Rapid economic development in Japan during the past fifty years has come at the price of the environment. Legislation has been passed to improve the country’s environmental performance, spurring the creation of successful domestic “end-of-pipe” pollution control equipment manufacturers. Air quality is comparatively good as Japan has some of the strictest emissions control regulations in the world. However, there is new concern among the public about dioxin emissions from waste incineration. Solid waste management has been fair, but limited space for landfills has given a high priority for finding appropriate technologies for waste reduction. Soil remediation has also become an issue. The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) reports that there are at least 15,000 sites in need of cleaning. Japan’s water and wastewater sector has performed the poorest. The sewerage system is still being developed, and within that sector sludge treatment is a pressing issue. Groundwater contamination from pesticides and other industrial pollutants also requires greater attention.
By sector, according to a report by JETRO, the market consists of 42.9% refuse treatment equipment, 38.6% water pollution control equipment, and 18% air pollution control equipment. Environmental Business International estimates the size of the Japanese environmental technologies market at $87.9 billion for 1998. Projected growth rates of 1-2% indicate a mature market. Approximately 75% of market demand comes from the public sector and the remaining 25% comes from private sector firms. Currently there are 152 foreign firms in the Japanese market, with the United States being the leading exporter of environmental technologies, followed by Germany.
The Japanese market for environmental protection and pollution control, which is nearly five times the size of the rest of Asia combined, is expected to expand steadily as one of the sectors least affected by Japan’s prolonged recession. While the nation has a renowned reputation for end-of-pipe pollution control technology, it is behind in almost all areas of environmental remediation engineering and in the development of cost effective solutions for newly-risen contamination issues. Therefore, one area in which the U.S. is distinctively ahead of and cost competitive against Japan is environmental chemical analysis and testing services. U.S. environmental impact assessment consulting/engineering firms appear to have a strong competitive edge in both the scope of services available and the relatively low price they can quote. Overall, the best prospects for U.S. firms wishing to enter the Japanese market are waste reduction, treatment and analysis of dioxin emissions from waste incineration, chemical analysis and testing, consulting engineering/environmental assessment, toxic waste management, contaminated soil and groundwater remediation, and equipment for recycling plastics. Due to strong domestic competition, interested U.S. firms may have to find niches where Japanese firms are less competitive.
Market Characteristics and Dynamics:
There are no laws and regulations restricting the access of foreign manufacturers into the Japanese market. However, U.S. firms are likely to encounter challenges facing fierce domestic competition, the language, knowing and understanding customs regulations, transportation, local knowledge of regulations, finding the right partner, distance, learning and understanding the culture, time and commitment required to build trust, financial considerations, and appropriate staff selection. Japanese users are also very concerned with after-sale services, especially the speed at which the foreign manufacturer can respond to equipment breakdown. Fostering long-term relationships with customers is considered an important part of achieving success in the Japanese market.
Japan is an expensive place to start a new business, and among the start-up costs are the possibilities of having to modify equipment, technologies, systems, and business practices to meet the needs of Japanese regulations and the expectations of Japanese customers. U.S. firms can take several different paths to entering the market. Generally, the most common forms of market entry by U.S. companies are using a wholly-owned subsidiary, investing with a Japanese joint-venture partner in a partly-owned subsidiary, appointing a sales agent or distributor, or licensing technology to a Japanese company. Given the socio-cultural, legislative differences, and other factors pertinent to the relevant industries in Japan, a tie-up with a Japanese firm as a local business partner is the recommended form of entry. Due to regional differences, it is best to seek a local partner for each region that is being considered for entry by the U.S. firm. Licensing agreements avoid start-up costs, but may result in a long-term exclusion of the U.S. company from the market and the creation of a potential Japanese competitor in markets the U.S. company is already in. To minimize this potential risk, a carefully constructed and executed agreement coupled with a dedicated R&D effort for improving/developing technology is essential.
Water and Wastewater Treatment
Market Overview:
The Japanese market for wastewater treatment equipment is estimated to be around $6 billion (in 1996), which is an increase of 9% from the previous year. The Japanese market for wastewater treatment equipment is broken down into the following six major product category groups. The figures in parentheses are the sectoral percentages in 1996:
In 1996, in the total pollution control market, only the wastewater treatment sector showed growth at 9%. This increase is attributable primarily to a rise in demand among major user sectors such as sewage treatment facilities (up 16%) and excrement treatment facilities (up 13.3%), reflecting continuing investment of the Japanese government to improve the nation’s social infrastructure. Because of the commitment to extend the coverage rate of sewage systems in Japan and the government’s continuing public work spending, together with tighter regulations to control effluent containing toxic chemicals, the Japanese market for wastewater treatment will, as a whole, sustain a steady growth of averaged 5% - 8% on a mid to long-term basis.
