Himeji City Manufacturing Sales Channel Expansion Support Subsidy (FY2026)

①Overview: The Himeji City Manufacturing Sales Channel Expansion Support Subsidy (FY2026) subsidizes the cost of exhibiting at domestic and overseas trade fairs and exhibitions to help local SME manufacturers develop new markets and expand sales channels for their excellent products and technologies. In FY2026, support for exhibiting at on-site overseas trade fairs and exhibitions has been added and expanded. ②Eligible applicants: Small and medium-sized enterprises with their main office in Himeji City engaged in manufacturing (Major Category E of the Japan Standard Industrial Classification) that did not receive this subsidy in the previous fiscal year. For exhibitions held overseas, prior-year recipients are also eligible. Companies that received the Himeji City Monodzukuri Development Encouragement Subsidy are also eligible for up to four fiscal years thereafter when exhibiting the targeted products or technologies. ③Eligible expenses and content: Eligible exhibitions must have been held on-site at least once in the past 5 years with 40+ exhibitors. Four categories: (1) domestic nationwide on-site trade fairs, (2) overseas on-site trade fairs, (3) trade fairs in designated countries (Himeji's sister/friendship cities and partner regions), and (4) online trade fairs. Eligible expenses include booth fees, and for overseas exhibitions, interpreter/local staff costs and airfare to the venue. ④Subsidy rate, ceiling, schedule and key points: The subsidy rate is 1/2 for domestic and online, and 2/3 for overseas and designated countries. Ceilings are JPY 400,000 (domestic), JPY 2,000,000 (overseas), JPY 2,500,000 (designated countries), and JPY 200,000 (online). The application deadline is February 26, 2027 (Friday), arrival basis, first-come-first-served until budget is exhausted. Documents must be submitted in person or by mail (email/fax not accepted) to the Himeji City Industrial Promotion Section before the exhibition begins.