Foreign investments for nuclear related projects and critical minerals

Last updated: 31 May 2024

Japan allows foreign investors to own 100% of a company, except in specific restricted sectors such as defence, aviation, broadcasting, and financial services. In these restricted sectors, foreign ownership may be subject to certain limitations or approval requirements. 

In 2021, Japan reviewed the scope of industries and added two categories to the Core Business Sectors of Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act (hereinafter “FEFTA”) from the perspective of appropriately maintaining and securing the exploration capability of critical mineral resources to preserve Japan's economic security.

  • Metal mining, including the operation of mineral exploration vessels and conducting land and underwater surveys for mining
  • Manufacturing, repairing, and maintaining devices or products used for metal mining, including mineral exploration vessels, marine equipment, excavators, and drilling machines, as well as software for these devices
  • Component analysis services for minerals

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