A 1997 white paper issued by the Environment Agency states that overall water quality is improving, but the report also shows that 21% of coastal water, 28% of rivers, and about 60% of lakes and reservoirs fail to meet the national environmental standards. The major causes of the relatively low quality of the public water in Japan are: 1) The slow development of sewage systems; 2) Increased water utilization/demand; 3) Factory effluents; and 4) Illegal dumping of waste and the lack of strong enforcement. The major water-related pollution issues which are of concern in Japan are; 1) Eutrophication; 2) Problems of trihalomethane (THM) and cryptosporisium at tap water supply facilities; and 3) Groundwater contamination.
End users for wastewater treatment equipment in Japan are divided into the public sector, central, prefectural and municipal governments, and the private sector, consisting of manufacturing and non-manufacturing industries. Usually, the public sector accounts for 80%-85% of Japan’s wastewater treatment market, since operation and management of sewage systems and excrement treatment facilities are the responsibility of municipal and prefectural governments. Of the private sector users, 75% are in manufacturing industries and 15% non-manufacturing industries.
Regulatory Issues:
Because of increasing concern about the relatively low quality of public water in Japan and the public visibility of contamination issues, water-related regulations are expected to be tightened gradually in the coming years. Hence market growth in the wastewater sector will largely be regulation-driven. The principal Japanese law for this sector is the Water Pollution Control Law. The Law was revised in 1996 to allow prefectural governors or mayors of twelve major cities to mandate that business entities conduct remediation of contaminated groundwater. In 1997 Japan’s first environment control standards were established for 23 toxic groundwater contaminants.
Opportunities:
From a technological point of view, many believe that U.S. firms still maintain a strong competitive edge against Japanese competitors. This is primarily because the U.S. market in this sector has been established due to the 1980 enactment of the “Superfund”, resulting in U.S. companies having highly cost-efficient and diversified remediation technology. In contrast, because of the comparatively short history of the groundwater contamination issue, Japan has lacked remediation engineering technologies and the related software which are required to effectively analyze and treat this type of environmental problem. Over the past five or six years, remedial methods such as in-situ vapor or vacuum extraction, carbon absorption, and bio-remediation made very limited debuts in Japan. However, U.S. companies through either licensing or joint venture arrangements introduced most of them, or at least the core technologies, with Japanese firms.
Given below are the products, services, and specific areas of wastewater treatment for which relatively high sales prospects are expected in Japan:
Leachate treatment for landfill sites and waste disposition facilities.
Portable testing kit or equipment for leachate from waste landfill sites and disposition sites.
High-performance filters including bio-filters.
Deodorizing equipment and products (especially, bio-formulated products).
“Closed system” (reuse of industrial water)
Ozone gas generator for water treatment and purification
Purification of tap water sources by methods rather than or combined use of chlorine.
Photo-catalytic treatment.
Biological treatment.
Nutrient additive for microbial treatment.
Destruction of phosphorus and nitrogen compounds.
Technologies to kill, solidify, filter or collect aquatic organisms created by eutrophication.
Dehydration of sludge.
Reduction or disposal technology for excessive sludge.
Conversion of sludge into reusable materials.
Remediation of contaminated groundwater.
Disinfecting products for tap water contamination.
“Biosensors” to measure and monitor BOD, COD, and toxicity.
Biochemicals and enzyme additive for removal of water contaminants.
Wastewater treatment systems for large-scale municipal waste incineration plants.
Reutilization of energy (e.g. heat and gas) from wastewater treatment facilities.
Sampling, measuring, and monitoring instrumentation.
Chemicals for disinfection effective for cryptosporisium.
Aeration equipment, pumps, valves, and screens.
Consulting service providing solutions tailored to socio-cultural needs.
Water supply management system.
Solid Waste Treatment
Market Overview:
Japan, which is slightly smaller than California, faces a chronic shortage of waste disposition sites. Because of the scarcity of land for disposal sights, waste reduction has become an important priority. Solid waste is divided into two general classifications. The first and the largest classification is industrial waste, of which Japan produces approximately 400 million tons annually according to JETRO. General waste is the second classification and comprises waste from households. Approximately 50 million tons of general waste is produced annually. Container and package wastes such as cans, bottles, PET bottles and paper boxes account for about 60% of the total garbage in Japan. The Japan Industrial Machinery Association estimates the market for refuse treatment equipment at $5.5 billion in 1996.The solid waste sector experienced rapid growth during the early 1990s, but the effects of the recession finally started to cause a decline in market size in 1996. The expected economic recovery will likely reverse this negative trend.
The market for recycling is at a critical stage. While growth is expected to continue because of the priority given to waste reduction, business groups have not yet shown any positive signs of sharing the high costs associated with the recycling process and therefore growth remains limited. It will take some time before the Japanese market for recycling grows into a big business as observed in Germany and other environmentally advanced nations. One reason for this is because Japan still lacks nationwide recycling centers and collection systems for most useable resources.
