JSIC: Japan Standard Industrial Classification

JSIC Rev. 14 became operational in Japan on 1 April 2024. While both JSIC and ISIC have a four-level classification structure, their contents are not exactly aligned, as discussed below.

Changes Between JSIC Rev. 13 and JSIC Rev. 14

The additions to JSIC Rev. 14 were at the detailed levels, with the creation of six new (three-digit) groups and 13 new (four-digit) detailed industries. Five of the new groups were in the Division I (Wholesale and retail trade). The JSIC Rev. 13 group 561 (Department stores and general merchandise supermarkets) was split in JSCI Rev. 14 into the groups 561 (Department stores) and 562 (General merchandise supermarkets). These, along with other new groups - 563 (Convenience stores), 564 (Drugstores), and 566 (Uniform-price stores) - enhanced the detail of retail trade activities. At the most detailed level of JSIC Rev. 14, notable new four-digit industries include 2923 (Electrical-type furnaces and electrical heating devices), 3313 (Retail sale of electric power), and 3314 (Electricity wholesale supply) all in the Division F (Electricity, gas, heat supply and water). Apart from the creation of new categories, changes in JSIC Rev. 14 also include the renaming of categories, such as the renaming of the four-digit industry 3012 from Mobile phone and PHS in JSIC Rev. 13 to Smartphones, cellular phones, and PHSs in JSIC Rev. 14, as well as several cases of renumbering of categories.

Structure of JSIC Rev. 14

JSIC Rev. 14 is structured into four levels, as follows:

• Division: 20 Divisions identified by capital letters A to T.

• Major Group: 99 Major Groups identified by 2-digit numeric codes (01-99).

• Group: 536 Groups identified by 3-digit numeric codes (010-999)

• Detail (Industry): 1473 Industries identified by 4-digit numeric codes (0100-9999).

The table below shows the number of subcategories in each of the 20 divisions of JSIC Rev. 14. Division E (Manufacturing) is the most detailed division with 598 four-digit industries, followed by Division I (Wholesale and retail trade) with 205 industries. The two divisions jointly account for over half (54.5%) of all the four-digit industries in JSIC Rev. 14.

Comparing with other classifications, JSIC Rev. 14 has a four-level structure like the global reference which is the United Nation's ISIC. However, unlike other national industrial classification systems in the Asian region like India's NIC, Philippine's PSIC, and Hong Kong's HSIC, the JSIC does not have a fifth classification level which countries add to the ISIC system to reflect their specific industrial landscape. It appears that Japan's approach to adapting the ISIC is to extend the number of industries in all classification levels except the first level. While there are 20 first level industries in JSIC Rev. 14 compared to 22 in ISIC (current version: Rev. 5), it has 99 second-level industries versus 87 in ISIC, 536 third-level industries versus 258 in ISIC, and 1,473 fourth-level industries versus 464 in ISIC.

Looking at the first classification level (Sections in ISIC and Divisions in JSIC), the naming and ordering of the categories are also different. Notable differences include that JSIC Rev. 14 has separate divisions for Agriculture and forestry (Division A) and Fisheries (Division B) while ISIC combines the three areas in its Section A (Agriculture, forestry and fishing). In addition to this distinction, all other first-level industries (except the Construction, Manufacturing, and Wholesale and retail trade categories) are differently named in JSIC Rev. 14 and ISIC Rev. 5.

In terms of the content of the classification, the more detailed levels of JSIC Rev. 14 contains categories for different activities relevant to the Japanese context. For example, in the Manufacturing Division, local textile products are reflected in the Group 118 (Japanese style apparel, other textile apparel and accessories) which is split into seven four-digit industries including Industry 1181 (Japanese style apparel, including Japanese "tabi"-socks). In Division M (Accommodations, eating and drinking services), local Japanese food is reflected in the Group 769 (Other eating and drinking places) under which there are three four-digit industries including 7692 (Okonomiyaki, Yakisoba and Takoyaki - Japanese snacks shops). Furthermore, local forms of recreation and entertainment is reflected in Division N (Living-related and personal service and amusement services) with, for example, the four-digit industry 8094 (Geisha houses).

