or
improved by utilizing the PFI system.
- Efforts will be made to assess how the PFI
system is utilized for the construction, etc. of
facilities for the aged other than nursing homes
by conducting surveys, etc.

No.43

No.44

Care Insurance at Local Governments. Nursing homes,
etc. has been constructed at eight places across thecountry, including Suginami-ku, Tokyo, and thesefacilities began to provide services.
- The details of outsourcing of technical operations
pertaining to the control over water supply systems
under the Water Works Lawthe third party contracting
system in the case of water supply service under thethird party contracting system have been explained in
the Website, etc. since fiscal 2002.
As of April 1, 2008, the number of cases of theoutsourcing of technical operationsthird party
contracting and PFI contracts with private enterprises
made by public water suppliers and bulk watersuppliersdrinking water production enterprises andpublic drinking water suppliers stood at 268 and 6,
respectively. In November 2007, guidebooksguidelines,
which can be used by public water suppliers and bulk
water suppliersdrinking water production enterprises
and public drinking water suppliers when they study theoutsourcing of technical operationsthird party
contracting and PFI contracts, were publicized. In June
2008, a guidebookguideline, which helps watersuppliersdrinking water production enterprises, etc. tomake a comparative study on forms of partnerships,
including utilization of private resources, waspublicized.
- Since fiscal 2005, information on systems related tofee-charging old people’s home and excellent houses forrent for the aged, which are part of the safe and securehouse concept, has been provided at various training
sessions, etc.
○ To assist excellent foreign JETRO, (Related (JETRO)
service businesses in participating Ministries)
JETRO continues to help such excellent foreignin the Japanese market so thatenterprises to enter the Japanese market when suchproductivityofJapaneseenterprises can contribute to the revitalization of theenterprises may be improved
Japanese economy. During the period from April 2006
to end-February 2008, 60 companies in service industry
established business bases in Japan.
② (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment)○ To follow up the “3-Year Plan MHLW(MHLW)
29- Information will be continuously provided
through the Website and at occasions, including
Conferences by Section Chiefs in Charge of
Water Supply Services.
- Information on systems related to fee-charging
old people’s home and excellent houses for rent
for the aged, which are part of the safe andsecure house concept, will be continuously
provided at various training sessions, etc.

(JETRO)- JETRO will continue to help excellent foreign
service businesses to enter the Japanese market.
- JETRO will conduct a research with an aim ofencouraging foreign service businesses in fiscal
2008.
－for Vitalizing Clinical Practice
Across the Country” with an aimoffurther
improvingtheconditions of clinical testing, andto study measures to improvethese conditions based on thefollow-up

No.45○ To implement measures to MHLW
promote clinical trial and studies
based on the “New 5-Year Planfor Vitalizing Clinical Practice”
established in March 2007 (New)No.46○ In order to further improve MHLW
consultations on clinical trials andreview of approval applications- The follow-up review of the “3-Year Plan for
Vitalizing Clinical Practice Across the Country” wasmade in fiscal 2006, and its results were publicized in
May 2006.
- Under the “3-Year Plan for Vitalizing Clinical Practice
Across the Country,” 1,314 medical institutions wereregistered with the large-scale clinical trial network
managed by the Center for Clinical Trials, Japan
Medical Association, and 12 clinical trials (13 clinicalexperimental medicines) led by doctors were adopted
and 8 reports on clinical trial (9 clinical experimental
medicines) were submitted as of the end of March 2007.
The Plan achieved a measure of success since thenumber of reports on domestic clinical trial tends toincrease due to the development of clinical researchcoordinators (CRCs) (approximately 5,000 persons,)
and the enhancement of activities to promote clinical
trials.
- In fiscal 2006, a study was made on the current
environment for clinical trials, etc. In March 2007, the“New 5-Year Plan for Vitalizing Clinical Practice” wasprepared.
(MHLW)- In May 2007, the page for clinical trials in the
MHLW’s Website was renewed.
- Core hospitals and hub medical institutions wereselected by July 2007 in order to create a system forfurther promoting clinical trials and studies.
- Since August 2007, the “Conference among Core
Clinical Trial Hospitals, Hub Medical Institutions, etc.”
has been held to promote cooperation among core
hospitals, hub medical institutions, etc.
- Since September 2007, various training courses for thedevelopment of CRCs, etc. have been arranged.
- In March 2008, National Institute of Public Healthcreated a Website.
- In December 2007, it was publicized to unify theforms related to clinical trials.
(MHLW)- A report was compiled by the “Study Group on Rapid
Provision of Effective and Safe Medicines” on July 27,
30(MHLW)
Under the “New 5-Year Plan for Vitalizing
Clinical Practice,” measures to promote clinical
trials and studies will be taken.

(MHLW)
Based on the report compiled by the “Study
Group on Rapid Provision of Effective and Safe

conducted by Pharmaceuticals
and Medical Devices Agency(PMDA), PMDA will improve its
operations and enforce its
organizations through improving
efficiency of operations andutilizing outside experts.

No.47○ With regard to accreditation of MHLW
foreign
medicaldevicemanufacturing facilities under the
Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, theGOJ make effort to improvetransparency of the procedure byclarifying operating criteriaThetransparencyofprocedures
related to the scope of foreign
manufacturing facilities whichers
whomust
obtaintheaccreditationa certification for
specific medical equipment under
the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act
and the contents of documents
submitted
togetherwithapplications for the accreditation,
certification will be improved by
the clarification of the application
standards, on condition that safety
should be ensured and personal
information should be protected,
in order to further increase
predictability. so that enterprises
can almost accurately predictsuchmatters.
The

2007.
- In March 2007, PMDA changed its medium-termgoals and medium-term plan and decided to enforce its
organizations to increase its capacity for consultations
on clinical trials and review of approval applications
by significantly increasing the number of reviewers andby other means.
- In response to the report compiled by the “Study
Group on Rapid Provision of Effective and Safe
Medicines,” the Management Board of PMDA
discussed and revised the relevant provisions of theworking regulations concerning the utilization of
persons with experience of work at private enterprises
in review works in September 2007. The new working
regulations took effect in October 2007.
(MHLW)The FAQs, which include interpretations of necessary
information on needed by general managers of
manufacturing production facilities and interpretationsof documents, etc. related to structure or equipment of
the facility, were prepared on July 27, 2006. The
Ministerial Ordinance on for Enforcement of thePharmaceutical Affairs LawAct was revised in March
2007
so
that
the
applicationform
foraccreditationcertification would be made in both
Japanese and English and if an applicant is a
corporation, the corporation would be allowed to submit
a document to prove that the executive officers are notnarcotic addictsperson is not an addict of narcotics, etc.
instead of a medical certificate made by a doctor. In
addition, Tthe notification dated June 19, 2007 titled“Handling of Applications for Accreditation of
Certification Made by Foreign Manufacturing
Facilitiesers” was issued on June 19, 2007 to set up a
rapid process for the re-accreditation for facilities
affected by company mergers and acquisitions.

