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A country of exquisite charm and urban chaos; time-less tradition
and futuristic development, Japan is full of contradictions. While
there are obvious cultural differences between Europe and Japan,
we also share a wealth of similarities. Indeed, even the newcomer
can soon feel very comfortable. The key is to have the right attitude.
One very quickly learns to ‘go with the flow’ and what
a fast ‘flow’ it can be !
The resources below have been prepared specifically to help orientate
newcomers to the country, providing market background information,
but equally importantly providing tips on how to do business more
effectively in Japan. Committed as we are to ensuring our clients
make progress with their business aims here, it becomes so much
easier for our clients to relax and enjoy the tradition, natural
beauty and culinary delights that Japan has to offer in such abundance.
For a pleasant diversion, please visit our photo
gallery.
Market Background
Japan has been in a deflationary recession for over 12 years now.
However, the economic landscape here is much more conducive to successful
business initiatives by foreign enterprises than before the ‘Bubble’
burst. The most positive change has been in the mentality of the
Japanese businessman and consumer. In the 1990s many foreign companies
were resigned to doing business with Japan via intermediaries such
as the large trading houses (‘sogo shosha’). Now they
have a much wider range of options, including setting up in Japan
themselves. The costs are lower, it is easier for foreign companies
to attract good local staff and the Japanese consumer now makes
purchasing decisions on lines not so different to consumers in Europe.
Whereas collaborations were in the past often limited to in-licensing
technologies, Japanese companies are now much keener to develop
strategic alliances or enter into innovative outsourcing or partnering
paradigms with foreign companies.
We will look at three sectors in more detail.
A Business
Primer
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