Introduction
Publication of the Ota City Industrial Guide
Ota City is known as one of Japan's leading hubs for small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses, with over 9,000 businesses operating here during the period of rapid economic growth. Leveraging the strength of its diverse range of processing technologies, it has served as the backbone of Japan's entire industrial sector since the postwar period of rapid economic growth, and has also supported the development of cutting-edge technologies.
Meanwhile, manufacturing companies within the City are being forced to face up to various new challenges, including shifts in the global landscape, supply chain restructuring, worsening labor shortages, and new environmental measures such as decarbonization.
Against this backdrop, Ota City and the Ota City Industrial Promotion Organization are conducting initiatives to serve as concrete solutions. These include support for maintaining and developing industrial clusters, support for technological and management innovation, and back-up for recruiting and cultivating skilled manufacturing workers.
By integrating the high technical capabilities of small factories—a hallmark of Ota City—with cutting-edge technology, we are pioneering new possibilities in manufacturing and realizing an environment conducive to nurturing the next generation of manufacturing leaders. Furthermore, with Haneda Innovation City—developed on the former Haneda Airport site— serving as a hub, demonstration experiments utilizing cutting-edge technologies such as self-driving buses, robotics, and 5G communications are being conducted to help realize a smart city, and these efforts are designed to solve regional challenges while generating new business opportunities.
This guide provides information on the characteristics of Ota City's manufacturing sector and the support offered by Ota City and the Ota City Industrial Promotion Organization.
We hope this guide will help not only residents and workers in Ota City, but also many other people both here in Japan and abroad, to develop a deeper understanding of and interest in Ota City's industrial sector.
The figures used in this guide are based on the “2021 Economic Census for Business Activity” by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the “2024 Ota City Manufacturing Industrial Survey Report” by Ota City.
Chapter 1
Location and Characteristics of Ota City
Ota City is located at the southernmost tip of Tokyo's 23 cities and occupies the largest area among them.
Haneda Airport, Japan's largest airport and a major hub representing the Tokyo metropolitan area, serves as a key gateway for domestic and international travel.
It is also known as one of the cities in Tokyo where the difference between the daytime and nighttime populations is notably small.
Ota City features distinct areas such as industrial zones, commercial districts, and residential neighborhoods, with business activities and living spaces coexisting throughout the entire City.
Chapter 2
Data on manufacturing companies located within Ota City
Ota City is home to 3,584 manufacturing businesses, making it one of Japan's leading hubs for small factories. However, after peaking at approximately 9,100 manufacturing businesses in 1983, the number has been on the decline. The primary reasons for this decline include the collapse of the bubble economy and recessions such as the 2008 financial crisis, alongside shifts in industrial structure, the relocation of production bases overseas or to regional areas, the conversion of former factory sites into residential areas, and business closures due to a lack of successors. However, even under such challenging circumstances, manufacturing clusters continue to emerge through the creation of new added value and the emergence of new industries and businesses.
Trend in the number of manufacturing establishments located in Ota City
"Industrial Statistics" - Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
"Economic Census for Business Activity"
- Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
Compiled from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's "Census of Manufacture" and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' "Economic Census for Business Activity"
Number of manufacturing establishments located in special cities of Tokyo
<Index with 2016 value set to 100> (2021)
Compiled from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's "2021 Economic Census for Business Activity"
Manufacturing shipments by value ( billions of yen) for manufacturing businesses
located in special cities of Tokyo(4 or more employees, 2021)
Compiled from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's "2021 Economic Census for Business Activity"
Number of manufacturing employees located in special cities of Tokyo
<Index with 2016 value set to 100> (2021)
Compiled from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' and Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's "2021 Economic Census for Business Activity"
Chapter 3
Overview of manufacturing businesses located in Ota City
Number of employees
Over 40% of businesses in Ota City have 3 or fewer employees, and when combined with those having 4 to 9 employees, businesses with 9 or fewer employees account for approximately 70%. Compared to the previous survey (fiscal year 2019), no significant changes are observed.
A major characteristic of the City is the concentration of small-scale factories.
Compiled from the 2025 Ota City Manufacturing Industry Survey Report
Industry Classification
In the industrial classification of factories within Ota, "Metal Products"and "General Machinery"together account for over half, while the "Machinery and Metal Processing"sector—which also includes electrical machinery and transportation machinery—makes up over 70%.
Another characteristic of factories in Ota City is that many specialize in "high-mix, low-volume production"of high-value-added prototypes, jigs, and similar items.
Compiled from the 2025 Ota City Manufacturing Industry Survey Report
Management Generation
The proportion of second-generation business owners tends to be the highest.
Looking at the data by company size, it appears that business succession tends to progress more readily as the number of employees increases.
Compiled from the 2025 Ota City Manufacturing Industry Survey Report
Successors
Among businesses considering succession planning, nearly 70% have already "decided"on a successor.
