Immigraion To Japan

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Doing Business in Japan:

Despite some of the lingering myths that have evolved over the years, doing business in Japan can be a rewarding and profitable venture if approached with common sense and a basic understanding of the Japanese and their own unique manner of conducting business. With an economy that ranks second largest in the world, the motivation for doing business in this vibrant country is readily apparent. As consumers, the Japanese spend billions of dollars on an assortment of goods and services each year, making the Japanese marketplace one of the most viable and potentially profitable in the world. To date Japan is the largest overseas market for U.S. exports, and with an average Japanese household maintaining over $100,000 in savings, accompanied by a substantial monthly disposable income, the potential for establishing a successful enterprise is promising. In addition to the traditional methods of purchasing goods and services based on brick and mortar companies, the advancement of technology has now created an exciting e-commerce marketplace consisting of 20 million Japanese Internet users, and over 50 million mobile phone enthusiasts.

Due to the domestic recession of past years and the resulting price deflation, the cost of starting a business in Japan has also abated significantly, with office rents and land values continuing to decline since the collapse of Japan’s economic bubble at the end of the 1980’s.

As with any new business the potential for unforeseen problems is always a reality that must be acknowledged, and despite the positive aspects of pursing business in Japan there are definite challenges that must be understood and managed if one is to succeed. Customers in Japan can often be very demanding, and in many cases the rethinking or redesigning of products or services must be initiated to meet the needs of the average Japanese consumer. Competition from local companies in Japan can also be fierce, and being prepared for such an inevitability by conducting preliminary market research and long term strategy development is vital if you wish to stay afloat in this competitive market. Another possible hurdle when doing business in Japan are the complex networks of regulations, certifications, and bureaucratic procedures and approvals necessary that often don’t apply in the west. As Japan gradually adopts a more receptive attitude and approach towards the global business paradigm, many of these difficulties are being reduced or phased out completely.

For many individuals or foreign companies contemplating entering the Japanese market, one of the main sources of concern perceived to be a potential hindrance to success is the aura of cultural mystery surrounding Japan that to some is synonymous with risk. Though there is always a possibility for things to go astray in any new venture, the business environment of Japan and the differences it represents are not insurmountable in regard to being successful. For those who choose to educate themselves and adapt to cultural distinctions that may arise, the component of risk is no greater than anywhere else in the world.

One of the key factors to overcoming uncertainty in regard to cultural differences in Japan is awareness of the criteria required with respect to basic business etiquette. As with most countries throughout the world, politeness, awareness, and appropriate behavior are the main prerequisites with regard to proper conduct, and the same holds true in Japan as well. The one significant difference worth noting is that business protocol in Japan is more formal than in other parts of the world, as exemplified in the initial first meeting and exchanging of Japanese business cards which is almost
ritualistic in nature.