31

Medicines” and the revised medium-term plan of
PMDA, measures will be continuously taken to
improve examination of applications for approvaland enhance related organizations.

(MHLW)
In fiscal 2008, the progress of various measurestaken in the past will be publicized.

progressdevelopment of above
activities will be disclosed infiscal 2008.
No.48

No.49

No.50

○ In order to improve thepredictability of regulation on
procedures and documents to besubmitted for aproval review andcertification review, in terms ofintroduction of new medical
device especially low-risk ones,(examination of applications forapproval or examination of
applications for certification) andrelated documents needed fornew medical equipment, or
low-risk medical equipment inparticular, before such equipment
is introduced in the market, thestandardforhandlingofapplication of the list of theJapanese
Medical
DeviceNomenclature (JMDN) will beclarified.
○ To establish the Action
Program for Acceleration of
Medical Device ReviewSpeeding
Up Examinations for medical
equipment during the autumn of
2008, and implement the program
as soon as possible (New)MHLW(MHLW)
As part of efforts to develop the standard for handlingof
application of the list of the JMDN, Japan Medical
Device Nomenclature (JMDN,) a questionnaire on
issues on operation of currnt list has been sent to therelated industry to indicate problems in the applicationof the current list since fiscal 2007. MHLW-sponsoredscientific research has been conducted to sort out A
work to sum up problems of the JMDN list and discuss
direction for future revision of the list review it has been
made at the expense of MHLW (scientific researchexpense) since fiscal 2007.

(MHLW)The problems of the current JMDN list, which
are identified by the related industry, will be
examined based on the results of the work
conducted at the expense of MHLW-sponsored(scientific research.

MHLW, Cabinet (MHLW)Secretariat andConsultations have been held with related ministries
MIC
and agencies and the industrial circles in order toestablish the Action Program for Acceleration of
Medical Device ReviewSpeeding Up Examinations.

(MHLW)The Action Program for Acceleration of Medical
Device ReviewSpeeding Up Examinations
consisting of the following will be established in
the autumn of 2008:- Enhancement of the reviewexamination system
and improvement of quality through improved
training;- Introduction of 3-track reviewexamination
system (new medical deviceequipment, improved
medical deviceequipment, and generic medical
deviceequipment);- Clarification of the reviewexamination
standard;- Introduction of standard reviewexamination
period.
(Cabinet Office, MEXT, MHLW and METI)○ In order to promote the Cabinet

Office, (Cabinet Office, MEXT, MHLW and METI)
32

No.51

No.52

development and practical use of MEXT, MHLW
pharmaceuticals,
medical and METI
equipment,
andstate-of-art
regeneration
medicaltechnologySuper
SpecialConsortia for supporting thedevelopment of cutting-edge
medical care" (Super Special
Consortia) , in which exceptional
administration of research funds
and consultations with regulatory
authorities at early stages ofdevelopment
canbeexperimentally performed, will beestablished and implemented.
(New)○ To promote the utilization of MHLW
global clinical trial data while
ensuring safety③ (Foods)○ To improve transparency and MHLW
predictability through timely
disclosure of the progress of
examinations of food additives- The invitation of applications for the Super Special
Consortia forsupporting the development of
cutting-edge medical care (Super Special Consortia)
started on July 25, 2008.
- As of September 12, 2008 when the invitation wasclosed, the number of applications stood at 143.

- Applications submitted by complexes
consisting of researchers and/or research groups
will be examined, and approximately 20 ofthem will be selected in November 2008.
- The selected applications will be adopted at the“Health Research Promotion Conference”
attended by four Ministers involved in the healthresearch and an expert.

(MHLW)(MHLW)- A report was compiled by the “Study Group on Rapid Information will be continuously provided on theProvision of Effective and Safe Medicines” on July 27, Website and by other means.
2007. (ibid)- In September 2007, a notification on the basic concept
on global clinical trials consisting of points to consider
in conducting global clinical trials in order to encourage
global clinical trials and use of data obtained from suchtrials for approval applications. The notification was
publicized on the Website of Pharmaceuticals andMedical Devices Agency and by other means. (Thispublication was made in fiscal 2008 in advance of theoriginal schedule.)(MHLW)- As for 46 internationally used food additives of which
the central government has decided to proceed with theconsiderations on the authorization, Food Safety
Commission is requested to conduct risk assessment for
36 such food additives as of October 1, 2008. Out ofthese 36 food additives, the assessment was completed
for 25 and such 25 have been approved for use.
- Information on the progress of examinations isperiodically provided to foreign emmassies in Tokyo.

④ (Education-Related Services)
33(MHLW)
Examinations will be continued for 46
internationally used food additives so that they
may be used in Japan. The progress of suchexaminations will be periodically publicized.

No.53

No.54

No.55

○ If a foreign university’s school MEXT
in Japan desires to become anadvanced vocational school or a
vocational school, necessary
advice will be given to such
school about the fact that
prefectural governments have theauthority
toapprovetheestablishment of such school, andabout the purpose of standards forestablishing vocational schools
and required conditions for
economic base of the school inJapan.
⑤ (Legal Services)○ To aim for an annual increase MOJ
to about 3,000 in the number ofcandidates passing the bar
examination by around 2010
based on the Plan for Promotionof Justice System Reform and tofurther improve the training
system in order to develop
excellent legal professionals
because of an increase in thenumber of Legal Apprentices(MEXT)(MEXT)
If a foreign university’s school in Japan desires to Necessary advice or explanation will be given as
become an advanced vocational school, necessary before.
advice or explanation will be given to such school andrelated local government.

(MOJ)- The National Bar Examination Commission steadily
has increased the number of successful candidates ofbar examination (1,183 persons in 2002, and 1,483
persons in 2004.) Both new and old bar examinations
are made for the five-year period starting from 2006.
The National Bar Examination Commission set the
number of successful candidates at 1,009 for new
examination and 549 for old examination in 2006, and
1,851 for new examination and 248 for old examinationin 2007.
- In June 2007, the National Bar Examination
Commission indicated the round number of successful
candidates of bar examination in and after 2008 as
follows: 2,100-2,500 in 2008, 2,500-2,900 in 2009 and
2,900-3,000 in 2010 for new examination; and 200 in
2008, 100 in 2009 and lesser number in 2010. For 2008,
the National Bar Examination Commission set the
number of successful candidates of bar examination at
2,065.