Resources

• JSIC Rev. 14 (Current) - Codes with description (English)

• JSIC Rev. 14 (Current) - Codes with description (Japanese)

• JSIC Rev. 14 (Current) - Historical background and revision

• JSIC Rev.14 (Current) - Underlying principles

• JSIC Rev 14 (Current) - Matters to note

JSIC Rev. 13 operated in Japan between 2014 and 2024. It is similar to co-existing ISIC versions (ISIC Rev. 5 or ISIC Rev. 4) only with regard to its four-level structure.

Changes Between JSIC Rev. 12 and JSIC Rev. 13

In JSIC Rev. 13 one three-digit group and five four-digit industries were established. Following new developments in Japan's education system, the group 819 (Integrated centers for early child-hood education and care) was created along with a four-digit industry 8191 with the same name. Some other new four-digit industries in JSIC Rev. 13 are 3923 (Market research, opinion survey and social survey services) and 7893 (Relaxation services - using manual techniques). JSIC Rev. 13 also included few other routine modifications in the form of renaming or renumbering of categories.

Structure of JSIC Rev. 13

JSIC Rev. 13 is structured into four levels, as follows:

• Division: 20 Divisions identified by capital letters A to T.

• Major Group: 99 Major Groups identified by 2-digit numeric codes (01-99).

• Group: 530 Groups identified by 3-digit numeric codes (010-999)

• Detail (Industry): 1460 Industries identified by 4-digit numeric codes (0100-9999).

Resources

• JSIC Rev. 13 - Codes with description

• JSIC Rev. 13 - Codes with description (Excel - Japanese)

• JSIC Rev 13 - Historical background and revision

• JSIC Rev 13 - Underlying principles

JSIC Rev. 12 operated in Japan between 2008 and 2014. It is similar to the co-existing ISIC version (ISIC Rev. 4) only with regard to its four-level structure.

Changes Between JSIC Rev. 11 and JSIC Rev. 12

JSIC Rev. 12 was a major revision of the previous edition necessary in light of changes in Japan's industrial structure with respect to advances in information and communication in particular and the services sector in general. There was an increase in the number of categories at all four levels of the classification. At the first level, the JSIC Rev. 11 Divisions A (Agriculture) and B (Forestry) were combined in JSIC Rev. 12 to form a new Division A (Agriculture and Forestry). Some other new divisions resulted from the movement of items across different levels, as was the case the Division L (Scientific research, professional and technical services) which was formed from fields related to academic research, professional and technical services, and advertising under the JSIC Rev. 11 Division Q (Services, N.E.C). At the more detailed levels of the system, there was a substantial expansion of categories in JSIC Rev. 12 with 109 new (three-digit) groups and 186 new four-digit industries.

Structure of JSIC Rev. 12

JSIC Rev. 12 was structured into four levels, as follows:

• Division: 20 Divisions identified by capital letters A to T.

• Major Group: 99 Major Groups identified by 2-digit numeric codes (01-99).

• Group: 529 Groups identified by 3-digit numeric codes (010-999)

• Detail (Industry): 1455 Industries identified by 4-digit numeric codes (0100-9999).

Resources

• JSIC Rev. 12 - Codes with description

• JSIC Rev. 12 - Historical background and revision

• JSIC Rev. 12 - Underlying principles

JSIC Rev. 11 operated in Japan between 2002 and 2008. It is similar to the co-existing ISIC version (ISIC Rev. 3) only with regard to its four-level structure.

Changes Between JSIC Rev. 10 and JSIC Rev. 11

JSIC Rev. 11 was a major review which sought to bring the classification system in line with structural changes witnessed in the Japanese economy and society in the decade since the release of JSIC Rev. 10. In the face of growth in telecommunications, software development and other services, and an ageing population, categories were established and abolished accordingly across the classification system. At the first level of the system, five new Divisions were established in JSIC Rev. 11. These included the Division H (Information and communications) as well as Division N (Medical, health care and welfare), and Division O (Education, learning support), the components of both of which were previously grouped under the JSIC Rev. 10 Division L (Services). At the other more detailed levels of the system, there was a reduction in the number of categories in JSIC Rev. 11 compared to JSIC Rev. 10 as more categories were removed from JSIC Rev. 10 than created in JSIC Rev. 11.

