Take a closer look at business, education and quality of life in Hamamatsu, Japan.
Major Industries
- Photonics and Electronic Technology
- Automotive and Transportation Equipment
- Musical Instrument Production
Education and Workforce
Hamamatsu has a labor force of about 0.43 million people in a country with an unemployment rate of only 4.1% according to 2013 estimates in the C.I.A. World Factbook. The economic landscape is characterized by a strong emphasis on research and development and the international edge afforded by global companies from Honda to Hamamatsu Photonics. With foreign residents making up 2.6% of the population, Hamamatsu is a thriving international community of industry and art.
As of December 2014, Hamamatsu officially became part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, identifying it as one of 69 cities around the world that name a given creative industry as an important component of their culture and development. For Hamamatsu, this creative industry is music. From producing music to producing the instruments behind it, Hamamatsu balances its investment in technology and manufacturing with a commitment to the arts.
To support the industries of Hamamatsu, many universities are available in Hamamatsu and in the prefecture of Shizuoka focusing on technology, photonics, art and medicine.
Quality of Life
Life in Hamamatsu is a unique blend of the natural and the urban. As the largest city in the prefecture and the second largest in Japan, specializing in technology and automobiles, Hamamatsu is a hub of activity and innovation. Next to Lake Hamana and just a couple hours drive from Mt. Fuji, Hamamatsu is also a natural beauty. It’s geography affords not only beautiful scenery but a range of leisure activities from swimming to hiking. Lake Hamana, a brakish or semi-saltwater lake, is a popular location for its marine sports and its hot springs. For everyday life, the Hamamatsu Multicultural Center and international schools help foreign residents settle in and to learn Japanese.
Annually, the Hamamatsu Festival draws over 1.5 million visitors to the city. The festival features kite-flying, food and a magnificent parade. The International Hamamatsu Piano Festival, held every three people, also draws participants and visitors from all over the world and is a part of the World Federation of International Music Competitions. With its UNESCO City of Music designation and this festival, Hamamatsu is truly an internationally-known center for music.
Resources
Select Businesses
Government and Regional
- JACC: Japanese American Chamber of Commerce
- JETRO: Japan External Trade Organization
- U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration
- U.S. Commercial Service Japan
- City of Hamamatsu Website (English)
- Shizuoka Prefecture Website (English)
Return to Hamamatsu, Japan sister cities page.