Industrial wastes, such as muds, iron and steel goods, construction goods, glass, and plastics constitute the majority of solid waste in Japan, as mentioned above. Much of this material, 37%, is recycled. The market is comprised of a very large number of waste collection, transport, and disposal firms, numbering over 80,000. Not surprisingly the scale of nearly all of these firms is small, having a work force of 10 to 20 employees. According to the National Federation of Industrial Waste Management Associations, only four or five firms in the waste treatment sector are valued at more than $1 million and have more than 100 workers. Because the economic recession has reduced the amount of industrial waste, competition among these firms has intensified. Many of these small firms operate in a small local market and the majority are run by the municipal government, making it difficult for U.S. waste management firms to gain a large foothold. Until 1996, when the Tokyo Metropolitan Government imposed collection fees for commercial waste over 10 kg per day, waste collection had been free of charge. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s new policy will definitely affect other municipalities accelerating their consideration toward establishing similar systems in their regions.
Regulatory Issues:
The Waste Management and Public Cleansing Law was revised in 1997. Part of the revision allows for the entry of newcomers into the industrial waste disposal business without the licenses which are usually required from each prefecture or municipalities in which it does business, under the pre-condition that the new entity’s business focuses on waste reduction and recycling in compliance with the standards set by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. Specially controlled industrial wastes are defined under the law as: 1) Easily burned waste oils, 2) Highly corrosive waste acids and waste alkalis, 3) Infectious industrial waste generated by hospitals and clinics, 4) Hazardous industrial wastes including PCB pollutants and waste asbestos, and 5) Other wastes that must be disposed of by being encapsulated and buried in the ground.
The Law for the Promotion of Utilization of Recycled Resources calls for the more effective use of materials to reduce waste and also seeks greater use of recycling technologies. Responsibility for implementation is shared among consumers, local governments, and businesses. The significance of this new law is that for the first time the law mandates business to shoulder the responsibility of recycling package waste regardless of cost and to municipalities the obligation of sort-out collection. However, success will depend on each of these actors to follow through with implementation.
Opportunities:
In the recycling industry demand is expected to increase for crushers, sorters, volume reduction and solidification equipment, and incinerators. Additional investments are likely in recycling technology for paper, incineration residue remelting, and plastic bumpers from automobiles. The current recycling markets for glass bottles, aluminum cans, plastics (PET, PSP, and EPS), and tires do not pose large opportunities for U.S. firms unless the Japanese economy recovers from its recession. There has also been an increased focus on the recycling of home appliances and consumer electronic devises. This is an emerging market and domestic technologies are just beginning to emerge. Japanese purchasers of equipment will place increasing weight on a high cost-efficiency ratio, low operating costs and minimum maintenance. Other factors such as trouble-free and space-saving design and noise/odor minimization features are of great importance in Japan where space is at a premium. While Japanese companies currently supply most of the domestic demand for recycling equipment and services, U.S. firms have been successful in finding niche markets where sales can be made. However, strong-yen exchange rates will make U.S. firms more competitive across the entire range of recycling machinery.
An area of increasing interest is “closed-system” production in which waste materials are recycled and reused in manufacturing processes. Many Japanese manufacturing companies are beginning to look at this type of technology to reduce costs and promote the positive environmental impacts in their marketing strategies. U.S. firms that provide services or equipment for closed-system manufacturing may find strong demand for their products.
U.S. firms with long years of expertise in industrial waste management, particularly related to toxic waste management, may find unexpectedly strong sales prospects in Japan, since the majority of Japanese toxic waste management firms are small in size and engage in collection and haulage services only. In addition, with the increasing trend for charging collection fees, many industry sources believe that these moves will lead to open a good business opportunity for private firms, since commercial waste can be picked up and disposed of by private firms at a much lower cost than municipal firms. If the collection of commercial waste by private firms is a success, it may very well push privatization in the household waste collection business, which has been “monopolized” by municipal governments. This may pose an opportunity for cost-competitive U.S. firms that are willing to take the time to establish themselves in small, local markets. The adoption of ISO 14000 series standards for environmental auditing and management will likely serve as a significant incentive for the increasing development of and demand for more cost effective technology and services for industrial waste disposal. This will include intermediate treatment and recycling, as well as closer monitoring on the operation of waste landfill sites.
Air Pollution Control
Market Overview:
Japan has the strictest air pollution control requirements in the world, and overall air quality in Japan appears to be good. Most industries have complied with the these restrictions and therefore the market opportunities for U.S.-made end-of-pipe pollution control equipment are limited. However, there has been increased public concern for previously unregulated pollutants. Three volatile organic compounds (VOCs), tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, and benzene, were added to the list of controlled hazardous pollutants for the first time in 1996 as a response to public concerns. Japan also remains the world’s fourth largest producer of carbon dioxide emissions.
