Wakayama Prefecture is a neighbor of Osaka, the second largest city in Japan. It is located on the Kii Peninsula, which is known for its natural scenic beauty and gentle climate. It is also one of the best locations for industries in Japan because, among other advantages, Wakayama City is the closest prefectural capital to Kansai's newest massive hub-airport, the Kansai International.

There are many who are unaware of the potential that awaits new businesses considering moving into the Japanese market, specifically in Wakayama, located next to Kansai International.

Wakayama lies on the Kii peninsula in the south west of Japan, where Japan's culture and history has flourished ever since the Manyoshu era. The poet Haruo Sato wrote of Wakayama, "The blue sky, blue mountains, and the blue sea," noting the breath taking beauty of the sea, the land and the sky of his native land.

Today, that beauty is giving rise to incredible potential and Wakayama is taking huge steps towards the developing and opening up of its valuable assets as we enter the 21st century. From the capital of Wakayama Prefecture to Kansai International Airport, a brief 30-minute drive along the newly extended Kii Peninsula-Kinki Expressway is all it takes to be at the doorstep of Asia's newest gateway to the global market.

A number of development projects are being constructed throughout the Prefecture and transportation routes are being vastly improved. The Ocean Arrow express train speeds from JR Wakayama station to Shin-Osaka station in only 60 minutes the same time, it now takes to fly from Wakayama's Nanki-Shirahama airport to Tokyo, since the new jet runway was completed.

The drive to attract new businesses has recorded a total of 68 companies to date, that have moved into Wakayama Prefecture including manufacturing firms, software companies and research facilities. Wakayama's abundant natural land resources and improved transportation networks will appeal to many more as young industries and business enterprises continue to emerge.

Currently, the major industrial parks Kitaseida Hi-Tech Park and Gobo's Second Industrial site (Dai-ni) will enjoy further expansion as various incentives will attract new development interests into Wakayama.