China Japan Chamber of Commerce: 85% of Japanese companies in China choose to stick to the Chinese market

On the 11th, the China Japan Chamber of Commerce released the "White Paper on China's Economy and Japanese Enterprises in 2026" (hereinafter referred to as the White Paper) in Beijing. Chamber of Commerce President Tetsuro Honma stated at the press conference that about 85% of Japanese funded enterprises in China choose to stick to the Chinese market, demonstrating the firm determination of most Japanese companies to deeply cultivate the Chinese market.

According to Tetsuro Honma, Japanese companies currently have over 70000 overseas branches worldwide, of which 30000 are located in China. It can be seen that China has become a crucial commercial stage for Japanese funded enterprises. According to a survey by the Japan External Trade Organization, 21.3% of Japanese companies in China plan to "expand" their business scope in the next one to two years, but their attitude tends to be cautious; 64.3% of Japanese companies choose to maintain their current scale. Overall, the proportion of Japanese companies choosing to stick to the Chinese market is as high as about 85%, indicating the firm determination of most Japanese companies to deeply cultivate the Chinese market.

Despite intensified market competition and complex international situations, the vast majority of Japanese companies still have a positive outlook on the Chinese market and are committed to deepening their development. He further stated, "After taking office as the president of the Chamber of Commerce, one of the things I often say is that China is not only a vast consumer market for Japanese companies, but also a crucial manufacturing base and innovation highland. It is also a supply base for attracting outstanding talents, and a training ground for Japanese companies to hone their competitiveness

Jiro Honma mentioned that since the release of last year's white paper, the United States' implementation of reciprocal tariff policies has caused turbulence in the international trade system. In addition, recent changes in Japan China relations have significantly increased the uncertainty faced by Japanese companies in making business decisions. Even in such a harsh environment, Japanese companies in China still look forward to working hand in hand with China.

Since Japanese Prime Minister Hayao Takashi made erroneous remarks about Taiwan in November last year, exchanges between China and Japan have almost come to a standstill. What role can the Japanese economic community play? Will there be communication with the Japanese government through certain channels? Regarding this, Tetsuro Honma did not directly answer the questions raised by Global Times reporters, but revealed that after November last year, the Chamber of Commerce did not have the opportunity to speak at conferences held in many parts of China.

The China Japan Chamber of Commerce has been compiling a white paper annually since 2010, summarizing the problems faced by Japanese companies in China and providing recommendations. The release of the white paper aims to promote dialogue between Japanese companies and Chinese and local governments, and this year is the 17th volume. During the preparation process of the 2026 White Paper, a total of 8102 Japanese funded enterprises were solicited for opinions, including 27 chapters and 572 suggestions.