With the deadline for the U.K.'s withdrawal from the European Union fast approaching, the question for Japanese manufacturers and other businesses with operations there is not as simple as whether to stay or go.

Some companies say they must balance a complex equation, and weigh the potential costs against their broader global strategies and the benefits of maintaining a presence in the country.

Experts contend the high cost of moving, together with the enduring appeal of the U.K. as a base, are holding businesses back from taking drastic measures. And with the prospects of Brexit still unclear — with or without a deal — Japanese companies are having trouble planning ahead.