Japan
Japan at a glance
Population
As of: 2025
Trade volume
As of: 2025
GDP growth
As of: 2025
Bringing Japan and Bavaria together
Services of our economic representation
Market entry
We support Bavarian companies in entering the market and in developing initial business opportunities, customer relationships and projects in Japan.
Network building
We connect companies with relevant partners in Japan through targeted networking activities and events.
Location information on Japan
We help identify suitable regions, business conditions and relevant contacts in Japan.
Support for business establishment projects in Bavaria
We support Japanese companies that wish to establish a presence in Bavaria.
Do you have any questions? Do not hesitate to contact us!
Facts and figures about Japan
Japan is one of the world’s largest economies and one of Bavaria’s most important trading partners in Asia. The national currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY).
The country is closely integrated into global markets, particularly those of Europe, the United States and China and has a highly developed, export-oriented industrial sector.
Trade relations between Bavaria and Japan
*in millions of euros
This chart shows exports from Bavaria to Japan and imports from Japan to Bavaria. It also illustrates the total trade volume, consisting of both exports and imports.
How is Japan’s economy structured?
Japan has developed into a highly industrialized and technology-driven economy. The country maintains a globally oriented economic structure with strong links to major international sales and procurement markets.
Japan is internationally recognized as a leading location in technology-intensive industries such as automotive manufacturing, electronics, information technology and robotics.
The Greater Tokyo Area serves as the political and economic center of the country and is a major hub for industry, innovation and international business activities.
What business opportunities does Japan offer?
Japan offers Bavarian companies a wide range of business opportunities, particularly in technology-driven and innovation-focused industries. Key sectors include digitalization, Industry 4.0, robotics, hydrogen and energy technologies, medical technology, as well as healthcare and elderly care solutions.
In addition, collaboration in research and development projects and cooperation in third-country markets are becoming increasingly important.
The foundation of economic relations is the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union and Japan, which facilitates mutual market access.
What are the economic relations with Bavaria and Germany?
Bavaria and Japan share long-standing and close economic ties. Japan is one of Bavaria’s most important trading partners in Asia. Cooperation between German and Japanese companies in international markets where Japan maintains a strong investment presence is becoming increasingly significant. According to surveys conducted by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan, more than 60 percent of German companies based in Japan are now conducting business with Japanese partners in third-country markets such as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South America and Africa.
Both business locations benefit from similar industrial structures, a strong culture of innovation and complementary economic strengths.
In addition to bilateral trade, technological cooperation as well as regional and institutional partnerships are gaining increasing importance.
The Bavarian Economic Representation serves as a first point of contact and gateway to relevant network partners in both Bavaria and Japan. It supports Bavarian companies in entering the Japanese market and expanding existing business relationships.
„We are a small but highly motivated and engaged team and are always happy to support you as a gateway and bridge builder. We look forward to hearing from you! Always happy to welcome you with a cup of coffee or tea.“