⑥ (New Prioritized Sectors)○ To select a new priority strategy Cabinet Officeby sector (New)

－
34

(MOJ)
An effort will be continued to attain the target of“increasing the number of the number ofcandidates passing the bar examination to about
3,000 in a year.” At the same time, a study on thenumber of successful candidates of bar
examination and other matters will be made bytaking into consideration the Recommendationsof the Justice System Reform Council and the
purpose of the Plan for Promotion of Justice
System Reform, etc.

(Cabinet Office)Cabinet Office will select priority sectors for FDI
into Japan and establish action programs
accordingly.

No.56

No.57

B Review of Administrative ProceduresB-1) Provision of information will be improved and related procedures will be simplified to enable foreign enterprises or investors to acquire investment-related
information smoothly① (Provision of investment-related information)○ The Invest Japan established at Related(Related Ministries)(Related Ministries)
JETRO and related ministries and Ministries, and The Invest Japan responded to inquiries made by In order to promote direct investment in Japan,
agencies will provide potential JETRO
foreign enterprises, and provided them with necessary the provision of information will be continued ininvestors with information on
information.
cooperation with JETRO.
various investment procedures,(JETRO)(JETRO)
includingestablishmentof
In cooperation with related ministries and agencies, JETRO will continue to contribute to the smooth
enterprises,
M&As
and
information on permits and licenses, etc. and various realization of direct investment in Japan byestablishment of plants andinvestment-related
information,
includingthe foreign enterprises through various types ofstores, and investment-related
establishment of a corporation in Japan, is provided to assistance.
information, including market
foreign enterprises upon their request. During the period
and corporate information.
from April 2006 to end-September 2008, 68 inquiries
were received from foreign enterprises, and necessary
information was provided to them.
(Cabinet Secretariat)○ Related ministries and agencies Cabinet(Cabinet Secretariat)- Under the Translation Development Program ofwill improve the provision of Secretariat,- Under the Translation Development Program ofJapanese Statutes, approximately 300 laws andinvestment-related information in Related
Japanese Statutes, laws and regulations are translated
regulations will be translated into English until
English through their Websites, Ministries, andinto English, and translated laws and regulations are
fiscal 2008.
etc. JETRO will enhance the JETRO
publicized one by one on the Website of Cabinet
provision of information and
Secretariat. As of October 2008, English translations ofservices in languages in addition
approximately 150 laws and regulations are open to theto English. Approximately 200
public.
Japanese laws have already been,- In April 2007, the Standard Bilingual Dictionary wasor will be, translated into English
revised (this is referred to as the fiscal 2007 edition.) In
under
the
Translation
March 2008, the fiscal 2007 edition was revised (this is
Development
Programofreferred to as the fiscal 2008 edition) and is open to theJapanese Statutes, and such
public on the Website of Cabinet Secretariat. The
English versions will be available
Translation Development Program of Japanese Statutes
to foreigners.
was re-revised so that approximately 300 laws andregulations may be translated into English within three
years until fiscal 2008.
(Cabinet Office)(Cabinet Office)Since fiscal 2000, investment-related information in
In and after fiscal 2008, more improved
English has been provided on the website for direct
investment-related information in English will be
investment in Japan.
provided on the website for direct investment inJapan.
35

No.58

No.59○ To promote the improvement of MOFA and METI
transparencyofinvestment-related measures andthe improvement of efficiency
and effectiveness of investment
procedures, and to establish themethod to review investment
measures in collaboration with
the industrial circles, based on the
APEC Investment Facilitation
Action Plan (IFAP) (New)② (Simplification and Computerization of Procedures)○ To further promote the Related
simplification or computerization Ministriesof administrative measures bysteadily implementing the Action
Plan for Promoting the Online
Use of Administrative Procedures(MOFA)
Information is provided on the Website of MOFA which
is linked with the Websites of embassies anddelegations abroad.
(JETRO)To enable foreign enterprises to collect necessary
information easily, an effort is made to improve theusability of the Website. In particular, the layout of theWebsite was changed according to opinions from users.
The basic information site in English, French andGerman was established. In end-September 2006, thebasic information site in Chinese and Korean was newly
established.
In order to provide foreign Website users with business
opportunities in regions in Japan of which information
is rather insufficient, the Navigation System for
Supporting Foreign Enterprises Investing in Japan (inJapanese and English) was renewed in end-October2007 by adding two corners titled “Your Regional
Guide,” which connects Website users and persons incharge of attracting foreign direct investment in Japan at
local governments, and “Promising Local Companies.”(MOFA and METI)In June 2008, the IFAP was settled on in the frame of
APEC. At present, the method to assess, and to reporton, the progress of implementation of the IFAP is being
considered in order to ensure the proper implementation
thereof.
(METI)In August 2008, an APEC seminar was held in Lima,
Peru, so that many countries and regions may share
information on the successful factors for achieving theimprovement of the investment environment.

(MOFA)
Information will be updated from time to time,
and the Website will be improved.

(Related Ministries)
In March 2007, the Action Plan for Promoting theOnline Use of Administrative Procedures was revised
by introducing News, etc. to simplify procedures. In
fiscal 2007, each ministry or agency omitted exhibits
and reviewed certification and signature according to(Related Ministries)
With an aim of achieving the target of “achieving
on-line use rate of 50% or higher by fiscal 2010”
in the new IT reform strategy, an effort will beenhanced by steadily implementing the revised
Action Plan.

36(JETRO)An effort will be continued to improve theconvenience of users. For the Navigation System
for Supporting Foreign Enterprises Investing inJapan (in Japanese and English,) its design will
be changed, and the basic information site inGerman, French, Chinese (both original andsimplified forms) and Korean will be establishedin December 2008.
(ibid)(MOFA and METI)
As for the contents of the IFAP, Japan will
implement necessary projects.

