Support Programs
Japanese Support Programs
Promotion of Overseas Expansion of Japan's Circular Industry
Implementing Agency: Ministry of the Environment
URL: https://www.env.go.jp/press/press_01502.html
Description: This program aims to expand Japan’s advanced waste management and recycling technologies to Asian countries and beyond, with the goal of reducing environmental impact and stimulating economic activity. The support covers feasibility studies (F/S) for overseas waste management and recycling projects exclusively for Japanese companies. Applications are accepted under the "Promotion of Overseas Expansion of Japan's Circular Industry" and the "Subsidy for Carbon Dioxide Emission Reduction Measures (Decarbonization Promotion Project in the Resource Circulation Sector)". The application period runs from April 17, 2023, to November 30, 2023, and will close once the budget limit is reached.
Subsidy for Carbon Dioxide Emission Reduction Measures (Decarbonization Promotion Project in the Resource Circulation Sector)
Implementing Agency: Ministry of the Environment
URL: https://www.env.go.jp/press/press_01502.html
Description: This program promotes decarbonization in the resource circulation sector and aims to curb carbon dioxide emissions. It provides support for the introduction of decarbonization technologies and for conducting feasibility studies (F/S) for waste management and resource circulation projects exclusively by Japanese companies. The application period is from April 17, 2025, to November 30, 2025, and will close once the budget limit is reached.
Preparatory Survey for Private-Sector Investment Finance
Implementing Agency: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
URL: https://www.jica.go.jp/priv_partner/activities/psiffs/index.html
Description: This scheme is designed to identify and formulate projects that capitalize on the expertise of Japan’s private sector. Under the scheme, JICA entrusts the necessary surveys to Japanese private companies (and foreign companies as part of a joint venture) that have submitted promising proposals, in order to develop project plans to be implemented using private-sector investment finance (PSIF). The application details are available on JICA’s official website.
Asia Water Environment Improvement Model Project
Implementing Agency: Ministry of the Environment
URL: https://www.env.go.jp/water/asia_business/weib.html
Description: This program promotes the business expansion of Japanese companies with advanced water treatment technologies to improve the water environment in Asia. It supports demonstration projects and initiatives for the dissemination and deployment of water environment improvement technologies, including technology introduction and model case development. The application period is set annually, with details available on the Ministry of the Environment's official website.
SME & SDGs Business Support Program
Implementing Agency: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
URL: https://www.jica.go.jp/priv_partner/activities/sme/index.html
Description: This program aims to support Japanese private companies in creating businesses that address development challenges in emerging markets. Selected companies receive support for identifying local market needs, developing business models, securing local partners, assessing profitability, and conducting pilot projects for commercialization. JICA provides financial assistance for these activities as well as access to its expertise and networks. The application period is set annually, with details announced on JICA’s official website.
City-to-City Collaboration for the Realization of a Decarbonized Society
Implementing Agency: Ministry of the Environment
URL: https://www.env.go.jp/press/press_01433.html
Description: This program facilitates collaboration between Japanese municipalities and overseas cities to promote the development of a decarbonized society. It supports initiatives in which Japanese municipalities partner with research institutions, private companies, and universities to introduce decarbonization technologies, provide policy support, and build capacity in overseas municipalities. In particular, it contributes to the formation of infrastructure projects utilizing the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM). The target countries are developing nations, with priority given to JCM partner and candidate countries such as India and Brazil. The application period is set annually.
Overseas Expansion and Business Restructuring Loans
Implementing Agency: Japan Finance Corporation
URL: https://www.jfc.go.jp/n/finance/search/kaigaitenkai_t.html
Description: This program provides financial support for SMEs in Japan to expand into overseas markets, grow their businesses, or restructure operations. Support includes loans for establishing local subsidiaries, capital investment, M&A, and market expansion activities. Eligible companies must have a business base in Japan and be SMEs or small-scale enterprises planning international expansion. Details can be checked on Japan Finance Corporation’s official website (available in Japanese only).
Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS) (Environment & Low-Carbon Fields)
Implementing Agency: Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) / Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
URL: https://www.jst.go.jp/global/about.html
This program promotes international joint research between Japanese and developing country research institutions to address environmental issues and realize a low-carbon society. Support includes research projects conducted in collaboration between Japanese universities/research institutions and researchers from developing countries, focusing on environmental conservation, energy efficiency technology development, and climate change countermeasures. JST provides research funding, while JICA supports technical cooperation. The application period is set annually, with details announced on the official websites of JST and JICA.