The threat to the Japanese living environment by dioxin is becoming a serious social issue. Dioxins are mainly produced by burning plastic and other materials containing chlorine. Due to the scarcity of available land 75% of all waste is burned rather than placed in landfills or recycled, and 70% of all incinerators in major industrialized countries are located in Japan. Consequently, dioxin levels in the air are reportedly three times those of the United States according to the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare. The major source of the dioxin contamination is believed to be the nearly 1,900 municipal waste incineration plants owned and operated by municipalities. Additionally, a recent survey shows that 83% of the nations public schools, approximately 39,000, burn waste in their small-sized incinerators, which are not made to comply with regulatory standards. Some schools burn the waste in concrete walls or in a drum can.
The current size of the Japanese market is estimated at $3 billion. The market has fluctuated around this level during the 1990s, but there has been slow decline since 1994. Increased regulatory requirements and the recovery of the Japanese economy from its prolonged recession will likely increase demand for air pollution control equipment.
Regulatory Issues:
Air Pollution Control Law regulates emissions from motor vehicles and industrial output, such as soot and smoke. The Law includes restrictions on the emission of certain types of VOCs, with further compounds likely to be added in the future. In June 1997, the Japanese Environment Agency’s Central Environmental Council made a recommendation to add dioxin to the list of emission control substances. The amended Law will definitely contribute to a growing demand for not only filters/absorbers, but also products such as recovery and reprocessing equipment for organic chlorine solvents and chemicals to stabilize recovered solvents. It is also expected that the Japanese government will again revise the Air Pollution Control Law in the year 2000 to designate other VOCs as legally controlled air contaminants and to incorporate enforceable penalty clauses which the current law does not provide.
Under the Kyoto Protocol, by 2008 to 2012 Japan has committed itself to reducing its emissions of greenhouse gases by 6% from 1990 levels. Tighter regulations that result from the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol will likely increase demand for air pollution control equipment. Monitoring and analysis equipment will also be required for the measurement and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions.
Opportunities:
The introduction of the new guidelines for dioxin emissions may create a significant market opportunity for relevant U.S. technologies and products, such as those for filtering exhaust gas (e.g. improved bag filters and activated carbons since conventionally-used electrostatic precipitators will no longer be able to cope with the tightened standards); continuous dioxin measurement and monitoring including those for analysis of leachate from garbage disposition sites where the incineration ash is land-filled; decomposing (e.g. high temperature melting process) or encapsulating dioxin in incineration ash with the dual function of volume reduction for the incineration ash. Because of the urgency of the matter, the Japanese market related to dioxin emission control is one area which will definitely grow at a higher pace than most other environmental sectors.
There is also a growing demand for recovery and reprocessing equipment for organic chlorine solvents and chemicals to stabilize recovered solvents. Demand is being generated by the primary VOC user industries such as metal plating, metal cutting/forming, metal painting, electronics and precision machinery parts. Currently there are about 10 Japanese manufacturers actively supplying VOC control products to these industries.
In the past, most Japanese firms focused largely on end-of-pipe control measures for incinerators, and often did not consider monitoring to be important. With an amended Air Pollution Control Law and the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol, U.S. firms that can supply monitoring and analysis equipment may find a high potential for sales. In addition, flue gas desulfurization equipment, flue gas denitrification equipment, and dust collection equipment have seen increased demand.
Environmental Impact Assessments
Market Overview:
With the passage of the Law for Environmental Impact Assessment in 1997, Japan enacted its first law in this area. Under the new regulations, large scale projects are divided into two groups, Class 1 and Class 2 depending on size. An environmental impact assessment (EIA) must be conducted for Class 1 type projects if they scale is above a certain level as determined by the government. Class 2 projects’ EIA requirements are determined on an individual basis in consultation with the government of the prefecture in which the project will take place. Eligible projects will be either national Government projects or those requiring a government permit or authorization. These projects include: construction of highways, dams, railways, airports, power plants, final waste disposition sites, industrial parks, and other urban infrastructure developments.
Assessments must cover about 15 subjects including contamination of air, water and soil, odor, noise, vibration, ground subsidence, damage to natural scenery, and other ecological impacts on plants and animals. A person or firm that wishes to engage in the environmental assessment business in Japan must first register with the prefectural government with which it seeks to do business with under Japan’s Measurement Law (“Keiryo ho”). The firm must have a certified environmental measurement examiner on its staff and the firm must use the measurement equipment specified by the Measurement Law.
Opportunities:
Generally, U.S. EIA consulting/engineering firms appear to have a strong competitive edge over Japanese firms both in the scope of services available and the relatively low price they can quote. The competition which U.S. firms should expect to experience in the Japanese market will be tough. However, only a handful of local firms are readily capable of conducting a comprehensive EIA survey, and the majority of Japanese firms cover only a few areas at most.