No.60

No.61

No.62

No.63

and others
the Action Plan.
B-2) To improve the predictability of investors by further promoting the use of the Prior Inquiry Procedure (No-Action Letter System) that allows investors toknow exact meanings of provisions of laws and regulations, etc. in advance, and the use of the Public Comment System○To survey the conditions of use MIC,
(MIC)
Related (MIC)of the Prior Comfirmation Ministries, and - A survey was conducted to grasp the conditions of - The work to make public the results of theProcedures on the Application of JETRO
implementation in fiscal 2007 of the “Prior survey on the implementation of the No-Action
Laws
andRegulations
Comfirmation Procedures on the Application of Laws Letter System in fiscal 2007 will be continued.
(No-Action Letter System) and to
and Regulations by Administrative Agencies The public release will be completed by the end
consider taking measures to(No-Action Letter System)”which was revised in June of 2008, if possible.
promote such use if necessary
2007.
- In and after fiscal 2009, the survey on the
If necessary, JETRO will assess
implementation of the No-Action Letter System
the needs of foreign enterprises
will be conducted and the results of thereof willthat consider investment in Japanbe publicized.
and introduces the No-Action(JETRO)(JETRO)
Letter System to these foreign
To facilitate further utilization of above-mentioned Information will be provided to foreign
enterprises and assist them.
system, the “Invest Japan” Website established by enterprises by utilizing other means, including
JETRO offers information on how to prepare a JETRO’s Invest Japan Business Support Centers
no-action letter and on the names of ministries and (IBSCs.)
agencies that adopt the No-Action Letter System toforeign enterprises.
○ To make an effort to rapidly MOF
(MOF)
(MOF)
respond to advance inquiries in
In March 2008, the Administrative Guideline was An effort will be continued to rapidly reply
writing national taxes (New)revised. The revised Administrative Guideline requires through the enhanced system etc.
that answers in writing to advance inquiries should bemade ‘as soon as possible within three months inprinciple’ from April 2008. (In previous Guideline, it
was provided, ‘within three months in principle’) The
system has been enhanced by increasing the number of
persons in charge etc in July 2008.
○ To survey the conditions of use Related
(MIC)
(MIC)
of
the
PublicComment Ministries
A survey to grasp the conditions of implementation of In and after fiscal 2009, a survey to grasp theProcedures, and to give thethe Public Comment Procedures, which is implemented conditions of implementation of the Publicwidest possible publicity to thefrom April 2006 under the Administrative Procedure Comment Procedures under the Administrative
system for wider use
Act, was conducted, and the results thereof were Procedure Act will be conducted, and the results
publicized on August 26, 2008.
thereof will be publicized.
B-3) Enhancement of Inter-Governmental Collaboration○ To build databases on measures Cabinet Office, （Cabinet Office）（Cabinet Office）
andbusinessrelatedto andRelated In fiscal 2006, the “Survey on the Recent Moves of In fiscal 2008, the survey on the moves ofinvestment in Japan and share Ministries
Foreign Enterprises Investing in Japan” was conducted, foreign enterprises investing in Japan will besuch databases within theand the results thereof were publicized in the “database conducted, and the results thereof will be37

government
No.64

No.65

No.66

No.67

○ To implement measures in amore effective manner incooperation with related organs,including Strategic Conference
for
PromotingaTourism-Oriented
Country,
Conference
for
PromotingDeregulation and Public Private
Partnership, Headquarters for
Promoting Special Zones for
Structural Reform, Regional
RevivalHeadquarters,andCouncilfor
ScienceandTechnology PolicyB-4) Appropriate Regulations○ To begin inter-governmental
comprehensive study on theappropriate regulation of foreign
investment that is an exception to
the principle of nondiscrimination(New)○ As to the enhancement of thefunction of prior assessment andchecking for a new regulation, theState Minister in Charge ofRegulatory Reform will lead thework to prepare a concrete
proposal based on the 2008 Basic
Policy for Economic andFinancial Reform, and form aconclusion within this year.
(New)

Related
Ministriesof direct investment in Japan” of the “Invest Japan” publicized in the relevant database so that
Website in March 2007.
government organizations may share thisinformation.
(Related Ministries)(Related Ministries)
An effort is made to properly take those measures in An effort will be made to properly take thosecoordination with related organizations that have been measures in coordination with related
determined at various conferences, etc.
organizations that have been determined atvarious conferences, etc.

Cabinet Office, (Cabinet Office)andRelated The Cabinet Office gave a hearing to related ministries
Ministries
and agencies and experts in order to hold the “Liaison
Conference among Relevant Ministries and Agencies on
the Comprehensive Examination of Appropriate
Regulation of Foreign Investment.”
CabinetOffice (Cabinet Office and MIC)
and MICA study was made to form a conclusion within 2008.

○ To actively participate in the Related
Surveyon
Administrative Ministries
Burdens conducted by the OECD
with an aim of further promoting(Related Ministries)
Japan contributes to works such as development of
indicators related to regulations by participating inOECD’s Public Governance Committee and Regulation
38(Cabinet Office)The
CabinetOffice
will
lead
the
inter-governmental comprehensive study to makean outcome in fiscal 2008.
(Cabinet Office and MIC)
The study will be continued to form a conclusion
within 2008.

(Related Ministries)
Japan will continue to actively participate in theworks conducted by OECD’s Public GovernanceCommittee and Regulation Management andNo.68

No.69

regulatory reforms (New)Management and Reform Working Group.
Reform Working Group.
○To implement measures in a Related(Related Ministries)(Related Ministries)
more effective manner in Ministries
An effort is made to properly take those measures in An effort will be made to properly take thosecooperation with related organs,coordination with related organizations that have been measures in coordination with related
including Strategic Conference
determined at various conferences, etc.
organizations that have been determined atforPromotingavarious conferences, etc.
Tourism-Oriented
Country,
Conference
for
PromotingDeregulation and Public Private
Partnership, Headquarters for
Promoting Special Zones for
Structural Reform, Regional
RevivalHeadquarters,andCouncilfor
ScienceandTechnology Policy(ibid)C Improvement of Living EnvironmentC-1) The systems related to entry and stay will be improved. (These systems will be reviewed in due consideration of various problems related to the control ofstay by foreigners and various problems facing foreigners staying in Japan)○To increase the number of MOJ,
and (MOJ)(MOJ)
highly professional personnel Related
As for the acceptance of highly-skilled foreign workers The acceptance of highly-skilled foreign
accepted, including excellent Ministries
such as excellent foreign researchers, engineers, etc., workers, including excellent foreign researchers
foreign researchers and engineers,
the Law for partial Amendment of the Immigration and engineers, will be expanded. In addition, aand to make a study on theControl and Refugee Recognition Act (Act No.43 of study on the acceptance of foreign workers in theacceptance of personnel in thoseMay 24, 2006), which was passed and enacted atthe fields that are not currently considered as
fields that are not considered as
164th session of the Diet, stipulated the following professional or technical will be made by paying
professional or technical atactivities on a nationwide basis under the status of attention to problems involved. (ibid)
present while paying attention toresidence of “Designated Activities” ; designatedproblems involved
research activities, designated (information processing(ibid)
activities, foreign professor’s educational activities, etc.,
which were implemented as preferential measures forthe status of residence under the Law on the Special
Zones for Structural Reform. (These provisions were
enforced on November 24, 2006.)(ibid)(MEXT)(MEXT)- Since fiscal 2005, the “Project to Enhance the The project mentioned in the left column will be
Universities’ International Strategy Headquarters,” continued
in
order
to
promotethewhich establishes an organization representing all internationalization of a research environment
universities depending on their characteristics, and the acceptance of excellent foreign
establishes an international strategy for such researchers. (ibid)
39