Nearly 20% (15.8%) of businesses are considering closing down without looking into succession planning, implying that there will be a continued decline in the number of businesses.
Compiled from the 2025 Ota City Manufacturing Industry Survey Report
Advantages for customers(Multiple-answer question)
Compiled from the 2025 Ota City Manufacturing Industry Survey Report
Nearly 70% of businesses cited "production processes (processing/assembly, inspection, quality control, etc.)"as their primary business activity, and nearly 20% cited "product planning, development/design, and design processes."
Many businesses can make proposals even before specific specifications or drawings are provided, and the strength of Ota City's manufacturing sector lies in its high-capacity, technically skilled local manufacturing companies.
Recruitment results over the past three years(Multiple-answer question)
Over the past three years, approximately 60% of companies reported that "no new hires" On the other hand, the most common age group hired was "30 to 54 years old."Additionally, hiring 1 to 2 employees is common across all age groups, and larger workplaces tend to have higher hiring rates.
Compiled from the 2025 Ota City Manufacturing Industry Survey Report
Impact of labor shortages
The impact of labor shortages on business expansion is reported as "significant"or "somewhat significant"by nearly half of respondents. The larger the workforce size, the greater the impact, and there is a growing sense of crisis concerning labor shortages.
Businesses that are successful in securing personnel are seen to be taking proactive measures, such as utilizing public agencies and recruiting personnel from discontinued businesses.
Compiled from the 2025 Ota City Manufacturing Industry Survey Report
Chapter 4
Startup support
Ota City actively supports entrepreneurs within the city. Leveraging its advantages as a manufacturing hub and gateway to domestic and international markets, the City has enhanced its support services to bolster the development of Ota's industries.
A notable feature is the increasing number of newly established manufacturing-related companies that operate as fabless companies, focusing primarily on developing their own products without owning their own factories. An increasing number of companies are developing strengths in "product planning, development and design, and design processes."
Among the startups located within the City, some provide services that contribute to the advancement of "product planning, development and design"and "production processes,"as well as operational efficiency, through digitization. It is expected that deeper collaboration between these companies and local manufacturing businesses will enhance the competitiveness of the City's manufacturing industry.
Startup support from Ota City and the Ota City Industrial Promotion Organization
Operation of the Rokugo BASE (Minami-Rokugo Startup Support Facility, Ota City)
We have set up the "Rokugo BASE (Minami-Rokugo Startup Support Facility, Ota City)"as a startup support facility. It offers workspaces, expertise, and networking opportunities to startups, entrepreneurs, aspiring founders, and small businesses tackling new ventures, with the goal of fostering a community where members can grow and motivate each other.
Comprehensive support in both tangible and intangible aspects promotes business growth for companies. Furthermore, events are held regularly to provide information and support networking.
Startup consultation desk
We have established a consultation desk for those considering starting a business in Ota City and those who have recently started a business. Startup consultants provide support to help entrepreneurs acquire knowledge about starting a business, including developing business plans, funding strategies, cultivating sales channels, and handling incorporation procedures, as well as resolving various challenges encountered during the startup phase.
Ota City formulated its "Startup Support Project Plan"based on the Act on Strengthening Industrial Competitiveness and received national certification on March 20, 2014. Under this plan, our Organization provides support through its startup consultation services, specifically implementing designated startup support programs that equip individuals with the necessary knowledge for starting a business. Individuals who receive support from this program and meet certain conditions are eligible for various benefits when issued with a certificate issued by Ota City.
Grant programs and workshops
Startup × Ota City businesses - Unite Grant Program
When startups request prototyping or development services from small and medium-sized enterprises in Ota City, we provide matching services to connect them with the most suitable companies, grant subsidies, and offer ongoing support.
Venture-Friendly Academy
A membership-based workshop for stakeholders from manufacturing companies and startups within and outside Ota City. We will leverage the strengths and potential of both manufacturing companies and startups to enhance synergies and lead the way in developing new markets.
Startups located within the City
Suiryu Corporation
Based in Haneda, Ota City, we are engaged in the development of ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles).
It features an interview with Mr. Sato, Representative Director, sharing his entrepreneurial journey and behind-the-scenes stories of product development on "Techno Plaza,"operated by our Organization. Be sure to take a look!
Startup
Solving societal challenges through the development of ROVs that substitute the human touch
2025.01.08 / Suiryu Corporation
Blessed with abundant water resources, Japan has long utilized its vast seas for maritime transportation, marine space utilization, and seabed resource development. Yet the vast ocean remains largely shrouded in mystery. We spoke with Mr. Sato, CEO of Suiryudo Corporation based in Haneda, Ota City, who have been developing ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) to address the growing demand for underwater (particularly oceanic) measurement.…
DrumRole, Inc.
