The Monozukuri Subsidy is a government subsidy program designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises in improving productivity through service development, prototype creation, and production process improvements.

Its official name is the “Monozukuri, Commerce, and Service Productivity Improvement Subsidy,” but it is commonly referred to as the “Monozukuri Subsidy.”

To receive approval, applicants must develop and implement a 3–5 year business plan that meets the following three requirements:

1) Value-added amount: Average annual growth rate of +3% or more 

2) Total payroll: Average annual growth rate of +1.5% or more 

3) Minimum wage at the business site: At least 30 yen above the regional minimum wage

Eligible expenses include:

– Machinery and equipment costs, system construction costs 

– Technology introduction costs 

– Expert fees 

– Transportation costs

– Cloud service usage fees 

– Raw material costs 

– Outsourcing costs 

– Intellectual property-related expenses  

(Global Framework only) 

– Overseas travel expenses 

– Interpretation and translation fees 

– Advertising and sales promotion costs  

The introduction of rapid freezers falls under “machinery and equipment costs.” Transportation costs are also eligible, which is a significant advantage.

 

The Monozukuri Subsidy has three frameworks: “Labor-saving Framework,” “High Value-added Products and Services Framework,” and “Global Framework,” each with different subsidy limits and rates.

Labor-saving (Custom-made) Framework 

Subsidy limit: 7.5 million to 100 million yen

Subsidy rate: 1/2 or 2/3  

High Value-added Products and Services Framework 

Standard type: 

Subsidy limit: 7.5 million to 22.5 million yen 

Subsidy rate: 1/2 or 2/3  

Growth Field Expansion Type: 

Subsidy limit: 10 million to 35 million yen 

Subsidy rate: 2/3  

Global Framework 

Subsidy limit: 30 million to 40 million yen 

Subsidy rate: 1/2 or 2/3  

Subsidy limits vary depending on the number of employees, with larger businesses eligible for higher amounts. Additional benefits are available for companies implementing significant wage increases.

(Examples of subsidy-supported installations currently under review)

Introducing rapid freezers offers the following benefits:

– Reduces food loss 

– Addresses labor shortages 

– Maintains food flavor and quality 

– Enables long-term storage 

– Reduces running costs 

– Shortens processing time 

– Enables planned production 

Rapid freezers allow food to be stored in optimal condition, reducing the amount of food discarded due to spoilage. This is especially beneficial for businesses handling perishable items such as fruits and seafood.

Rapid freezers enable prepared dishes to be frozen in advance and thawed when needed, supporting batch preparation during off-peak hours and contributing to improved work styles for employees.

Unlike conventional freezers that require cooling before freezing, rapid freezers can preserve freshly cooked food directly, maintaining original flavor and quality.

Rapid freezers freeze food faster than conventional freezers, making them ideal for long-term storage while preserving quality without additives.

Despite concerns, the running cost per kilogram of product is only a few yen. In some cases, introducing rapid freezers can reduce overall running costs compared to conventional freezers.

Rapid freezers eliminate the need for cooling time, significantly shortening production processes.

For businesses handling seasonal ingredients, rapid freezers enable stable production and supply throughout the year.

Approval is not guaranteed; applicants must meet evaluation criteria.

Evaluation focuses on eligibility, technical feasibility, and business impact.

Growth potential is evaluated, and businesses with approved management innovation plans may receive additional points.

Additional points are awarded for policy alignment, disaster resilience, wage increases, and promoting women’s participation.

Introducing rapid freezers to reduce food loss and improve productivity can be strongly supported by the Monozukuri Subsidy. With subsidies of up to 100 million yen available, businesses considering rapid freezer adoption should strongly consider applying.