universities, supports organized international activities
by such universities, and develops an excellent
international strategy model, has been implemented.
(ibid)- Under the Foreign Special Researcher Project,
excellent young researchers from various countries are
accepted by universities, etc. in Japan and engaged injoint researched¥s, etc. This project contributes to thepromotion of internationalization of Japan’s research
environment and the development of researches in theircountries. (Actual number of accepted researchers:
1,962 in fiscal 2006 and 1,818 in fiscal 2007) (ibid)（MHLW）
Employment Service Centers for Foreigners, etc.
assisted international students in finding a job in Japanby giving them job consultation, job placement services,
etc. Through the enhanced collaboration with
universities, an internship program and job guidancewere provided to international students even when they
were first-year or second-year students. Furthermore,
efforts were made to assist international students infinding a job in Japan: for example, Employment
Service Centers for Foreigners, etc. actively provided
job placement services to international students incollaboration with centers for Japanese students. (ibid)- On June 22, 2006, a project team on the problems offoreign workers consisting of related Senior
Vice-Ministers prepared the “Summary of Approaches
to the Acceptance of Foreign Workers.” (ibid)

No.70○ The groundwork, including the MOFAuse of the APEC Business Travel
Card, will be laid to enable（MHLW）
It will be necessary to improve the functions of
Employment Service Centers for Foreigners andthereby assist international students and highly
intelligent persons in finding a job in Japanthrough active job placement services to them.
To attain these objectives, however, it isnecessary to reform the attitude of enterprises in
employing foreign persons and their labor
management in response to the needs of the ageof globalization. Therefore, a study on
appropriate labor management, etc. will be madeby members from industry, government andacademia, and the results thereof will be widely
diffused. In addition, business owners will be
encouraged to follow the Guideline of
Employment of Foreign Workers establishedunder the Employment Measures Act. (ibid)(MOFA)
This matter will be continuously examined fromvarious viewpoints of vitalization of Japanese－
economy and society, the acceleration ofinternationalization, aging society with adeclining birthrate, etc.
(MOFA)(MOFA)
Japan joined the APEC Business Travel Card scheme Ongoingly necessary publicity activities will beon April 1, 2003. As of end of -August 2008, 3,086 carried out in order to increase the number of40

foreigners
withshort-termbusiness visa to enter Japan.

No.71

cards have been issued to Japanese business persons, applications from Japanese businesspersons.
and 62,116 pre-clearances requested from foreign
national applicants have been completed.
○ In order to establish the Related(Related Ministries)(MOJ, and Related Ministries)
effective Residence Management Ministries
As for the establishment of a new Residence Based on the results of the study made by the
System, various tasks, including
Management System for foreign persons, it was Discussion Meeting on Immigration Control
how to construct a system that
decided in “Results of the Study of the Working Team Policy, a bill to create a new and effective
enables mutual inquiry andConcerning Residence Management of Foreign Residence Management System will be
sharing of residence information
Nationals (Ministerial Conference on Crime Prevention submitted to the ordinary session of the Diet inamong related ministries andheld on July 3, 2007)” and the “Three Year Plan for the 2009.
agencies, how to revise the Alien
Promotion of Regulatory Reform (Revised) (cabinet
Registration Act, and whether
decision dated March 25, 2008)” that related ministries
organizations
that
accepted
and agencies would submit a related bill to the ordinary
foreigners should be obligated tosession of the Diet in 2009 at the latest.
produce a report, will be studied(MOJ)
and draw conclusions within
In February 2007, the Sectional Meeting on Residence
fiscal 2006.
Management was created under the Discussion Meetingon Immigration Control Policy, a private consultative
group for the Minister for Justice. The Sectional
Meeting on Residence Management made a study on
the method to collect residence information on foreign
nationalsand to control their residence. The Discussion
Meeting on Immigration Control Policy submitted theresults of the study to the Minister for Justice in March
2008.
(MOFA)(MOFA)MOFA provides “the Working Team on the Control of MOFA will provide necessary information for
Stay of Foreign Residents” with information of “the Working Team on the Control of Stay offoreign countries’ policies to facilitate the discussions .
Foreign Residents” .
(MHLW)(MHLW)
A bill to revise the Employment Measures Act by As the revised Employment Measures Act haschanging the voluntary system to the compulsory been already enforced, information on thesystem under which business owners employing foreign compulsory system specified in the Act will beworkers are obligated to submit a report on the diffused.
conditions of employment of foreign workers to theChief of the Public Employment Security Office passed
the 166th session of the Diet in 2007, and the revised
Employment Measures Act was enforced on October 1,
2007.
C-2) To improve an educational environment for children of foreign residents by establishing systems related to international schools and foreign university’s
41

No.72

No.73

No.74

schools in Japan○If a foreign university’s school MEXT
in Japan desires to become anadvanced vocational school or a
vocational school, necessary
advice will be given to such
school about the fact that
prefectural governments have theauthority
toapprovetheestablishment of such school, andabout the purpose of standards forestablishmentofvocational
schools and required conditions
for economic base of the school
in Japan.
(ibid)(MEXT)(MEXT)
If a foreign university’s school in Japan desires to Necessary advice or explanation will be given as
become an advanced vocational school, necessary before. (ibid)
advice or explanation will be given to such school andrelated local government. (ibid)C-3) Efforts to improve an environment, such as medical care for resident foreigners and the creation of a multi-culture community in a region, will be made○ Requests for dispatch of foreign MHLW(MHLW)(MHLW)
doctors to Japan, if any, will be
In fiscal 2004, a notification to the effect that even if Japan will properly respond to requests forproperly met in order to promote
Japanese doctors or dentists are not accepted in a certain acceptance of foreign doctors, if any.
medicalcare
forresident
country, doctors or dentists of the country will be
foreigners.
accepted in Japan subject to certain conditions was
submitted to foreign countries. The procedure forsubmitting an application for dispatch of doctors toJapan was simplified.
○ To promote all of the MIC
prefecturesandtheordinance-designated cities toestablish guidelines, plans, etc.
within fiscal 2006 based on the
Regional
Multi-Culture
Symbiosis Promotion Plan thatwas set up by the Ministry ofInternal
AffairsandCommunications as guidelines forcreatingamulti-culturecommunity in a region(MIC)- In fiscals 2006 and 2007, the Liaison Conference on
Regional Internationalization, etc. was held in eachregional block in order tospread the Regional
Multi-Culture Symbiosis Promotion Plan.
- A survey was conducted at the Liaison Conference on
Regional Internationalization held in each regional
block in fiscal 2007 in order to assess how guidelines,
plans, etc. were established, and the results of thesurvey were publicized in October 2007.

