Japan Country Profile
As North Carolina’s leading capital investor, Japan has known about the state’s prime business opportunities, especially in the technology and research sectors.
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Why Japanese Companies Should Invest in
North Carolina
As North Carolina’s largest foreign direct investment partner, Japanese companies have established a proven track record of success in the state. With over 233 Japanese companies operating in North Carolina, the state has become the trusted choice for Japanese businesses seeking to grow in the US market. North Carolina’s strategic location on the East Coast, skilled workforce, robust infrastructure network, strong international community with Japanese language schools and cultural resources, and proven track record of global investment success make it an ideal choice. Whether you’re in manufacturing, automotive, life sciences, or technology, North Carolina provides the business environment, support services, and quality of life that have made it the top destination for Japanese investment in America.
Japanese Medical Device Manufacturer Nipro Will Establish Presence in North Carolina with $397.8 Million Investment
Nipro Medical Corporation, a world leader in the healthcare and medical device industry, announced it will invest $397.8 million to build its first North American manufacturing center of excellence in Greenville, North Carolina, creating 232 jobs in Pitt County.
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Morinaga to Expand Orange County Manufacturing Facility with $136 Million Investment
Morinaga America Foods, Inc., a leading international confectionary company headquartered in Japan, will invest $136 million to expand its manufacturing facility in Mebane, North Carolina, creating 204 new jobs in Orange County. The expansion will further Morinaga’s manufacturing capacity for HI-CHEW, a long-standing best-selling candy in Asia and the United States. Morinaga America Foods, Inc. is a Morinaga & Co., Ltd subsidiary.
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Dai Nippon Printing Selects Davidson County For Its First US Operation
Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd. (DNP), a lithium-ion battery pouch manufacturer, will create 352 new jobs in Davidson County. The company will invest $233 million to build its first US advanced manufacturing facility in the City of Linwood.
Learn MoreJapanese Investment by the Numbers
#1
Country in NC for Announced Capital Investment and New Jobs
$2.6
Billion in Goods Imported from Japan (2024)
74
New and Expanding Japanese Companies Since 2014
10,710
New Jobs From Japanese Companies Since 2013
5,161
Japanese Immigrants Live in North Carolina
5
Universities with a Japanese Studies Program
Strategic Location
With population of nearly 11 million that ranks 9th in the country, North Carolina is strategically positioned in the middle of the United States’ East Coast. The state has mild climate and four seasons, much like Tokyo, which is on the same latitude.
#1 FDI Partner
Japan leads all countries in capital investment (74 firms investing nearly $20 billion) and new jobs created (10,710 since 2014) in North Carolina. It also exported $1.2 billion in goods ranging from aircraft engines and turbines to lathes and specialty machines.
North America’s Largest Research Park
The Research Triangle Park contains 385 companies with more than 55,000 employees. Five Tier 1 research universities partner with Japanese companies like Fujifilm, JSR Life Sciences, and Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals on research initiatives.
Speed to Market
You don’t have to navigate complicated tax structures or bureaucratic red tape to do business in North Carolina. We have a top business tax environment and are full of resources for all permitting, licensing, and other regulation questions.
Japanese Companies Prosper in North Carolina
At A Glance
| Governor | Roy Cooper | State Capital | Raleigh |
| Population | 10.6 Million | GSP | US $541.9 Billion |
| Time Difference with Japan | -14 hours (-13 hours in Summer) | Area | 139,000km (Approximately 56% of Honshu) |
| State Abbreviation | NC | State Nickname | Tarheel State |
| National Park | Great Smoky Mountains | Memorial Hall | Wright Brother’s National Memorial (Kill Devil Hill)
NASCAR Hall of Fame (Charlotte) |
| State Bird | Cardinal | State Flower | Dogwood |
| State Tree | Pine (Long Leaf Pine) | Highest Peak in the State | Mount Mitchell (Approx. 2,037m) |
| Average Temperature in Raleigh | Summer 25° C
Winter 6° C |
Latitude | 34 to 36 Degrees North Latitude (Almost the same as Tokyo, so similar seasons and climate.) |
FAQs
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What advantages does North Carolina offer to Japanese companies expanding to the US?
North Carolina offers Japanese companies a strategic, business-friendly location with competitive operating costs, a skilled workforce, and strong infrastructure that supports advanced manufacturing, technology, life sciences, and automotive supply chains. The state provides access to major East Coast markets, two international airports, deep-water ports, and one of the most reliable, low-cost energy grids in the US—all critical advantages for Japanese businesses seeking long-term growth.
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What notable Japanese companies have a presence in North Carolina?
There are more than 233 Japanese firms with operations in North Carolina, employing more than 36,000 workers in the state. Some notable Japanese companies include Morinaga, Dai Nippon Printing, Fujifilm Diosynth, Honda, Nipro, and more.
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How can Japanese businesses get support when establishing operations in North Carolina?
Japanese companies looking to expand in the United States will receive customized, end-to-end support through North Carolina. Our team works directly with your company to understand your goals and connect you with statewide resources and partners through every step of the business relocation process—from site selection and workforce solutions to incentives, regulatory guidance, and local market insights. Our services are tailored to the specific needs of Japanese manufacturers and service companies, helping you establish operations efficiently and grow in North Carolina’s business-friendly environment.
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Featured Resources
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Publication
News
Toyota Announces $8B Expansion at its North Carolina-Based EV Battery Plant
Toyota will invest an additional $8 billion in its first North American electric vehicle battery manufacturing...
News
Governor Cooper Continues Meetings with Business Leaders at Southeast U.S./Japan Association Meeting
Today, Governor Roy Cooper continued to meet with business leaders in Tokyo and delivered remarks at...
News
Global Pharmaceutical Company Kyowa Kirin to Invest $200M for New Manufacturing Complex in Lee County
Kyowa Kirin, a Japan-based Global Specialty Pharmaceutical company, has selected Lee County as the location for...
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Nathaniel Dick
Senior Business Development Manager
Asia & Oceania
