Transforming Japanese Industrial Classification – The 2025 Edition and Highlights of the Areas to Watch

2025 Japan Standard Industry Classification Major Classification
Exploring a new economic structure

The latest Japanese Standard Industrial Classification (Major Classification) is an important tool for better reflecting Japan's economy and industrial structure and understanding corporate activities and market trends. Here we will explain the characteristics and importance of each major industry. As Japan's economy continues to diversify and transform, understanding the trends of each industry will have a major impact on corporate strategic decisions.

Details of the Japanese Standard Industrial Classifications

1. Real estate/rental business (Major category -K - Real estate/rental business)

Demand for real estate and rental businesses is increasing with urbanization. In particular, the urban housing supply and office building rental markets have contributed greatly to economic stability. Recently, the spread of remote work has led to a change in the demand for office space, which has also affected the rental market.

[Learn more about real estate/rental business]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-real-estate-leasing/

2. Industry that cannot be classified as public service (Major category - R - Service industry/thing not classified as other)

This category includes special business types that cannot be clearly categorized among the industries directly involved with governments and local governments. For example, the implementation of public services and private public works projects. These duties play an essential role in supporting infrastructure and improving welfare throughout society.

[Learn more about industries that are not classified as other categories]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-industries-not-elsewhere-classified/

3. Medical/welfare (Major category -P - Medical/welfare)

In Japan, where the birthrate and aging population are declining, the medical and welfare industry will become even more important fields in the future. While demand for nursing homes, medical institutions, and rehabilitation services is increasing, medical care is also becoming more efficient and digital. Also, interest in preventive medicine and mental health is growing, and the health industry is expected to grow.

[Learn more about medical care/welfare]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-medicalcare-welfare/

4. Wholesale/Retail (Major Category-I - Wholesale/Retail)

Wholesale and retail are evolving as consumer needs diversify. In particular, the rapid growth of e-commerce has changed the structure of the market, making logistics more efficient and data analysis of consumer behavior an important competitive advantage. The growing awareness of sustainable products and eco-consciousness is also affecting consumer purchasing behavior.

[Learn more about wholesale/retail]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-wholesaling-retail/

5. Academic Research/Specialized Technology (Major Category-L -Academic Research/Specialized Technology)

Academic research and technical fields are growing rapidly with advances in science and technology. Research and development of new technologies, including AI, biotechnology, renewable energy, and nanotechnology, supports industrial innovation. In addition, the demand for highly specialized engineers is increasing, making it an essential area for strengthening the competitiveness of companies.

[Learn more about academic research/special technology]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-academicresearch-and-professionaltechnology/

6. Accommodation/Drink business (Major category - M - Accommodation/Drink business)

With the recovery of tourism, the accommodation and food and beverage industries play an important role. In particular, the increase in foreign tourists and demand for domestic travel are energizing the industry. Furthermore, food cultures have become more diverse and healthy, and there are significant changes within the industry. The promotion of sustainable tourism and the creation of business models that utilize local specialties are also attracting attention.

[Learn more about the accommodation/food and beverage industry]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-accommodation-and-restaurant-industry/

7. Construction Industry (Major Classification - D - Construction Industry)

The construction industry is an essential industry for Japan's infrastructure, urban development, and housing supply. In recent years, sustainable construction and efforts to reduce environmental impact have been attracting attention. Additionally, preparation for large-scale events such as the Olympics and international exhibitions, as well as updating aging infrastructure, are important issues. Furthermore, due to the spread of remote work and changes in lifestyle, there is a need for the construction industry to evolve in response to changes in living environments.

[Learn more about the construction industry]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-construction/

8. Information and Communications Industry (Major Classification -G - Information and Communications Industry)

With the development of IT technology, the information and communications industry has influenced all fields of society. In particular, the adoption of 5G technology, IoT, cloud computing, and AI is bringing innovation to corporate activities and personal lives. Furthermore, as cybersecurity and data protection become more important, there is a need for technological innovation in these areas.

[Learn more about the information and communications industry]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-information-and-communication/

9. Education/Learning Support Industry (Major Classification-O - Education/Learning Support Industry)

The education industry is changing due to the digitalization and the widespread use of online learning. In particular, there is an increase in learning support aimed at improving skills such as IT skills and language abilities, and we are also meeting the needs of individual learning. Not only is the school education, but the market for educational and learning support for working adults is expanding, and education-related services are becoming more diverse.