Structure of JSIC Rev. 11

JSIC Rev. 11 was structured into four levels, as follows:

• Division: 19 Divisions identified by capital letters A to U.

• Major Group: 97 Major Groups identified by 2-digit numeric codes (01-99).

• Group: 420 Groups identified by 3-digit numeric codes (011-999)

• Detail (Industry): 1269 Industries identified by 4-digit numeric codes (0111-9999).

Resources

• JSIC Rev. 11 - Codes with description

• JSIC Rev. 11 - Historical background and revision

• JSIC Rev. 11 - Underlying principles

JSIC Rev. 10 operated in Japan between 1994 and 2002. It is similar to the co-existing ISIC version (ISIC Rev. 3) only with regard to its four-level structure.

Changes Between JSIC Rev. 9 and JSIC Rev. 10

While the number of first-level divisions remained the same, JSIC Rev. 10 added more categories to all other levels of the system, with 11 more third-level and 62 more fourth-level industries compared to JSIC Rev. 9. The Division L (Services industry) was a major center of change with new categories covering different services. In the Major Group 74 (Other lifestyle-related service industries), six new Groups covering different areas were created including the Group 743 (Photography industry) under which are the Industries 7431 (General photography business), 7432 (Commercial photography industry), and 7433 (Photo development/printing business). The Division J (Finance and insurance industry) also underwent significant modifications in its components in light of the emergence new business models and regulatory reforms in Japan's financial system at the time. In addition to new categories, there were also routine modification of names and renumbering of categories across system.

Structure of JSIC Rev. 10

JSIC Rev. 10 was structured into four levels, as follows:

• Division: 14 Divisions identified by capital letters A to N.

• Major Group: 99 Major Groups identified by 2-digit numeric codes (01-99).

• Group: 463 Groups identified by 3-digit numeric codes (011-999)

• Detail (Industry): 1324 Industries identified by 4-digit numeric codes (0111-9999).

Resources

• JSIC Rev. 10 - Codes with description (Japanese)

• JSIC Rev. 10 - Codes with description (Provisional English translation by Voorburg Group)

JSIC Rev. 9 operated in Japan from 1985 to 1994. It is similar to co-existing ISIC versions (ISIC Rev. 2 or ISIC Rev. 3) only with regard to its four-level structure.

Changes Between JSIC Rev. 8 and JSIC Rev. 9

While the number of first-level groupings in JSIC Rev. 9 remained unchanged from JSIC Rev. 8, the number of categories in all other levels increased with six more Major Groups (second level), 10 more Groups (third level), and 26 more Industries (fourth level). Notable changes included, for example, the splitting of the JSIC Rev. 8 Major Group 18-19 (Food manufacturing) into the JSIC Rev. 9 Major Groups 12 (Food manufacturing) and 13 (Beverage, food, and tobacco manufacturing). Similarly, the JSIC Rev. 8 Group 396 (Plastic product manufacturing) was in JSIC Rev. 9 disaggregated into six new Groups (221-229) covering different plastic manufacturing activities like 221 (Manufacture of plastic plates, rods, pipes, fittings and profiled extrusion products) and 222 (Plastic film, sheets, flooring and synthetic leather manufacturing) along with more specific detail such as Industry 2221 (Plastic film manufacturing), 2222 (Plastic sheet manufacturing), among others. In the JSIC Rev. 9 Division L (Service industry), notable new service activities included 7512 (Laundry agency), 7613 (Photo development and processing), and 8692 (Mechanical design industry). In addition to new categories, there were also routine modification of names and renumbering of categories across system.

Structure of JSIC Rev. 9

JSIC Rev. 9 was structured into four levels, as follows:

• Division: 14 Divisions identified by capital letters A to N.

• Major Group: 96 Major Groups identified by 2-digit numeric codes (01-99).

