Nagoya is the third-largest incorporated city and the fourth most populous urban area in Japan. Nagoya's main industry is the automotive business, as many Japanese automotive companies are based out of Nagoya. Major automotive suppliers also have a presence. There is also a sizable aerospace, machine tool and electronics industry in the area.

Japan is an island chain between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan, east of the Korean Peninsula. The climate varies from tropical in the south to cool temperate in the north.

The official language is Japanese. Many Japanese business people who deal with foreigners speak good English, but business negotiations are often conducted through an interpreter. It is unwise to try to speak Japanese in business meetings, even with a relatively high degree of fluency. However, in social contexts some familiarity with the Japanese language or Japanese customs will be greatly appreciated. English is spoken in major hotels and in shops catering for tourists, but only minimally elsewhere. The main religions are Shintoism and Buddhism.

The economy of Japan is the second largest in the world, after the United States at around $5 trillion USD in terms of nominal GDP and third after the United States and China when adjusted for purchasing power parity. Banking, insurance, real estate, retailing, transportation, telecommunications and construction are all major industries. Japan has a large industrial capacity and is home to some of the largest, leading and most technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles and processed foods. The service sector accounts for three quarters of the gross domestic product.

Japanese culture is governed by a strict code of manners. The Japanese do not expect expatriates to be familiar with all customs, it is important to try to adapt to Japanese Protocols. Expatriate business dress is typically formal and conservative. Men should wear a suit and women should wear either a dress or a suit.

The security risk for expatriates in Japan is low. Risks are mainly low levels of crime in urban areas. Other risks include earthquakes and tsunamis, that can cause widespread damage and disruption.

The currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Japan is mainly a cash society. Cards issued outside Japan are not widely accepted. Many post offices, 7-Eleven stores and Citi Bank branches have ATMs, which will accept some foreign cards during business hours.

Medical facilities are excellent, but the cost of treatment is expensive and often requires immediate payment in full.

The population of Nagoya is 9.1 Million (2016 est.), while the inflation rate is 0.4% (May 2017).

The cost of living for expatriates / professional migrants in Nagoya as at 1 July 2017 is very high in comparison to other places in the world.

Nagoya is ranked as a some hardship location.