[Learn more about the education/learning support industry]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-education-learning-support/

10. Fisheries (Major Category - B - Fisheries)

Fisheries are one of Japan's traditional industries and support food culture. In recent years, efforts have been made to realize sustainable fishing, with emphasising the reduction of overfishing and the protection of fishing grounds. Furthermore, the technological advances in aquaculture industry have led to a stable supply of fisheries.

[Learn more about fishing]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-fishery/

11. Agriculture/Forestry (Major Category-A - Agriculture/Forestry)

Agriculture and forestry are important industries that support environmental protection and food supply. In agriculture, smart agricultural technologies are being introduced and crop varieties are being improved, and forestry is demanding sustainable management of forest resources. In addition, the spread of eco-farming methods using local resources is attracting attention.

[Learn more about agriculture/forestry]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-agriculture-forestry/

12. Manufacturing (Major Classification - E - Manufacturing)

Manufacturing is still a major category that plays the centre of the Japanese economy. We support the Japanese economy through the production of precision equipment, automobiles, chemical products, and more. In particular, the Japanese automobile industry is world-renowned and technological innovation is underway. In addition, advances in digitalization and automation in the manufacturing industry are contributing to efficiency and productivity improvements. Energy-saving technologies are being developed to reduce the environmental impact.

[Learn more about manufacturing]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-manufacturing/

13. Combined Service Business (Major Classification - Q - Combined Service Business)

The combined service business is a business model that provides multiple industries in an integrated manner, and is characterized by flexible service provision. This includes a growing number of companies meeting the diverse needs of their customers, including the integration of logistics and IT, and the integration of retail and services.

[Learn more about the combined service business]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-compound-services/

14. Transportation/Postal Industry (Major Classification - H - Transportation/Postal Industry)

Transport and postal businesses are essential industries for the distribution of supplies and delivery of information. While we are facing challenges such as improving logistics efficiency and a shortage of truck drivers, new forms of transportation services are emerging with the introduction of AI and autonomous driving technologies.

[Learn more about the transportation/post business]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-transportation-and-postal/

15. Life-related/Entertainment Industry (Major Category -N - Life-related/Entertainment Industry)

Life-related and entertainment industries are industries that improve the leisure activities and quality of life of consumers. It includes entertainment, sightseeing and leisure facilities. In particular, the introduction of online entertainment and virtual reality (VR) is attracting attention, and the industry is expected to grow.

[Learn more about life-related/entertainment]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-life-related-and-entertainment/

16. Financial/Insurance (Major Category-J - Financial/Insurance)

Financial and insurance industries are important industries that support economic stability. In recent years, fintech (financial technology) and digital currencies have emerged, bringing innovation to the financial industry. In addition, in terms of risk management, there is a need to deal with natural disasters and climate change.

[Learn more about the financial/insurance industry]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-finance-insurance/

17. Electricity/Gas/Heat Supply/Water (Major Classification-F - Electricity/Gas/Heat Supply/Water Business)

These industries are important services that support social infrastructure. In particular, renewable energy is being introduced and energy efficiency is progressing, and environmental considerations are required. In the water industry, updating aging infrastructure is a challenge.

[Learn more about the electricity/gas/heat supply/water industry]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-electricity-gas-heatsupply-water/

18. Mining/quarrying/gravel harvesting (Major category-C - Mining/quarrying/gravel harvesting)

Mining, quarrying and gravel extraction are important industries that support the foundations of the construction and manufacturing industry. Resource mining and supply are essential for the development of Japan's industrial base, and environmental protection and sustainable resource use will become a challenge for the future.

[Learn more about mining/quarrying/gravel extraction]
https://companydata.tsujigawa.com/about-mining-quarrying-gravelextraction/

The 2025 Japan Standard Industry Classification is a classification that reflects the diversification and changes in the Japanese economy. Each industry sector pursues new business models while responding to the evolution of technology, environmental considerations and social change. It is important to continue to watch how these industries evolve and how they impact society. By understanding trends in these industries, businesses and individuals will be able to use it to future economic outlooks and investment strategies.