Main contents start here

Outline of the 2021 Economic Census for Business Activity

Objectives of the Census

The objectives of the Economic Census for Business Activity are, by comprehensively investigating the accounting items such as sales (income) and costs, etc. in all industrial fields in Japan at the same point in time, to identify the structures of establishments and enterprises in all industries on a national and regional level, and to obtain basic information for conducting various statistical surveys on establishments and enterprises.

Expected outcomes of the Census

Collect and prepare Primary statistics, which cover all industries, to provide as basic materials in preparing Input-Output Tables, and National Accounts, etc.
Collect and prepare statistical data on the service industries, for which there are currently insufficient data available and the existing data have not yet been systematically arranged.

• Arrange population information for various statistical surveys of establishments or enterprises, such as extraction conditions for sample surveys, benchmark data used to restore the population, and so on.
• Arrange statistical data and population information, to reflect diversifying business activities in all industries.
• Prepare primary statistics on regional economic activities as basic materials to determine a regional policy that finely suits the realities of each region.
• Prepare basic materials to determine administrative policies, such as settlements of local consumption taxes, distribution of subsidies to help small and medium enterprises, and others.

Legal basis of the Census

The Census was carried out as a fundamental statistical survey, in conformity with the provisions of the Statistics Act (Act No. 53 of 2007).

Coverage of the Survey

The Census covered all establishments and enterprises in Japan as of the date of the Census except the following:

• Establishments of individual proprietorships that fall under Division A "agriculture and forestry" of Japan Standard Industrial Classification.
• Establishments of individual proprietorships that fall under Division B "fisheries" of Japan Standard Industrial Classification.
• Establishments that fall under Group 792 "domestic services" in Division N "living-related and personal services, and amusement services" of Japan Standard Industrial Classification.
• Establishments that fall under Major Group 96 "foreign governments and international agencies in Japan" in Division R "services, n.e.c." of Japan Standard Industrial Classification.

Date of the Census

The Census is taken as of June 1st, 2021.

Survey Items

Survey for privately owned establishments

   Basic items: name and telephone number, location, type of establishment, number of persons engaged, main business activity, etc.
   Financial items: capital and ratio of foreign equity, sales (income), expenses, sales (income) by industry groups, etc.

Survey for national and local governments

   Basic items: name, location, number of persons engaged, main business activity
 

Methods of the Census

Survey for privately owned establishments

Survey by enumerator

To single-unit establishments, an enumerator visited each establishment, distribute a Questionnaire, and collected them after they were filled in or the Internet.

• Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, and Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry -- Prefectural Governors -- Municipal Mayors -- Supervisors -- Enumerators -- Establishments surveyed

Survey by direct mailing

To enterprises having head and branch offices, the relevant authorities mailed Questionnaires directly, and had them sent back (either printed or electronic Questionnaires) by mail or the Internet.

• Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, and Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry -- -- Establishments surveyed
• Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications, and Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry -- Prefectural Governors -- Establishments surveyed
• Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications and Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry -- Prefectural Governors -- Mayors -- Establishments surveyed

Survey for national and local governments

Use of the Census results

• Use compliant with various laws and decrees
  As basic data employed in settlements of local consumption taxes
• Use in administrative policies
  As basic materials to determine policies of economy, environmental protection, employment, small businesses, etc.
• Use by local government
  As basic materials to determine policies to promote industries, regulate traffic, instruct business administration, and so on.
• Use for economic indices
  As basic materials used for obtaining GDP and other economic indices.
• Use by private businesses and organizations
  As basic materials to consider in making business plans, decisions to launch a new store, etc.