42

(MIC)
In fiscal 2008, the Regional Multi-Culture
Symbiosis Promotion Plan will continue to be
spreaded through the Liaison Conference on
Regional Internationalization, etc..

No.75

No.76

○
To
help
developan MIC
environment in which foreign
residents can have their daily
lives with ease through obtaining
information regarding efforts onregional multi-culture symbiosis
made by municipalities (New)○ The Liaison Committee among Related
Ministries and Agencies on the Ministries
Problems Faced by Foreign
Workers will analyze the current
state of problems being faced byforeign residents, such as medicalcare, education of their children
and conflicts with local residents,and finalize a comprehensive
measure within fiscal 2006 by
paying attention to how costs toresolve these problems should beborne. At the same time, theliaison committee will study the
improvement of education ofJapaneselanguage,theenhancement of measures todecrease the number of children
not attending Japanese schools by
providing school guidance, andthe indication of signs, various
markings,
etc.
inforeignlanguages through collaboration
among related ministries andagencies.

(MIC)
The “collection of cases” of measures to promote
regional
multi-culture
symbiosis
takenbymunicipalities, etc. is now under preparation.

(MIC)
The “collection of cases” mentioned in the left
column will be introduced at the Conference ofSection Chiefs in Charge of International Affairs
at Prefectural Governments held by MIC, andpublicized later.

(Related Ministries)
The Liaison Committee among Ministries and Agencies
on the Problems Faced by Foreign Workers conducted astudy on problems related to foreign residents, andcompiled, on December 25, 2006, the “comprehensive
measures for foreign residents,” including: 1) the
creation of a foreigner-friendly local community; 2)enhancement of education for children of foreign
residents ; 3) the improvement of a work environment,
and increased social insurance coverage, for foreign
persons; and 4) the review of the Visa Status Control
System for foreign persons.
*Measures will be taken to improve education ofJapanese language, to decrease the number of foreign
children not attending school through school attendance
guidance, and to indicate many more marks, signs, etc.
in foreign languages.
(MOFA)MOFA provides “the Liaison Committee of Ministries
and Agencies on
Foreign Workers’issues” withinformation on related activities made in foreigncountries to facilitate discussions made at the Liaison
Committee.
(MEXT)To help foreign residents smoothly adapt to the living
environment in Japan, the “Program to Accelerate
Foreign Persons’ Adaptation to the Living Environment
in Japan,” including the organization of consultative
meetings with governments of native countries offoreign children, the enhancement of education ofJapanese language and the increase of number offoreign children attending schools, was implemented.

(Related Ministries)
Ministries and agencies will take respective
measures in an effective manner in accordancewith the comprehensive measures for foreign
residents in close cooperation with each other. If
necessary, a liaison conference will be held tofollow up the comprehensive measures.
(MIC and MOJ)
Under the “Three Year Plan for the Promotion ofRegulatory Reform (Revised) (cabinet decision
dated March 25, 2008,)” a bill to introduce a newregistry of foreign residents from which allmunicipalities are able to obtain the accurate
information of legal foreign residents andprovide foreign residents with administrative
services will be submitted to the ordinary sessionof the Diet in 2009 at the latest.
(MOFA)MOFA will continuously provide “the Liaison
Committee of Ministries and Agencies on
Foreign Workers’issues”
with necessary
information .

43(MEXT)To help foreign residents smoothly adapt to theliving environment in Japan, the “Program to
Accelerate Foreign Persons’ Adaptation to the
Living Environment in Japan” will be continued.
(Budget request for fiscal 2009: 638 million yen)

No.77○ To promote the establishment Cabinet(Cabinet Secretariat)of medical facilities, childcare Secretariat and In April 2008, the “Plan to Enhance Japan’s Role as an
facilities, service apartments and FSA
International Financial Center” was adopted at theinternational
schools
where
Meeting of the Regional Revitalization Headquarters
services are provided in foreign
In July 2008, the International Financial Center Forumlanguages in regions whereconsisting of related local governments, related
functions of the international
ministries and agencies, related organizations, etc. wasfinancial centers are enhanced, increated in order to steadily promote the Plan and follow
consideration of the fact thatup the progress of its activities.
foreign residents cannot live freefrom anxieties unless medical,
housing and educational services
are provided (New)No.78○ To conduct a survey on the MEXT(MEXT)
current conditions of schools for
Budget request for fiscal 2009 is made for this survey as
Brazilian students in Japan,
government-commissioned research and study project.
includingtherelationshipbetween such Brazilian schools
and local governments (New)
3 Extensive Domestic and Overseas Publicity
A. Domestic publicity to enhance the public understanding
No.79○ To provide heads, etc. of local Cabinet Office, (Cabinet Office, METI and JETRO)
governments with an opportunity METI
and In January 2007, the Regional Conference on Direct
to make a commitment to attract JETRO
Investment in Japan (the Greater Nagoya Initiative
foreign enterprises at occasions,Symposium) was held in Nagoya. In September 2007,
includingtheRegional
the Joint Symposium for Invest Japan and Visit Japan
Conference on Foreign Direct
was held in Kobe as part of the Regional Conference on
Investment in Japan. Those local
Direct Investment in Japan.
governments actively engaged in(METI and JETRO)
attracting many more foreign- In July 2006, the “GNI Economic Symposium” wasenterprises will publicize theheld in Nagoya.
specific effects of foreign direct-As part of the U.S.-Japan Investment Initiative, theinvestment in Japan. The central
Japan-U.S. Investment Promotion Seminar was held ingovernment will actively assist
Sendai and Yokohama in October 2006, and thethese activities so that the efforts
U.S.-Japan Bilateral Investment Seminar was held inof these local governments will
Osaka in September 2007. (ibid)
spread to other regions in Japan.
No.80○ With an aim of wiping out an Cabinet Office, (Cabinet Office)allergy to M&A made by foreign METI
and In fiscal 2006, the “Survey on the Recent Moves ofenterprises against domestic JETRO
Foreign Enterprises Investing in Japan” was conducted,
44(Cabinet Secretariat)
Activities to steadily promote the Plan andfollow up its progress will be made at theInternational Financial Center Forum.

(MEXT)
A survey on the current conditions of schools for
Brazilian students in Japan, including therelationship between such Brazilian schools andlocal governments, will be conducted.

