--- description: Breaking news and analysis from time.com. Politics, world news, photos, video, tech reviews, health, science, and entertainment news. title: Mapping the Local Legends image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production --- # Mapping the Local Legends Spanning over 3,000 km and 14,000 islands, Japan is a land of striking contrasts—from Hokkaido’s snowy slopes to tropical mango farms in Okinawa. Its business landscape mirrors that diversity. World-class factories, universities and R&D centers are scattered across the country. While Tokyo contributes around 20% of the national GDP, innovation thrives far beyond the capital. In Kyoto, Japan’s former capital, high-tech firms are flourishing. Samco Inc., a global semiconductor equipment maker, is a standout. Founder Osamu Tsuji noted, “Kyoto is home to many companies with revenues in the trillions of yen. Interestingly, the Japanese unit cho used to measure trillions is also used when counting tofu, so one might joke that Kyoto’s businesses are tofu specialists.” Just 15 minutes from Kyoto by bullet train, Osaka is a long-standing hub for trade and infrastructure. Mutsubishi Rubber, founded there over a century ago, is addressing modern challenges. “In recent years, water supply and flood prevention have become critical issues in Japan. In response, we have been developing water-blocking solutions,” said President Goji Wada. To the east in Aichi Prefecture, Japan's automotive heartland, IEC, a leader in fluid control systems, is embracing collaboration. President Hideto Aoki said, “It is always good to communicate with clients and open our expertise to everyone, enabling borderless progress together.” Along the Sea of Japan, the Hokuriku region blends tradition with technology. Near Mount Hakusan, precision engineering firm BBS Kinmei is advancing in semiconductors. “The biggest characteristic of the area is that it is a home of craft-smanship with artisanal pottery and lacquerware inscribed in the nature of Ishikawa,” said President Ryunosuke Kawahara. In neighboring Toyama, packaging firm Daiki is strengthening its domestic production. “We are looking to expand into new areas and achieve 100% in-house production. This year, we plan to introduce two new machines,” said President Hideki Inanami. Hokkaido, best known for its ski slopes and lavender fields, also hosts top research institutions like Sapporo University. “Hokkaido was a relatively undeveloped area with few people compared to the rest of Japan. Our SUTEP (Sapporo University TOUGH Educational Program) stems from our establishment policy, stating that we will grow and cultivate students to have a pioneer spirit,” said Yoshiyuki Ohmori, president of the university. In the Kanto region, just north of Tokyo, Saitama-based Industria is taking its filtration technology global. “We have been handing over the craftsmanship mindset by elevating our expertise as a recognizable brand, both for the domestic and overseas markets,” said President Kazuaki Takahashi. South of the capital, Kanagawa is home to a thriving biotech scene.  Chitose Group is part of that ecosystem. Founder Tomohiro Fujita said, “To combine the best practices from both inside and outside Japan, we created the Chitose Agriculture Initiative in Southeast Asia, a project to grow sustainable produce while adhering to high standards, economically benefiting farming communities.” And of course, all roads lead back to Tokyo—Japan’s sprawling capital of over 14 million. Despite its scale, it remains remarkably efficient, a trait valued by manufacturers. “The competitive edge of Japan is rooted in qualities that are well-suited for manufacturing, such as punctuality and adherence to specifications,” said Koji Takahashi, president of chemicals firm Dainichiseika. 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