Overview

In recent years, the Japanese government has struggled to take steps to encourage foreign investment in Japan. Recent revisions of the Japan Fair Trade Commission’s merger review rules, together with recent amendments to Japanese laws encouraging industrial revitalisation, are important new measures that may enhance those efforts. In addition, the impact of the March Tohoku Earthquake may result in increased efforts to address Japanese global competition issues and encourage investment, particularly in industries that were deeply affected. This briefing outlines what the changes involve and their likely impact for companies with operations or investments in Japan.