First Regional Future Strategy Plans Backed by Japan

On July 31, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi attended the fifth Meeting of Relevant Parliamentary Vice-Ministers, etc. on the Regional Future Strategy and the report to the Prime Minister at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. The meeting reported on the Strategic Industrial Cluster Plan, Regional Industrial Cluster Plan, and Regional Industry Growth Plan.

The Prime Minister indicated a direction for forming industrial clusters across Japan through distinctive plans focused on regional resources and the industrial sectors of each region.

To realize semiconductor and shipbuilding clusters, Japan will support the development of public infrastructure and hubs, as well as workforce training linked to specific industrial needs. It will also support region-led efforts to train specialized personnel in each region, such as semiconductor industry workers and storage battery industry workers.

The measures include local-government business support for manufacturers that underpin regional industrial clusters, the establishment of logistics systems to handle increases in cargo volumes, and the development of roads, ports, and other infrastructure.

Japan will advance a package that provides budgetary measures through a Regional Future Special Budget, separate from existing budgets, for business support and infrastructure development led by local governments, including capital investment, research and development, and workforce training.

Using the publication of these plans as a good example, Japan asked local governments considering plan development to publish their plans next time by the end of August.