Japan invests in attracting digital nomads with new subsidies

The Japan Tourism Agency is launching a new initiative to attract digital nomads to the country.

Starting in 2025, the agency will provide financial support to local governments, tourism organizations and private businesses that are working to create welcoming environments for globally mobile professionals.

The program aims to encourage the development of infrastructure specifically designed to cater to the needs of digital nomads.

This includes subsidizing the creation of 24/7 co-working spaces, cafes and bars conducive to remote work, and housing equipped with high-speed internet and comfortable workspaces.

A shared workspace — Subsidies will be provided to local authorities to create shared workspaces for digital nomads

The agency recognizes the potential economic benefits of attracting digital nomads, who are expected to stay longer than traditional tourists and contribute significantly to local economies through increased consumption.

To inform this initiative, the Japan Tourism Agency will run pilot projects in five regions, focused on developing successful strategies for attracting and accommodating digital nomads.

A river in Japan's countryside with cherry blossom trees lining the riverbank — The opportunity to explore Japan for an extended period is particularly attractive to those able to work remotely

The findings from these projects will be compiled and shared with other regions to guide their own initiatives going forward.

This move comes on the heels of the government’s introduction of a new “designated activities” residence status for digital nomads in April 2024, allowing them to stay and work in Japan for up to six months.

The Japan Tourism Agency hopes that by attracting these globally mobile professionals, it will not only boost tourism revenue but also facilitate valuable business collaborations between digital nomads and Japanese companies.