Translation guide
A key industry is a sector of the economy that is essential to a country's economic health, often due to its size, strategic importance, or influence on other industries. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through specific compound nouns and descriptive phrases.
Referring to an industry that is vital to the national or regional economy, such as manufacturing, energy, or technology.
The most direct and common translation. It literally means 'core/key industry' and is used in economic and policy contexts.
自動車産業は日本の基幹産業の一つです。
The automobile industry is one of Japan's key industries.
Means 'major industry' and is often used interchangeably with 基幹産業, but can be slightly broader, including industries that are large but not necessarily foundational.
観光はこの地域の主要産業です。
Tourism is a key industry in this region.
Literally 'important industry'. It emphasizes the significance of the industry but is less common as a set phrase than 基幹産業.
ITは今や重要産業となった。
IT has now become a key industry.