Japan's largest education company, Benesse Corporation, has opened its regional office in Hong Kong.

Benesse HK will act as the base for collecting information and exploring business opportunities on the Mainland and in other parts of Asia.

It will also develop, source and deliver education toys, tools and supplements to Benesse in Japan.

The corporation's Chief Operating Officer Masayoshi Morimoto said Hong Kong was a natural choice for the company.

"We aim to develop our education businesses in this market by sharing our experience and knowledge, and at the same time explore opportunities on the Mainland and in other Asian markets," he said.

"With Hong Kong's world-class infrastructure and location in the centre of Asia, we will be able to grow in the region and react to the market and opportunities with flexibility."

Welcoming the corporation's move, InvestHK Director-General of Investment Promotion Mike Rowse said the company's decision to establish its base here will enhance Hong Kong's leading position as a sourcing and distribution hub for multinational corporations.

Established in 1955 and publicly listed on the Osaka and Tokyo Stock Exchanges in 1995 and 2000 respectively, Benesse is the largest education corporation in Japan with a registered capital of $1 billion. 

The company employs over 1,700 staff at home and in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Taipei and Seoul.