Japan is aggressively supporting AI adoption through subsidies, tax incentives, and support programs. Here's what's available and how to access it.
Major Subsidy Programs
| Program | Amount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| IT導入補助金 | ¥350k-4.5M | SMEs (<20 employees for lower tier) |
| ものづくり補助金 | ¥1M-12.5M | Manufacturing innovation |
| 小規模事業者持続化補助金 | ¥500k-2M | Small businesses |
| 事業再構築補助金 | ¥1M-60M | Business transformation |
IT導入補助金 (IT Introduction Subsidy)
The most relevant for AI implementation:
- Purpose: Help SMEs adopt IT/AI tools
- Amount: ¥350k (Type A) to ¥4.5M (Type B)
- Coverage: Up to 75% of project costs (lower for Type B)
- Eligible AI: Chatbots, automation, CRM with AI, etc.
- Rounds: Multiple per year (check current schedule)
Tax Incentives
Beyond subsidies, tax benefits exist:
- 中小企業投資促進税制: Tax credit for IT investment
- 即時償却: Immediate depreciation for qualifying IT assets
- R&D credits: For custom AI development
Digital Transformation Programs
- DX認定: Government certification for digital-ready companies
- TECH GLOCAL: Support for local tech adoption
- 地方DX推進: Prefecture-level programs vary by region
Application Process
- Check eligibility: Employee count, business type, location
- Select tools: IT tools must be government-certified ("IT導入支援事業者")
- Get quotes: From approved vendors (Greene Solutions is certified)
- Submit application: During open application window
- Wait for approval: BEFORE starting project
- Implement: Document everything
- Claim subsidy: Submit after completion
Common Mistakes
- Starting project before approval (disqualifies you)
- Missing application deadline
- Using non-certified vendors/tools
- Incomplete documentation
- Not matching subsidy conditions
How Greene Solutions Helps
We're a certified IT導入支援事業者:
- Help identify the right subsidy for your project
- Provide certified quotes and documentation
- Guide through application process
- 50+ successful applications for clients
See what subsidies apply to your project
We'll check eligibility and help you apply.
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