(Cabinet Office, METI and JETRO)- From end-January to early February 2009, a
Regional Conference on Direct Investment inJapan will be held in Matsuyama City, Ehime
Prefecture.
- In and after fiscal 2008, a Regional Conference
on Direct Investment in Japan will be held.
(METI and JETRO)In October 2008, the Japan-U.S. Investment
Promotion Seminar was held in Shizuoka. (ibid)(Cabinet Office)In fiscal 2008, the survey on the moves offoreign enterprises investing in Japan will beenterprises, information on casesthat M&A made by foreign
enterprises
contributedtobusiness regeneration, operational
improvement
andthemaintenance of employment forworkers of domestic enterprises
subject to M&A will be collected
and introduced.

No.81

No.82

No.83

○ With an aim of further Cabinet Officepromoting M&As in Japan,
measurestohelp
privateenterprises
toenhanceindependent
initiatives
for
improvinginfrastructure,including the accumulation of
information and experience andthe development of personnel,
will be taken, while measures todiffuse the knowledge related to
M&As will also be taken.
○ With an aim of more accurately MOF (METI)
grasping the data of direct
investment, a study will be madeon how to compile the statistics
on direct investment while paying
due attention to how the statistics
are compiled in other countries
and the international standards of
IMF, etc.

and the results thereof were publicized in the “database conducted, and the results thereof will beof direct investment in Japan” of the “Invest Japan” publicized in the relevant database so that
Website in March 2007. (ibid)
government organizations may share thisinformation. (ibid)(METI and JETRO)(METI and JETRO)In fiscals 2006 and 2007, a questionnaire survey on the In fiscal 2008, a Survey on the Attitude ofevaluation of the investment environment in Japan and Foreign-Affiliated Enterprises Toward Direct
future strategy for direct investment in Japan (the Investment in Japan will be conducted. In
Survey on the Attitude of Foreign-Affiliated Enterprises addition, the successful M&A cases, made by
Toward Direct Investment in Japan) was conducted for foreign enterprises helped domestic enterprises,
foreign-affiliated enterprises, and its results were including SMEs, to revitalize their business,
publicized.
improve financial performances and maintainemployees, will be collected, and widely
diffused.
(Cabinet Office)With an aim of further promoting M&As in
Japan, a study will be made on measures to help
private enterprises to enhance independent
initiatives for improving infrastructure, including
the accumulation of information and experience－and the development of personnel.

(MOF and METI)In the “Japan’s Balance of Foreign Assets andLiabilities” publicized in May 2007, the following was
made:- The estimated value of the market price of thebalance of direct investment was publicized as reference－data;- As for payment related to direct investment made by
the person who is not obligated to report on the balanceof direct investment, such amount that can be assessed
under the current reporting system was reflected in thebalance of direct investment.
○ With an aim of building the MOFA,METI (METI and JETRO)(METI and JETRO)
objective data on effects of and JETRO- In fiscal 2005, the “Survey on Investment-Related In and after fiscal 2008, various surveys will be45foreign direct investment in acountry, researches on successful
cases of foreign investment,
effects of attracted investment
and organizations to attract
investment will be conducted.

No.84

No.85

○ To study measures to indicate Cabinet Office
Japan’s attitude to welcome
foreign direct investment inJapan, and implement them assoon as possible (New)B. Overseas Publicity○ With an aim of widely Cabinet Office,publicizing Japan’s attitude to MOFA,
METI
welcomeforeign
direct and JETRO
investment, investment promotion
missions will be dispatched,
while
sales
activities
byminister-level officials and heads

Administrative Procedure in Foreign Countries” and the“Survey on the Effect Caused by Direct Investment inJapan through M&As by Foreign Enterprises on
Corporate Value (Quantitative Survey)” wereconducted.
- In fiscal 2006, the “Survey on the Effect Caused by
Direct Investment in Japan through M&As by Foreign
Enterprises on Corporate Value (Qualitative Survey)”
and the “Survey on R&D Conducted byForeign-Related Enterprises” were conducted.
- In fiscal 2007, the “Survey on the Agglomerations ofMajor Global Enterprises and Measures to Attract
Foreign Enterprises in Asia” and the “Survey on theInterest of European, U.S. and Asian Enterprises in
Investment in Japan” were conducted.
(Cabinet Office)
The Cabinet Office is now preparing a publicity DVD
to help promote direct investment in Japan. The Cabinet
Office also created an English edition of the pamphlet
titled “Five Proposals for Drastically Increasing Direct
Investment in Japan.”(MOFA)
Upon request of relevant ministries, agencies and
JETRO, diplomatic establishments abroad carry out,
from time to time, PR activities and make a proactive
promotion withhigh-ranking officials in foreigncountries and international organizations.

46

conducted if necessary.

(Cabinet Office)The publicity DVD to help promote direct
investment in Japan will be televised at various
symposiums, including the “Canada-Japan
Business Symposium”to be held in Toronto in
Canada in October 2008. This DVD will also be
televised at such seminars on direct investment inJapan that will be held at each office of JETRO
and diplomatic establishments abroad. At theseoccasions, the pamphlet titled “Five Proposals
for Drastically Increasing Direct Investment inJapan” will be distributed to attendants toadvertise the attractiveness of the Japanesemarket.
(MOFA)
Upon request of relevant ministries, agencies
and JETRO, diplomatic establishments abroad
will carry out, from time to time, PR
activities and make a proactive promotion withhigh-ranking officials in foreign countries andinternational organizations.

No.86No.87

of local governments will be also
made. Ambassadors and otherofficials of Japan’s embassies andlegations abroad will constantly
conduct publicity activities toattract foreign direct investment
in Japan.

(METI and JETRO)- An Investment Japan Symposium was held in London
in September 2006, and in Singapore and Sao Francisco
in November 2006. An Investment Japan Symposium
was held in Gyeonggi-do, Korea, in June 2007, in
Washington, D.C. and Miami in October 2007, and in
Düsseldorf in November 2007. (ibid)- Efforts were made to arouse the interest of persons incharge at potential enterprises by putting ads in maineconomic papers before symposiums on direct
investment in Japan are held overseas or when such
papers prepare a special feature on Japan, or by making
press releases, or providing information, to foreign mass
media so that they may prepare articles on Japan.

○ To hold large-scale seminars on MOFA,
METI
foreign direct investment in Japan and JETRO
when sales activities by ministers
and heads of local governments
will be made, and foreign
enterprises are encouraged toenter the Japanese market andrelationships between Japaneseand foreign business partners will
be developed(MOFA)
Upon request of relevant ministries, agencies and
JETRO, efforts for promotion are made as much as
possible.