Services Offered by Commercial Service Japan
U.S. firms may wish to take advantage of the following services offered by the Commercial Service in Japan:
Business Counseling:
Commercial attaches, consuls and/or specialists are available at Commercial Service Japan offices in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, and Fukuoka for individualized business counseling on exporting products and services, and investing and doing business in Japan. State Department staff provide counseling in Naha.
U.S. Trade Center Tokyo Online:
The U.S. Trade Center, Tokyo Online is a Japanese language Internet-based tool for promoting American exports in the world’s second largest economy. Through industry specific “online exhibitions”, U.S. companies can introduce a new product, refer Japanese inquiries, test the market, search for a representative or distributor, and supplement ongoing marketing efforts in Japan. Each company receives an attractive, individual webpage that includes a description of its products and services in Japanese, up to five captioned photographs, and a link to its own homepage. Viewers can send e-mail directly to the U.S. company or its Japanese agent. For more information, please fax +81-3-3987-2447 or send an e-mail to GOTOBUTTON BM_1_ ustc@csjapan.doc.gov for application materials. Meanwhile, view a sample company webpage at GOTOBUTTON BM_2_ http://www.csjapan.doc.gov/online/ and enjoy more information on the Japanese market from other menus of GOTOBUTTON BM_3_ www.csjapan.doc.gov.
Gold Key/Silver Key Services:
Access to the Japanese market means building relationships through proper introductions and careful research. The Commercial Service Japan’s “Gold Key” (GK) and “Silver Key” (SK) Services help savvy new-to-market U.S. businesses do this effectively through targeted research of potential Japanese partners. Companies visiting Japan can have appointments arranged through GK and SK Services. Our industry specialists select potential Japanese representatives, distributors, and importers for your product and arrange business appointments for your visit. GK and SK programs include consultation with the industry specialists who will brief you on the market for your product in Japan. In addition, the specialist will provide you with background information, alert you to developments in your industry sector, and accompany you to GK meetings (SK does not include a CS escort). Interpretation services are available at an additional cost. The GK and SK programs are fee-based programs, priced according to number of appointments you request. One day of GKS appointments is $600, of SKS appointments is $400. For more information on these services, please contact CS Tokyo by e-mail at Tokyo.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov, by phone at +81-3-3224-5060, GOTOBUTTON BM_4_ or fax +81-3-3589-4235. An application form is available online through the U.S. Trade Center Online Tokyo’s website.
American Business Information Centers:
The Commercial Service Tokyo and Osaka maintain relevant reference materials on the Japanese market and directories of U.S. companies in their American Business Information Centers (ABIC’s) for use by U.S. exporters and Japanese importers.
U.S. Trade Center:
The modern and convenient 500 square-meter U.S. Trade Center in Tokyo is available for individual company promotions and seminars. The Trade Center also organizes specialized exhibitions of themes targeting special opportunities in the Japanese market. Call the U.S. Trade Center at +81-3-3987-2441 for more information.
IBP - International Buyer Program:
U.S. exporters can meet qualified Japanese purchasers for their product or service at trade shows in the United States. The Commerce Department promotes the shows worldwide to attract delegations of foreign buyers, manages an international business center at the show, counsels participating U.S. firms, and brings together buyer and seller. A commercial specialist from CS Japan accompanies Japanese buyers’ missions as an expert advisor and interpreter.
U.S. Department of Commerce Services for U.S. Exporters to Japan
The following services are available from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) in the United States to assist U.S. exporters to Japan (and other countries). For information on ITA services, phone your nearest ITA District office or (800) USA-TRADE or ITA’s website at GOTOBUTTON BM_5_ http://www.ita.doc.gov/uscs/.
Export Counseling:
Trade specialists are available at ITA Export Assistance Centers for individualized export counseling. The Trade Information Center (TIC) in Washington also provides export counseling and can schedule appointments with Department of Commerce officials. Contact TIC by phone: 202-482-0543; fax: 202-482-4473, e-mail: GOTOBUTTON BM_6_ tic@ita.doc.gov; or via their website: GOTOBUTTON BM_7_ http://www.ita.doc.gov/tic/.
