The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced Thursday it will honor 10 companies for promoting Japanese technology and culture abroad, or introducing new business models to Japan through investment.
In a ceremony Friday, METI will give the Japan Brand Award to six companies, including fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto's firm, and the Invest Japan Award to four firms, including online book retailer Amazon Japan K.K., the ministry said.
The 10 companies will be the first to receive the new awards, which were started this year in connection with several government campaigns to invigorate the economy by exporting competitive Japanese brands and importing business expertise from foreign firms.
Other award recipients include fishing goods maker Daiwa Seiko Inc.; "manga" comic publisher Tokyopop Inc.; Zara Japan Corp., the Japanese unit of the Spanish clothing retailer; and Rohde & Schwarz Japan K.K., the Japanese unit of the German measuring equipment manufacturer.