INDUSTRY · WORKSHOPS
Subsidies for workshops & makers
工房・ものづくり向けの補助金・助成金For workshops, food makers, craft studios and small factories
New machines, welding robots, 3D printers and new products — the programs small makers in Japan use most. Manufacturing gets bigger limits than shops and restaurants.
Big projects
¥90M
New Business & Monozukuri, maximum
Small-firm limit
20 staff
Manufacturing, for the Sustainability Subsidy
Machines
Catalog
Labor-saving catalog — rolling applications
Paid
Later
After you buy, finish and report
What you want to do → which program
| You want to | Program | Up to |
|---|---|---|
| Develop a new product with new machinery or systems | New Business & Monozukuri (Innovative track) | ¥7.5M–¥25M by number of employees |
| Enter a new market or build a new facility | New Business & Monozukuri (New business track) | ¥25M–¥70M ¥90M with wage special |
| Buy a welding robot, laser welder, CNC machine or 3D printer from the catalog | Labor-Saving Subsidy (catalog) | ¥5M–¥10M ¥15M with wage increase |
| Build custom automation for your line | Labor-Saving Subsidy (general) | ¥7.5M–¥80M 2/3 for small firms |
| Promote your products, join trade shows, improve the workshop | Sustainability Subsidy | ¥500,000 ¥2.5M with special conditions |
| Raise wages and buy equipment | Work Improvement Grant | ¥6M |
The programs in detail
New Business & Monozukuri Subsidy
Up to ¥90M新事業進出・ものづくり商業サービス補助金
The main program for makers. You need a 3–5 year growth plan, and the Innovative track requires machinery or systems.
- Production machinery
- Systems
- New buildings (New business track)
- Overseas sales (Global track)
Labor-Saving Investment Subsidy
Up to ¥100M中小企業省力化投資補助金
Catalog type for ready-made machines with rolling applications; general type for custom automation with your own plan.
- Arc welding robots
- Fiber laser welders
- CNC gear hobbers
- 3D printers
Small Business Sustainability Subsidy
Up to ¥2.5M小規模事業者持続化補助金
Manufacturing counts as “manufacturing and others”, so the limit is 20 regular employees — more room than shops.
- Trade-show booths
- Catalogs & packaging
- Website (≤ 1/4)
- Workshop improvements
Work Improvement Grant
Up to ¥6M業務改善助成金
Pairs a wage raise with equipment that makes work faster, at up to 4/5 of the cost. The window closes before your prefecture’s new minimum wage starts.
- Production equipment
- Workflow consulting
Monozukuri or Labor-Saving?
New Business & Monozukuri
- You are making something new — a product, service or market
- You can write a 3–5 year plan with sales and wage targets
- A larger project with fixed application rounds
Labor-Saving
- You want the same work done with fewer people
- Catalog type: a listed machine, rolling applications
- General type: custom automation, fixed rounds
You cannot claim the same machine from two programs. Improving how you make an existing product does not count as “new” for the Innovative track.
Workshop checklist
- Any licence you need (food manufacturing, alcohol, etc.) is in the name of the business that applies
- You know how many regular employees you have — limits and amounts depend on it
- You have a gBizID Prime account (same day online, up to 1 month by post)
- You have quotes for the machines — and if a bank finances a Monozukuri project, the bank has checked your plan
- You will not order or pay before the grant decision
Common mistakes
- Ordering the machine first. Equipment ordered before the grant decision is not covered.
- Calling an upgrade “new”. Making an existing product more efficiently is not an innovative product.
- Forgetting the cash gap. You pay in full and the subsidy comes months later.
- Missing the wage targets. Some programs ask for part of the money back if you miss them.
FAQ
Which subsidy is best for a small manufacturer in Japan?
For a new product or new market, the New Business & Monozukuri Subsidy offers the largest amounts. For a ready-made machine that saves labor, the Labor-Saving Subsidy catalog type is faster, with rolling applications.
Can I get a welding robot or 3D printer subsidized?
Arc welding robots, fiber laser welders and 3D printers are categories in the Labor-Saving Subsidy catalog. You apply through a registered seller before buying.
How many employees can a manufacturer have for the Sustainability Subsidy?
Manufacturing falls under “manufacturing and others”, which allows up to 20 regular employees — compared with 5 for shops and most services.
I run a workshop on a Business Manager visa. Can I apply?
Yes. These programs look at your business — its registration in Japan, size and plan — not the owner’s nationality or visa type.
Sources
- Labor-Saving Subsidy product catalog (製品カタログ)
- New Business & Monozukuri — overview (補助金概要)
- Sustainability Subsidy — official site (商工会地区)
- Work Improvement Grant — Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
This page is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. The official Japanese guidelines always take priority.
NEED HELP IN ENGLISH?
Talk to an English-speaking expert
Certified advisors and registered sellers who plan machine investments with makers — in English.
See experts →PR · Paid listings
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
- Production equipment
- Welding & cutting machines
- Production management software