North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and especially its capital city Düsseldorf have started to attracted Japanese companies already in the 1950s. Since then more the 500 Japanese companies have established their European head offices, subsidiaries, or branch offices in NRW, most of them in and around Düsseldorf. Japanese companies in NRW thus contribute a great deal to the state’s total trade volume. Of all exported goods from Germany “made in NRW”, 1.7mio Euro are being exported to Japan. In 2007 Japanese imports to NRW reached 24,1mio Euro, representing a quarter of the total amount of German imports from Japan.
NRW’s long trading and business relationships with Japan lead to the development of a constantly growing Japanese community. Today, about 11,300 Japanese people live in NRW, it is by far the biggest community in Germany. To cover the needs of this big community a unique Japan related infrastructure has been established over the years, supporting business operations and facilitating daily life. A number of Japanese service providers, such as Japan focused law firms, banks and accountants, insurances or advertising and travel agencies, etc will enable you to start up and operate your business effectively. Further institutions like the Japanese chamber of commerce and industry, and JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) will be at your support so that you can concentrate on the core of your business. The Japan Club, Japanese restaurants, Japanese schools and cultural centers complete the picture of this well distinct Japanese environment in the middle of Europe. It will offer you and your family an excellent quality of life.