• Group: 452 Groups identified by 3-digit numeric codes (011-999)

• Detail (Industry): 1262 Industries identified by 4-digit numeric codes (0111-9999).

Resources

• JSIC Rev. 9 - Codes with description (Japanese)

JSIC Rev. 8 operated in Japan from 1977 to 1985. It is similar to the co-existing ISIC version (ISIC Rev. 2) only with regard to its four-level structure.

Changes Between JSIC Rev. 7 and JSIC Rev. 8

The new categories in JSIC Rev. 8 were in the second and third levels only, with five and 16 more categories respectively compared to JSIC Rev. 7. Notable additions included the Industries 3498 (Industrial robot manufacturing) and 3996 (Bullet manufacturing) both in the manufacturing sector. Elsewere, the Industry 6641 (Travel brokerage) from JSIC Rev. 7 was upgraded in JSIC Rev. 8 as the Group 664 (Travel industry) under which were the new Industries 6641-6643 covering different aspects of the travel business. Waste handling was also given more detail in JSIC Rev. 8 with the creation of the group 895 (Industrial waste treatment industry) which was subdivided into the Industries 8951 (Industrial waste collection industry) and 8952 (Industrial waste treatment industry - excluding industrial waste collection industry).

Structure of JSIC Rev. 8

JSIC Rev. 8 was structured into four levels, as follows:

• Division: 14 Divisions identified by capital letters A to N.

• Major Group: 90 Major Groups identified by 2-digit numeric codes (01-99).

• Group: 442 Groups identified by 3-digit numeric codes (011-999)

• Detail (Industry): 1236 Industries identified by 4-digit numeric codes (0111-9999).

Resources

• JSIC Rev. 8 - Codes with descriptions (Japanese)

JSIC Rev. 7 operated in Japan from 1972 to 1977. It is similar to the co-existing ISIC version (ISIC Rev. 2) only with regard to its four-level structure.

Changes Between JSIC Rev. 6 and JSIC Rev. 7

Changes in JSIC Rev. 7 include several cases of mergers and splits of categories in the previous version. A notable merger concerns higher education-related JSIC Rev. 6 industries 9144 (National universities), 9145 (Public universities), and 9146 (Private universities) which were combined into 9141 (University) in JSIC Rev. 7. On the other hand, some JSIC Rev. 6 industries were split into more specific industries such as in the manufacturing sector where the JSIC Rev. 6 Industry 3022 (Cement production manufacturing) was in JSIC Rev. 7 split into three separate activities: 3022 (Ready mix concrete manufacturing industry), 3023 (Concrete products manufacturing), and 3029 (Miscellaneous cement products manufacturing). Moreover, new industries were created (and deleted) across the system in accordance with developments in the Japanese economy and society. Significant new industries in JSSIC Rev. 7 included 5223 (Credit card business) and 5224 (Installment finance companies) in the Division H (Finance and insurance) as well as 8511 (Software industry) and 8791 (Management consulting services) in the Division L (Services industry). In summary, there was an increase in the number of categories in all but the first classification level of the system.

Structure of JSIC Rev. 7

JSIC Rev. 7 was structured into four levels, as follows:

• Division: 14 Divisions identified by capital letters A to N.

• Major Group: 90 Major Groups identified by 2-digit numeric codes (01-99).

• Group: 437 Groups identified by 3-digit numeric codes (011-999)

• Detail (Industry): 1220 Industries identified by 4-digit numeric codes (0111-9999).

Resources

• JSIC Rev. 7 - Codes with description (Japanese)

JSIC Rev. 6 operated in Japan from 1968 to 1972. It is similar to the co-existing ISIC version (ISIC Rev. 2) only with regard to its four-level structure.

