Time
Live Business City Clocks
Business Hours Overlap
India: Mon–Sat 9:30 AM–6:30 PM IST | Japan: Monday–Friday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM JST
Japan (JST, UTC+9) is 3 hours 30 minutes ahead of IST — identical to South Korea. Japan does not observe daylight saving time. There is a 5-hour business overlap in India's morning hours.
IST ↔ Japan Quick Reference
| 🇮🇳 IST | JST |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM IST | 9:30 AM JST |
| 9:30 AM IST | 1:00 PM JST |
| 12:00 PM IST | 3:30 PM JST |
| 2:30 PM IST | 6:00 PM JST |
| 6:00 PM IST | 9:30 PM JST |
| 9:00 PM IST | 12:30 AM JST+1 |
Key Commercial Ports
🇮🇳 India
| Port | City | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| JNPT / Nhava Sheva | Mumbai | 24×7 | Primary container port for Japan–India machinery & chemicals |
| Chennai Port | Chennai | 24×7 | Auto components (Suzuki, Toyota) imports & vehicle exports to Japan |
| Mundra Port | Gujarat | 24×7 | Iron ore & bulk commodity exports to Japan |
🇯🇵 Japan
| Port | City | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Yokohama / Tokyo | Tokyo | 24×7 | Japan's largest port complex; primary India–Japan container gateway |
| Port of Osaka / Kobe | Osaka | 24×7 | Western Japan hub; chemicals & industrial equipment |
| Port of Nagoya | Nagoya | 24×7 | World's largest vehicle export port; Toyota supply chain |
| New Chitose Airport Cargo | Osaka/Kansai | 24×7 | Kansai International; pharma & high-value cargo |
* Most major international ports operate 24×7 for vessel operations; customs clearance and gate hours vary. Always verify with the port authority or your freight forwarder.
Top Traded Goods
🇮🇳 India Exports to Japan
- Refined petroleum
- Organic chemicals
- Iron ore & ferrous scrap
- Cotton & textile materials
- Pharmaceuticals
- Engineering machinery
- Marine products
🇮🇳 India Imports from Japan
- Automobiles & auto components (Toyota, Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha)
- Machinery & precision instruments
- Electronic components
- Steel products
- Optical & scientific instruments
- Rubber products
Trade Regulators & Customs Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time difference between India and Japan?
Japan Standard Time (JST, UTC+9) is 3 hours 30 minutes ahead of Indian Standard Time (IST, UTC+5:30). Japan does not observe daylight saving time, so this difference is constant year-round.
What are the best business hours to contact Japan from India?
Call between 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM IST (1:00 PM–6:00 PM JST). This 5-hour overlap aligns with the latter part of Japan's standard business day and is the most effective window for live meetings.
What Japanese companies have major manufacturing presence in India?
Maruti Suzuki is Japan's most visible India investment — India's largest car manufacturer. Toyota, Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasaki have auto/motorcycle plants. Sony, Panasonic, and Canon have manufacturing in India. Japanese companies have invested over $40 billion in India across sectors.
Is there a free trade agreement between India and Japan?
Yes. The India–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) came into force in August 2011. It covers goods, services, investment, and includes provisions for Japanese ODA-funded infrastructure projects in India's Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC).