The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) have released the results of the 2021 Economic Census for Business Activity. The census, which aims to thoroughly evaluate matters related to accounting, including sales and costs across all of Japan’s industry sectors, was conducted on June 1, 2021.
The survey found that as of that date, Japan had 3,684,049 businesses with total sales in 2020 reaching 1,693.3126 trillion yen ($15.1 trillion) and net value added amounting to 336.2595 trillion yen. The wholesale and retail trade industry boasted the highest sales, accounting for 28.4% of all industries, followed by the manufacturing industry with 22.9%, and the medical, healthcare and welfare industry with 10.2%.
The survey, conducted every four years, is the third of its kind, with the first two censuses carried out in 2012 and 2016 respectively. The results are expected to serve as key data for accurately determining the state of Japan’s various industries.
The census also counted 5,156,063 private establishments in Japan, employing a total of 57.95 million people. Of these, the wholesale and retail trade industry accounted for the largest share, with 23.8% of all establishments, followed by accommodations, eating and drinking services at 11.6%, and the construction industry at 9.4%.
The information gathered in the census contributes to the accuracy of future statistical surveys targeting all establishments and businesses, providing valuable insights into the state of economic activity across all industries and fields in Japan, both nationally and regionally.