NTDB - National Trade Data Bank:
The National Trade Data Bank is the U.S. Government’s most comprehensive source for international trade and export information, and is available via the Internet and published monthly on CD-ROM. It contains basic export guides, import-export statistics, market research reports by country and industry-sector, trade lead archives and more. Industry Sector Analyses (ISA’s - 15-page overviews of market sectors), International Market Insight Reports (IMI’s - short, timely reports on current opportunities, regulatory developments, and trade news), and the annual Country Commercial Guide (CCG) are prepared by the commercial Service in major markets around the world. The CCG for Japan reviews Japanese business conditions, reports best prospect sectors in Japan’s market, and lists the coming fiscal year’s ISA’s, trade events and missions. The Commercial Service International Contacts (CSIC) database provides contact and product information on over 70,000 foreign firms seeking to import U.S. products. The annual subscription fee for NTDB via the Internet is $150. Visit the STAT-USA website, GOTOBUTTON BM_8_ http://www.stat-usa.gov/, for on-line sign-up. The CD-ROM version cost $575 per year for a domestic subscription and $775 per year for an overseas subscription. Phone 202-482-1986, fax 202-482-2164, or e-mail GOTOBUTTON BM_9_ stat-usa@doc.gov for subscription information.
EBB - Electronic Bulletin Board, GLOBUS and Bureau of Economic Analysis Economic Information:
EBB is a comprehensive source for government-sponsored economic releases and business leads minutes after they are released. GLOBUS delivers information on billions of dollars of government tenders and private trade leads including the Commerce Business Daily. EBB provides economic news, statistics, and financial and social indicators, and economic reports prepared by the U.S. government. Contact STAT-USA at phone: 202-482-1986, fax 202-482-2164, or e-mail GOTOBUTTON BM_:_ stat-usa@doc.gov for subscription information (service charge).
STAT-USA/Fax:
STAT-USA/Fax, available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week, provides the latest economic, financial, and trade news, including TOP trade inquiries and Japanese government tender announcements, by fax-back to callers in the United States. Call 202-482-0005 from your fax machine. ($100 for annual, $29.95 for three months)
CMA - Customized Market Analysis:
The CMA program is a custom market research service designed to help your firm get the precise information you need to assess a given export market. The CMA can provide key marketing facts about your specific product, including sales potential in the market, comparable products, distribution channels, going price, competitive factors, and qualified purchasers, which cannot be found in broader industry surveys. A CMA is the best first step in evaluating the Japanese market for your product. Allow 60 days. ($6100)
ADS - Agent Distributor Service:
The ADS program is a customized search for interested and qualified Japanese agents, representatives and importers for your company’s product. An ADS search will identify Japanese prospects who have examined your product literature and have expressed interest in representing your product. Allow at least 30 days. ($250)
CNUSA - Commercial News USA:
Commercial News USA catalog-magazine, published ten times per year, advertises products or services of U.S. firms seeking agents, distributors, joint venture partners, or purchasers to more than 143,000 business readers in 152 countries. Exporters may submit a photo and a brief description of their product or service. The electronic version of Commercial News USA is available from two of the largest Japanese online services, Nifty-Serve and PC-Van, with over 2 million subscribers in Japan. For online sign-up, access the ITA website. ($395)
TOP - Trade Opportunities Program:
TOP provides U.S. exporters with current sales leads from companies in Japan seeking to buy or represent their product or service. These leads are available through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s EBB and GLOBUS databases and the STAT-USA fax-back service electronically and are redistributed by the private sector in printed form or electronic form.
Trade Missions:
U.S. firms can participate in a trade mission which will give them an opportunity to confer with influential Japanese business and government representatives. Missions are organized and recruited by the Commerce Department in Washington, the Commercial Service Japan, state offices, and U.S. trade organizations. Our staff will identify and arrange a full schedule of appointments in Japan. (Participation fee)
Trade Shows:
U.S. exporters may participate in trade shows in Japan organized by the Commerce Department which will enable them to meet customers, increase market exposure, find distributors, and assess the competition. The Commerce Department also provides a U.S. presence at international trade fairs, making it easier for American firms to exhibit and gain international recognition. The Department selects international trade fairs for special endorsement, called certification, and by cooperating with the private show organizers, which enables U.S. exhibitors to receive special services designed to enhance their market promotion efforts. (Participation fee)
Matchmaker Trade Delegations:
Matchmakers offer introductions to new markets through short, inexpensive overseas visits with a limited objective: to match U.S. firms with a prospective representative or join-venture/licensee partner. In addition, participants learn key aspects of doing business in Japan and make valuable contacts. (Participation fee)
Key Contacts
U.S. Department of Commerce:
Office of Environmental Technologies Exports
Herbert C. Hoover Building
14th Street & Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20230
