Japan

Japan is internationally renowned for its innovation, leading several measures of global patent fillings.

Japan Overview

The country’s economic growth is heavily supported by its manufacturing strengths, again leading in the manufacture of automobiles, machine tools, optical and precision equipment, machinery and chemicals.

With a well-educated domestic work force, Japan is one of the world’s largest consumer markets. Its services sector, including financial services plays an increasingly prominent role in the economy, accounting for about 70% of GDP.

The Tokyo Stock Exchange is one of the world’s foremost centres of finance.

The country’s major export destinations are China (19.5%), USA (19%) and South Korea (7.1%).

Landscape and growth

Global State of the Market Report

In 2020, the Advisory Board Centre mapped professionals currently serving on Advisory Boards. This assessment identified over 1,500 professionals on Advisory Boards in Japan.

Japan’s Advisory Board Landscape

Research has identified that the Advisory Board sector is emerging, and Advisors exist as a profession in Japan. As an emerging sector, advisory board professionals may have opportunities in key sectors including – technology, manufacturing and industrial, and automobile – and are encouraged to stay open-minded to start-up and emerging industries.

Future Growth Opportunities

There is a growing opportunity for professionals to increase participation in Japan, by formalising Advisory Board structures and collaborating on a global scale. As this sector grows, it is important to note that best practice credentials will shift the market from informal to formal Advisory Boards over time.

Key Statistics

Population 126.3m
GDP 5.082tn (USD)
Labour Force by occupation
Agriculture2.9%
Industry26.2%
Services70.9%
GDP by sector
Agriculture1.1%
Industry30.1%
Services68.7%
Import 1.032tn (USD)
Export 1.084tn (USD)
Global ease of doing business rank 29th
Global ease of doing business score 86.1/100