Changes Between JSIC Rev. 5 and JSIC Rev. 6

Changes in JSIC Rev. 6 included a reorganization of mining-related activities. A loss of relevance of Industries under the JSIC Rev. 5 Group 101 (Precious metals mining) such as 1013 (Platinum mining) and 1014 (Placer platinum mining) led to their reclassification under the JSIC Rev. 6 Industry 1019 (Other precious metal mining). Coal mining was also reorganized with the renaming of the [JSIC Rev. 5] Major Group 10 from Coal mining in JSIC Rev. 5 to Coal and lignite mining in JSIC Rev. 6 and the merging of the old Groups 111 (Anthracite mining, excluding sorting) and 112 (Bituminous coal mining, excluding sorting) into the JSIC Rev. 6 Group 111 (Coal mining, excluding sorting). Elsewhere, in the retail sector, new food-related Industries were established in JSIC Rev. 6 under the Group 459 (Other food and beverage retail industry). In summary a number of other industries were added (or deleted) according to socioeconomic and industrial developments in the country. The net outcome was an increase in the number of categories in all but the first classification level of the system.

Structure of JSIC Rev. 6

JSIC Rev. 6 was structured into four levels, as follows:

• Division: 14 Divisions identified by capital letters A to N.

• Major Group: 88 Major Groups identified by 2-digit numeric codes (01-99).

• Group: 429 Groups identified by 3-digit numeric codes (011-999)

• Detail (Industry): 1211 Industries identified by 4-digit numeric codes (0111-9999).

Resources

• JSIC Rev. 6 - Codes with description (Japanese)

JSIC Rev. 5 operated in Japan from 1963 to 1968. It does not follow the structure of the co-existing ISIC version (ISIC Rev. 1) which had three classification levels compared to four in JSIC Rev. 5.

Changes Between JSIC Rev. 4 and JSIC Rev. 5

There were no changes as JSIC Rev. 4 was replicated in JSIC Rev. 5.

Structure of JSIC Rev. 5

JSIC Rev. 5 was structured into four levels, as follows:

• Division: 14 Divisions identified by capital letters A to N.

• Major Group: 84 Major Groups identified by 2-digit numeric codes (01-99).

• Group: 413 Groups identified by 3-digit numeric codes (011-999)

• Detail (Industry): 1158 Industries identified by 4-digit numeric codes (0111-9999).

Resources

• JSIC Rev. 5 - Codes with description (Japanese)

JSIC Rev. 4 operated in Japan from 1958 to 1963 during which ISIC Rev. 1 was the global standard. However, JSIC Rev. 4 and ISIC Rev. 1 are not exactly aligned as the former has a four-level structure while the latter has a three-level structure.

Changes Between JSIC Rev. 3 and JSIC Rev. 4

The system expanded at all classification levels between the two versions as categories across the system were reorganized according to Japan's evolving industrial structure. A significant development in JSIC Rev. 5 was the creation of a new Division resulting from the separation of the JSIC Rev. 4 Division J (Transport, communications, and other public utilities) into Division J (Transport and communications industry) and Division K (Electricity, gas, and water industry).

Structure of JSIC Rev. 4

JSIC Rev. 4 was structured into four levels, as follows:

• Division: 14 Divisions identified by capital letters A to N.

• Major Group: 84 Major Groups identified by 2-digit numeric codes (01-99).

• Group: 413 Groups identified by 3-digit numeric codes (011-999)

• Detail (Industry): 1158 Industries identified by 4-digit numeric codes (0111-9999).

Resources

• JSIC Rev. 4 - Codes with description (Japanese)

JSIC Rev. 3 operated in Japan from 1954 to 1958 during which ISIC Rev. 0 was the global standard. However, JSIC Rev. 3 and ISIC Rev. 0 are not exactly aligned as the former has a four-level structure while the latter has a three-level structure.

Changes Between JSIC Rev. 2 and JSIC Rev. 3

In JSIC Rev. 3 the manufacturing division was expanded with the establishment of the Major Group 19 (Weapons manufacturing industry) under which were eight new Groups 191-199 covering different areas of the weapons manufacturing business such as 191 (Gun manufacturing industry), 193 (Bullet manufacturing industry), 197 (Armored vehicles), among others. There were also routine modifications of titles in line with the industrial evolution of the country.

Structure of JSIC Rev. 3

JSIC Rev. 3 was structured into four levels, as follows:

• Division: 13 Divisions identified by capital letters A to M.

• Major Group: 78 Major Groups identified by 2-digit numeric codes (01-99).

