Fukushima Prefecture has launched recruitment for the "Fukushima Prefecture 12 Municipalities Entrepreneurship Support Fund" to promote relocation and startups in the 12 municipalities previously under evacuation orders due to the TEPCO Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident. The fund offers up to 4 million JPY in subsidies to individuals relocating from outside the prefecture.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 9, 2026 at 02:31
- 🔍 Collected: April 8, 2026 at 18:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 13:54 (283h 54m after Collected)
1st Round: April 1, 2026 - May 29, 2026
2nd Round: June 1, 2026 - July 17, 2026
3rd Round: July 21, 2026 - September 4, 2026
4th Round: September 7, 2026 - October 23, 2026
## Business Overview
Applications for the FY2026 Fukushima Prefecture 12 Municipalities Entrepreneurship Support Fund (1st Round) began on April 1st.
This subsidy aims to further accelerate the recovery and revitalization of the 12 municipalities (※) that were subject to evacuation orders following the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, by bringing new vitality to these areas. It subsidizes a portion of the expenses required for starting a new business for individuals who relocate from outside the prefecture to these 12 municipalities.
(※) Tamura City, Minamisoma City, Kawamata Town, Hirono Town, Naraha Town, Tomioka Town, Kawauchi Village, Okuma Town, Futaba Town, Namie Town, Katsurao Village, Iitate Village
## Main Eligibility Requirements for Subsidized Individuals
- Must start a new business in the 12 municipalities by February 15, 2027.
- Must have resided in a region other than Fukushima Prefecture for at least three consecutive years immediately prior to relocating their resident registration to the 12 municipalities, or immediately prior to application.
- Must have relocated to one of the 12 municipalities on or after July 1, 2021, or must provide confirmation of intent to relocate by February 15, 2027.
- Must intend to settle permanently (reside continuously for over 5 years) in the 12 municipalities.
- Must not be individuals who were residents of the 12 municipalities as of March 11, 2011 (i.e., those with resident registration).
## Eligible Expenses
Expenses incurred for starting a business, which can be proven to have been paid by February 15, 2027, from the date of grant decision:
[Personnel costs, shop/facility rental fees, equipment costs, raw material costs, intellectual property related costs, honoraria, travel expenses, outsourcing costs, consignment costs, marketing research costs, public relations costs, etc.]
## Subsidy Ratio
Up to three-quarters (3/4) of eligible expenses, with a maximum of 4 million JPY.
## FY2026 Entrepreneurship Support Fund Flyer
◎ For details, please visit the website of the Fukushima Prefecture Reconstruction and Revitalization Division for Evacuated Areas:
https://www.pref.fukushima.lg.jp/sec/11050a/fuku12-kigyoushienkin.html
## Application Support (Fukushima 12 Municipalities Relocation Support Center)
The Fukushima 12 Municipalities Relocation Support Center provides free support for those applying for the entrepreneurship support fund.
From consultations on application requirements to advice on business plan writing and addressing concerns, our professional staff will assist you with various issues, so please utilize this service.
◎ For details on application support,
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