Moved into Rokugo BASE. We are developing a simple, easy-to-use “cloud-based production management system for small and medium-sized manufacturers” that leverages our on-site experience. We interviewed Mr. Matsumoto, Representative Director and CEO, and Mr. Ushio, Representative Director and COO, about their journey to founding the company and the untold story behind the creation of their production management system. Their insights are featured in “Techno Plaza.” Be sure to check it out!
IT・DX
Commercializing a production management system for small and medium-sized manufacturers that leverages hands-on experience in manufacturing environments
2024.08.08 / DrumRole, Inc.
In recent years, in tandem with the advancement of DX, the manufacturing industry has been actively utilizing diverse types of data to enhance productivity and efficiency. Production management operations, which centrally oversee factory production status, have become increasingly important. Given these circumstances, DrumRole Inc. developed an affordable, easy-to-use "cloud-based production management system for small and medium-sized manufacturers"drawing on their experience working on the manufacturing floor. For this report, we spoke with CEO Matsumoto and COO Ushio.…
Chapter 5
New product development support
Ota City is home to a high concentration of small and medium-sized manufacturing companies possessing advanced technologies such as precision machining and metalworking. Well-established networks and a collaborative framework among companies within the City enable rapid responses to parts procurement and prototyping, contributing to swift development.
The Ota City Industrial Promotion Organization offers various forms of support for new product development.
New product development support by the Ota City Industrial Promotion Organization
New product and technology development support (trial grants, development step-up grants, commercialization grants)
To enhance the product development and technological capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and revitalize the manufacturing industry by creating added value, we support the development of new products and technologies undertaken by SMEs within the City.
We provide three types of support corresponding to the development phases: "Hop,""Step,"and "Jump."
New Product and New Technology Development Support Program
Ota City Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises New Product and New Technology Competition
We recognize outstanding SMEs within the City that have developed exceptional new products or technologies by presenting them with awards, thereby promoting their advanced development capabilities and technical expertise both within and beyond the City. Launched in 1989, this program has been held 36 times through fiscal year 2024, presenting a total of 323 awards.
Ota City Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises New Product and New Technology Competition
Companies engaged in new product development
A wheelchair was born from the partnership between Colors Co., Ltd., driven to solve challenges in caregiving, and Seki Ironworks Ltd., a local factory with over 70 years of history. We’re showcasing its development story at Techno Plaza, run by our Organization. Please come see it!
SDGs
One-of-a-kind wheelchair developed by “Team Ota” - a wheelchair conceived of from on-site challenges [Part 1]
2024.08.08 / Colors Co., Ltd. and Seki Ironworks Ltd.
Conceived from a passionate desire to solve challenges in caregiving, this wheelchair was created by companies from different industries in Ota City.
Chapter 6
Initiatives at Haneda Innovation City
Haneda Innovation City (HICity) is a new "town"developed through a public-private partnership between Ota City and Haneda Future Development Co. as part of the Haneda Airport Site Zone 1 Development Project. It fully opened in November 2023.
Within Haneda Innovation City, we have established "PiO PARK,"a space designed to generate new business opportunities through interaction. As a gateway connecting the world and the region, we will bring together people, goods, and information from both Japan and abroad, and through the interaction of the diverse players gathered here, we will help create new businesses and innovations, and send a message to others in Japan and abroad about Japan's manufacturing technology and the appeal of regions across Japan.
PiO PARK
It offers event space rentals for those wishing to host business seminars, networking events, and similar gatherings. The facility also features free-address coworking spaces, private booths, and meeting rooms, allowing you to choose the space that best caters to your needs and group size.
Additionally, the showcase area displays original products and outstanding technologies from Ota City businesses, and is viewed by many visitors throughout the year.
Ultra-Specialized Technology Mini Exhibition
We are hosting a mini exhibition devoted to advanced manufacturing technologies unique to Ota City: the "Ultra-Specialized Technology Mini Exhibition."We have held various exhibitions focusing on different technologies, such as the "Drilling Exhibition,""Bending Exhibition,"and "Invisible Exhibition."These events have generated significant interest and led to numerous business negotiations.
Ultra-Specialized Technology Mini Exhibition
HANEDA Co-Creation Platform
We have launched the "HANEDA Co-Creation Platform"as a project to support those who want to take full advantage of Haneda's location potential and venture into new areas.
We currently operate three groups: the "How to Create Your Own Products Workshop,"the "Global Business Workshop,"and the "Venture-Friendly Academy."
International Trade Consultation Service
We provide individual consultations with experts for small and medium-sized enterprises and sole proprietors within the City aiming to expand overseas. We also facilitate link-ups with JETRO and industrial support organizations in various countries.
When inquiries are received from overseas companies and organizations, we match orders with small and medium-sized enterprises in Ota City, leading to numerous successful contracts to date.
