Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Q: Is Invest Fukuoka North America a for-profit entity? How do you charge for your services?
A: Invest Fukuoka North America is a foreign government agency. We are a division of the Government of Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan and fully funded by the Fukuoka Prefectural Government. Our office in San Jose, California was established in 2003 to promote the development of business relationships between North American companies and companies in Fukuoka. We are not for profit, and we do not charge for our services.
Q: Does Invest Fukuoka make equity investments?
A: Invest Fukuoka does not make investments. Rather, we provide free services to assist North American companies with business development and business expansion in the Fukuoka region of Japan. In choosing a name for our organization, we have chosen to use the word Invest to reflect our firm belief that expanding your business to Fukuoka, either through a partnership or through the placement of an office or facility, is an investment in the future growth of your business. We are here to make sure your business investment is successful.
Q: Where is Invest Fukuoka North America located? Do you cover all of North America?
A: Invest Fukuoka North America has an office in San Jose, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. Our contact information can be found here. However, we are happy to assist companies from across North America, and we regularly make trips to Canada, the East Coast, and other locations. Recent trips have included Vancouver, BC; Boston, MA; and Chicago, IL.
Q: How is Fukuoka different from other regions in Japan? Shouldnt I locate my business in Tokyo?
A: When cost, opportunity, and convenience are considered, you will find that Fukuoka is your best choice in Japan. Japan is a relatively small country, and a flight from Tokyo to Fukuoka is about 1.5 hours. Actually, from Fukuoka, a 1.5 hour flight will also get you to Seoul, Shanghai, and Taipei. You can effectively cover all of Japan and a good part of Asia from one location!
You will save considerably on cost when locating to Fukuoka:
Industrial land cost in Fukuoka is 13% of costs in Tokyo
Commercial land is 21%
Office rent is 71%
Apartment rent is 56%
Average salaries are 79%
The most important point to consider, however, is the competitive risk associated with locating to Tokyo. You MUST find a reference customer to be successful in Japan. In Tokyo, you will be competing with numerous companies with little or no assistance from regional government. In Fukuoka, we assist you with obtaining your first reference customer so that you can successfully compete in the market and effectively build relationships with Japans major corporations. We advocate a Fukuoka-Test-Tokyo strategy: Establish a presence and find a reference customer in Fukuoka, test the market and your market strategy, and then use this knowledge to effectively compete in the Tokyo market when you are ready and your business can support the additional cost.
In other words, at Invest Fukuoka we help you establish a beachhead in the Japanese market at a fraction of the cost of Tokyo so that you can find a reference customer and grow your business effectively and at lower cost than your competition.
Q: What is Invest Fukuoka North Americas mission?
A: The mission of Invest Fukuoka North America is to create and support mutually beneficial relationships between companies and organizations in Fukuoka and North America.
Q: Where is Fukuoka, Japan?
A: Fukuoka is one of Japans 47 prefectures. It is located in southwestern Japan, on the northern part of Kyushu Island, just a short distance from the Korean peninsula. You can see Fukuoka's location here.