○To
accumulate
local METI
investment-related
information JETRO(information
concerningindustrial
accumulation,
professional persons, enterprises,
infrastructure, etc. in each region)and create a Website for investors
that will build up information
depending on the needs ofinvestors(METI and JETRO)An Investment Japan Symposium was held by JETRO
in London in September 2006, and in Singapore and
Sao Francisco in November 2006. An Investment Japan
Symposium was held in Gyeonggi-do, Korea, in June
2007, in Washington, D.C. and Miami in October 2007,
and in Düsseldorf in November 2007. (ibid)and (METI and JETRO)The Navigation System for Supporting Foreign
Enterprises Investing in Japan has been established on
the Website of JETRO since October 2006. The
navigation system provides foreign enterprises withinformation concerning specific industries to which
selected local governments strongly desire to attract
foreign enterprises, the conditions of agglomeration ofsuch industries and R&D institutions, regional
infrastructure,
attractive
incentives,
investment
47(METI and JETRO)- An Investment Japan Symposium will be held
in Chicago in October 2008, in London in
November 2008 and in Paris in December 2008.
(ibid)- In fiscal 2008, ads will be put in mainnewspapers before events are held overseas orwhen such papers prepare a special feature on
Japan.
(METI)- In fiscal 2008, seminars or businessnegotiations to increase direct investment inJapan from Middle Eastern countries, etc. or to
obtain income from overseas will be held forbusiness matching between foreign and Japaneseenterprises.
(MOFA)
Upon request of relevant ministries, agencies
and JETRO, efforts for promotion will be madeas much as possible. It will be more strongly
encouraged to hold seminars at official
residences or offices of embassies in order toeffectively utilize diplomatic establishments
abroad.
(METI and JETRO)An Investment Japan Symposium will be held in
Chicago in October 2008, in London in
November 2008 and in Paris in December 2008.
(ibid)(METI and JETRO)
An effort will be continued to improve theconvenience of users. For the Navigation System
for Supporting Foreign Enterprises Investing inJapan (in Japanese and English,) its design will
be changed, and the basic information site inGermany, French, Chinese (both original andsimplified forms) and Korean will be establishedin December 2008. (ibid)- During fiscal 2008, assistance will be given toIn the case of a willing local
government, it is desirable toconduct these activities throughbroad-based collaboration under
the leadership of the head in orderto realize the efficient andeffective dispatch of information.
(ibid)

No.88○ Considering that the promotionof international tourism and anincrease in the number of tourists
visiting Japan in particular willcontribute to the improvement ofinternational
understanding,overseas publicity activities incollaboration with the Visit Japan
Campaign will be conducted.

No.89○ To assist foreign Chambers ofCommerce and Industry in
conducting activities through theprovision of information

No.90○ To study measures to indicate
Japan’s attitude to welcome
foreign direct investment inJapan, and implement them as

professionals, and foreign enterprises already havingbases in Japan. In fiscal 2007, a system was establishedin the Navigation System for Supporting Foreign
Enterprises Investing in Japan. Under the system,
persons in charge of attraction of foreign investment at
local governments and experts in respective industries
are registered with photos as “investment information
concierge” or guide for investment-related information.
The investment information concierge works as aunitary desk to receive questions from, and dispatchanswers to, foreign enterprises. In addition, the FAQs
(summary of questions made to local governments)
were prepared. Furthermore, a corner where“information on potential partner enterprises in Japan”
is provided is also established. (ibid)
Cabinet Office, (METI and JETRO)METI, MLIT and - In September 2007, attractive points of Japan and
JETRO
Kansai District were introduced at the “9th World
Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention” held in both Kobe
City and Osaka City, as part of the “Invest Japan”(Cabinet Secretariat) and the “Visit Japan Campaign”(Kinki District Transport Bureau) as two-way projects.
At this occasion, the “Joint Symposium for Invest Japan
and Visit Japan,” which is a two-way project to further
expand direct investment in Japan and increase thenumber of foreign tourists visiting Japan, wasimplemented. (ibid)- In November 2007, World Heritage sites and local
specialties in Japan were introduced to advertize
attractive points of Japan in Düsseldorf. (ibid)
METI
and (METI and JETRO)JETRO- JETRO’s Investment-in-Japan Support Program wasadvertized at events held by foreign embassies, relatedorganizations, etc.
- Seminars to provide many related persons withinformation were held twice in fiscal 2006, and once infiscal 2007.
Cabinet Office(Cabinet Office)
The Cabinet Office is now preparing a publicity DVD
to help promote direct investment in Japan. The Cabinet
Office also created an English edition of the pamphlet48

the wide-area collaboration activities of local
governments in joint exhibition at the fairs held
overseas under the “Project to Support Regional
Activities to Attract Foreign Enterprises”(delegated to JETRO).** 1) Bio-Technica 2008 (Germany, October,Kansai Bio Bridge); 2) the 23rd International
Fair of Electronic Parts, Components, Systems
and Applications (Germany, November, Greater
Nagoya Initiative): and 3) International Fancy
Food and Confection Show NAAFT Winter 2009
(U.S.A., January, Saitama/Shizuoka Group)(ibid)(METI and JETRO)- A study will be made on the implementation ofoverseas publicity activities in tie-up with the“Visit Japan Campaign.”- In fiscal 2008, a survey with an intention of
attracting foreign enterprises in the tourist
industry will be conducted.

(METI and JETRO)
Seminars, etc. on themes that can attract foreign
enterprises having interest in doing business inJapan and foreign enterprises already having
business bases in Japan will be held.
(Cabinet Office)The publicity DVD to help promote direct
investment in Japan will be televised at various
symposiums, including the “Canada-Japansoon as possible(ibid)

No.91○ To conduct a fact finding Cabinet Officesurvey on the number, amounts,
etc. of M&As made in Japan, andto provide the results thereof tooverseas countries (New)titled “Five Proposals for Drastically Increasing Direct Business Symposium”to be held in Toronto in
Investment in Japan.” (ibid)
Canada in October 2008. This DVD will also be
televised at such seminars on direct investment inJapan that will be held at each office of JETRO
and diplomatic establishments abroad. At theseoccasions, the pamphlet titled “Five Proposals
for Drastically Increasing Direct Investment inJapan” will be distributed to attendants toadvertise the attractiveness of the Japanesemarket. (ibid)(Cabinet Office)With an aim of increasing direct investment inJapan, the current conditions of M&As in Japan,－
including the number of M&As and related
amounts, will be surveyed every year, and theresults thereof will be provided to many foreigncountries starting in fiscal 2008.

49