• Group: 391 Groups identified by 3-digit numeric codes (011-999)

• Detail (Industry): 946 Industries identified by 4-digit numeric codes (0111-9999).

Resources

• JSIC Rev. 3 - Codes with description (Japanese)

JSIC Rev. 2 operated in Japan from 1953 to 1954 during which ISIC Rev. 0 was the global standard. However, JSIC Rev. 2 and ISIC Rev. 0 are not exactly aligned as the former has a four-level structure while the latter has a three-level structure.

Changes Between JSIC Rev. 1 and JSIC Rev. 2

In JSIC Rev. 2, the manufacturing sector was expanded with detail for aircraft production with the new industries 3762 (Aircraft engine and component manufacturing industry), 3763 (Manufacture of aircraft propellers and propeller parts), and 3769 (Manufacturing of aircraft components and auxiliary equipment, n.e.c.). The wholesale and retail sector also expanded with new industries related to second-hand goods retail such as 4971 (Used car retail business) and 4972 (Used bicycle retail business). In addition to new items, JSIC Rev. 2 also made other changes to the numbers and names of categories in line in accordance with the Japan's evolving industrial structure at the time.

Structure of JSIC Rev. 2

JSIC Rev. 2 was structured into four levels, as follows:

• Division: 13 Divisions identified by capital letters A to M.

• Major Group: 77 Major Groups identified by 2-digit numeric codes (01-99).

• Group: 385 Groups identified by 3-digit numeric codes (011-999)

• Detail (Industry): 942 Industries identified by 4-digit numeric codes (0111-9999).

Resources

• JSIC Rev. 2 - Codes with description

JSIC Rev. 1 operated in Japan from 1951 to 1953 during which ISIC Rev. 0 was the global standard. However, JSIC Rev. 1 and ISIC Rev. 0 are not exactly aligned as the former has a four-level structure while the latter has a three-level structure.

Changes Between JSIC Rev. 0 and JSIC Rev. 1

JSIC Rev. 1 was the first update after the system was established as JSIC 0. The vast majority of changes in JSIC Rev 1 were in the manufacturing division which was extensively revised with further detail and clarifications for a wide range of manufacturing activities. Changes included the disaggregation of industries such as the JSIC Rev. 0 industry 3611 (Wiring devices and wiring accessories manufacturing industry) which was separated in JSIC Rev. 1 into three industries, 3611-3613. Some items were also elevated to higher levels, such as the JSIC Rev. 0 Industry 3752 (Manufacturing of motorcycles and parts for two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicles), which was reclassified in JSIC Rev. 1 as the Group 372 (Motorcycle and parts manufacturing industry) and split into the Industries 3721 (Auto parts manufacturing industry) and 3722 (Motorcycle parts manufacturing industry). There were similar cases of separations and combination of items in other divisions of the system along with the necessary renumbering as well as renaming of items as required

Structure of JSIC Rev. 1

JSIC Rev. 1 was structured into four levels, as follows:

• Division: 13 Divisions identified by capital letters A to M.

• Major Group: 79 Major Groups identified by 2-digit numeric codes (01-99).

• Group: 389 Groups identified by 3-digit numeric codes (011-999)

• Detail (Industry): 912 Industries identified by 4-digit numeric codes (0111-9999).

Resources

• JSIC Rev. 1 - Codes with description

JSIC Rev. 0 was the first edition of the JSIC, operating in Japan from 1949 to 1951 during which ISIC Rev. 0 was the global standard. However, JSIC Rev. 0 and ISIC Rev. 0 are not exactly aligned as the former has a four-level structure while the latter has a three-level structure.

Structure of JSIC Rev. 0

JSIC Rev. 0 was structured into four levels, as follows:

• Division: 13 Divisions identified by capital letters A to M.

• Major Group: 79 Major Groups identified by 2-digit numeric codes (01-99).

• Group: 389 Groups identified by 3-digit numeric codes (011-999)

• Detail (Industry): 912 Industries identified by 4-digit numeric codes (0111-9999).

Resources

• JSIC Rev. 0 - Codes with description