Key Facts
• July 15, Nissan announced closure of Oppama Factory in Yokosuka, Japan.
• Production at Shonan Factory in Hiratsuka to cease; local governments express dismay.
• Yokosuka Mayor Katsuaki Uechi demands clear plans for factory site reuse.
• Yokohama City identifies 800 Nissan-related businesses affected.
• Special consultation desks for financial and employment support opened on July 16.
• Measures include new loan programs, reduced guarantee fees, and job fairs.
• Kanagawa Prefecture collaborates with municipalities, chambers of commerce, and banks.
• Governor Yuji Kuroiwa pledges “All-Kanagawa” response to mitigate impacts.
Summary
Nissan’s decision to close its Oppama Factory in Yokosuka and end production at the Shonan Factory in Hiratsuka has raised significant concerns among local governments and businesses. The closures, announced on July 15, are expected to impact 800 Nissan-related businesses in Yokohama alone, spanning industries such as manufacturing, retail, and logistics. In response, Yokohama City has launched financial and employment support initiatives, including new loan programs and job fairs. Kanagawa Prefecture, in collaboration with local municipalities and organizations, has also set up consultation desks to assist affected small businesses. Leaders, including Yokosuka Mayor Katsuaki Uechi and Kanagawa Governor Yuji Kuroiwa, have called for clear plans from Nissan and pledged coordinated efforts to address the economic fallout.