Tel.: 202-482-5225
Fax: 202-501-7909 or 202-482-5665
Website: GOTOBUTTON BM_;_ http://infoserv2.ita.doc.gov/ete/eteinfo.nsf
Commercial Service Offices in Japan:
U.S. Embassy, Tokyo
1-10-5 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420
Tel.: 03-3224-5060 Fax: 03-3589-4235
(APO Address: Unit 45004, Box 204, APO AP 96337-5004)
U.S. Trade Center
World Import Mart 7F,
3-1-3 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-8630
Tel.: 03-3987-2441 Fax: 03-3987-2447
(APO Address: c/o American Embassy Tokyo
Unit 45004, Box 229, APO AP 96337-5004)
Commercial Service Osaka
U.S. Consulate General Osaka-Kobe
2-11-5 Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8543
Tel.: 06-6315-5957 Fax: 06-6315-5963
(APO Address: Unit 45004, Box 239, APO AP 96337-5004)
Commercial Service Nagoya
U.S. Consulate Nagoya
3-10-33 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya 460-0003
Tel.: 052-203-4277 Fax: 052-201-4612
(APO Address: Unit 45004, Box 276, APO AP 96337-5004)
Commercial Service Sapporo
U.S. Consulate General Sapporo
Nishi 28, Kita 1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0821
Tel.: 011-641-1115 Fax: 011-643-1283
(APO Address: Unit 45004, Box 276, APO AP 96337-5004)
Commercial Service Fukuoka
U.S. Consulate Fukuoka
2-5-26 Ohori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka 810-0052
Tel.: 092-751-9331 Fax: 092-713-9222
(APO Address: Unit 45004, Box 242, APO AP 96337-5004)
For Okinawa, please contact:
U.S. Consulate General Naha
2564 Nishihara, Urasoe City, Okinawa 901-2101
Tel.: 098-876-4211 Fax: 098-876-4243
(FPO Address: PSC 556, Box 840, FPO AP 96372-0840)
US Export Assistance Centers (USEAC)
Contact Information on U.S. Export Assistance Centers is available from the Department of
Commerce's Website: GOTOBUTTON BM_<_ http://www.ita.doc.gov/uscs/.
The Japanese Government subsidizes the purchase of pollution control equipment, domestically produced or imported, by granting special tax deductions and/or low interest loans. Special depreciation incentives are granted on national taxes. The tax on fixed environmental assets is not assessed or deductible. The Japan Environment Corporation (JEC) and the Small Business Finance Corporation (SBFC) are the major governmental organizations providing low cost loans for funding the purchase of equipment or to construct facilities for pollution abatement and recycling. For further information contact:
Japan Environmental Corporation (JEC)
1-4-1 Kasumigaseki
Chiyoda-Ku
Tokyo 100
Tel.: 03-5251-1013 Fax: 03-3592-5056
Contact: Mr. Tadaaki Kitagwa, Director, General Affairs Division
Small Business Finance Corporation (SBFC)
1-9-3 Otemachi
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100
Tel.: 03-3270-1261 Fax: 03-3270-4908
Contact: Mr. Atsuki Kondo, Director, General Affairs Division
To encourage imports of products and services, Japan’s major public financing institutions, such as the Export-Import Bank of Japan and the Japan Development Bank, extend financing with favorable terms and conditions to foreign companies. Detailed information can be obtained from:
The Export-Import Bank of Japan
Representative Office
2000 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Suite 3350
Washington, DC 20006
Tel.: 202-331-8547
The Japan Development Bank
Washington D.C. Representative Office
1101 17th Street, N.W.
Suite 1001
Washington, DC 20036
Tel.: 202-331-8696
Japanese Government Institutions:
Environmental Research and Technology Division
Planning and Coordination Bureau
Environment Agency
1-2-2 Kasumigaseki
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100
Tel.: 03-3581-3351 ext. 6243 Fax: 03-3580-3542
Contact: Mr. Akihiko Ishikawa, Director
Soil and Agricultural Chemicals Division
Water Quality Bureau
Environment Agency
1-2-2 Kasumigaseki
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100
Tel.: 03-3581-3351 Fax: 03-3593-1438
Contact: Mr. Takeshi Nishio, Director
Water Pollution Control Division
Water Quality Bureau
Environment Agency
1-2-2 Kasumigaseki
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100
Tel.: 03-3580-3172 Fax: 03-3501-2717
Contact: Mr. Hiroshi Hatano, Director
Water Quality Management Division
Water Quality Bureau
Environment Agency
1-2-2 Kasumigaseki
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100
Tel.: 03-3580-3171 Fax: 03-3580-2717
Contact: Mr. Seiji Ikkatai, Director
Office of Industrial Waste Management
Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation Department
Ministry of Health and Welfare
1-2-2 Kasumigaseki
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100
Tel.: 03-3595-2372 Fax: 03-3501-0040
Contact: Mr. Masao Nii, Director
Water Supply Division
Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation Department
Ministry of Health and Welfare
1-2-2 Kasumigaseki
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100
Tel.: 03-3595-2368 Fax: 03-3503-7963
Environmental Policy Division
Environmental Protection and Industrial Location Bureau
Ministry of International Trade and Industry
1-3-1 Kasumigaseki
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100
Tel.: 03-3501-1679 Fax: 03-3501-7697
Contact: Mr. Tetsuya Sato, Director
National Institute of Bioscience and Human-Technology
16-2 Onokawa
Tsukubashi
Ibaraki-ken 305
Tel.: 0298-54-6000 Fax: 0298-54-6009
Contact: Mr. Shinichi Ohashi, Director
National Institute for Environmental Studies
16-2 Onokawa
Tsukubashi
Ibaragi-ken 305
Tel.: 0298-50-2318 Fax: 0298-51-4732
Contact: Mr. Teruo Saito, Manger, General Affairs Division
Clean Japan Center
3-6-2 Toranomon
Minato-Ku
Tokyo 105
Tel.: 03-3432-6301 Fax: 03-3432-6319
Contact: Mr. Yosuke Nakashima, Advisor
Industry Associations/Professional Societies:
Geo-Environmental Protection Center
Mita KM Bldg., 5F
4-4-5 Shiba
Minato-ku
Tokyo 108-0014
Tel.: 03-3452-2593 Fax: 03-3452-2832
Contact: Mr. Toshiaki Kodama, Executive Managing Director
Japan Association of Environmental Assessment
4F Arche Kojimachi Bldg.
1-10-13 Kojimachi
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 102
Tel.: 03-3230-3583 Fax: 03-3230-3876
Contact: Mr. Sadao Shimizu, Secretary General
Japan Environmental Management Association for Industry
Hirokoji NDK Bldg.
1-17-6 Ueno
Taito-ku
Tokyo 110
Tel.: 03-3832-7019 Fax: 03-3832-7022
Contact: Mr. Tatsuo Hiratani, General Manager, International Affairs
Japan Environmental Measurement & Chemical Analysis Association
1-9-8 Irifune
Chuo-ku
Tokyo 104
Tel.: 03-3553-7207 Fax: 03-3297-1967
Contact: Mr. Manabu Tani, President
Japan Industrial Waste Technology Center
4-8-4 Nihonbashi
Horidome-cho
Chuo-ku
Tokyo 103
Tel.: 03-3668-6511 Fax: 03-3668-6512
Contact: Mr. Satoshi Takeuchi, Managing Director
Japan Machinery Importers’ Association
Koyo Bldg.
2-11-1 Toranomon
Minato-ku
Tokyo 105
Tel.: 03-3503-9736 Fax: 03-3503-9779
Contact: Mr. Ryohei Iketani, Manger International Affairs
Japan Society of Air Pollution
1-29-8 Shinjuku
Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 160
Tel.: 03-3341-5632 Fax: 03-3341-8224
Contact: Mr. Akira Fujii, Secretary General
Japan Society of Industrial Machinery Manufacturers
3-5-8 Shiba Koen
Minato-ku
Tokyo 106
Tel.: 03-3434-6820 Fax: 03-3434-4767
Contact: Mr. Atsuo Mizogami, Manager, Environment Equipment Division
Japan Society of Waste Management Experts
No. 2 Futaba Bldg.
5-13-11 Shiba
Minato-ku
Tokyo 105
Tel.: 03-3769-5099 Fax: 03-3769-1492
Contact: Mr. Hidetoshi Kitawaki, Chairman, International Relation Committee
National Federation of Industrial Waste Management
Daini AB Bldg.
3-1-17 Roppongi
Minato-ku
Tokyo 106
Tel.: 03-3224-0811 Fax: 03-3224-0820
Contact: Mr. Takumi Sakaki, Secretary General
Society of Environmental Science, Japan
2-1-6 Sengen
Tsukuba-shi
Ibaragi-ken 305
Tel.: 0298-58-6120 Fax: 03-3224-0820
Contact: Mr. Mitsumasa Okada, Manging Director
Trade Publications:
Kankyo Shimbun (The Environmental News)
Publisher: K.K. Kankyo Shimbun
Dai-Ichi Tomizawa Bldg.
3-1-13 Yotsuya
Shinjuku-ku
Tokyo 160
Tel.: 03-3359-5371 Fax: 03-3351-1939
Contact: Mr. Masashi Fujimoto, Managing Director
Sampai Times (The Industrial Wastes Times)
Publisher: Nippo Co., Ltd.
3-1-5 Misakicho
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 101
Tel.: 03-3262-3461 Fax: 03-5276-4491
Contact: Mr. Kinya Hisatomi, Chief Editor
PPM
Publisher: Nihon Kogyo Shimbun (The Japan Industrial Daily)
1-7-2 Otemachi
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 101
Tel.: 03-3292-6131 Fax.: 03-3295-3991
Contact: Mr. Tomohiro Kawano, Advertising Manager
Shigen Kankyo To Taisaku (Journal of Environmental Pollution Control)
Publisher: Association for Environmental Pollution Control, Inc.
1-7-244 Akasak 9-Chome
Minato-ku
Tokyo 107
Tel.: 03-3404-5714 Fax: 03-3404-5716
Contact: Mr. Masahiro Hoshino, Chief Editor
