3 preconceived ideas about doing Business in Japan
12.05.23
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3 min read
MOST JAPANESE PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH : FALSE.
It’s not because some Japanese brands are worldwide famous that most Japanese people “naturally” speak English. In fact, it is estimated that only 2% of the working population has a decent business level in English. And since foreigners also represent less than 2% of the population, this doesn’t help to make Japan an English-speaking land.
Conclusion : avoid being “lost in translation” and find a Japanese language speaker to seriously develop your business.
It’s not because some Japanese brands are worldwide famous that most Japanese people “naturally” speak English. In fact, it is estimated that only 2% of the working population has a decent business level in English. And since foreigners also represent less than 2% of the population, this doesn’t help to make Japan an English-speaking land.
Conclusion : avoid being “lost in translation” and find a Japanese language speaker to seriously develop your business.
WE EXPORT ALL OVER THE WORLD, WE’LL ACHIEVE GOOD & FAST RESULTS IN JAPAN TOO : FALSE.
Airbus has approximately 50 % market share worldwide. It took them decades to go beyond 30% % in Japan after a very long period at 5 %. Sephora, Carrefour, Ikea and countless other examples show that perception of time and cultural differences can be deceiving. However, many foreign brands can be hugely successful shall they adapt efficiently. Conclusion : in Japan, “meticulously and surely” is better than “fast and gone”.·
JAPAN IS TOO DIFFERENT AND TOO SMALL A MARKET TO CARE ABOUT : TRUE & FALSE.
Japan is certainly very different in many aspects. Nevertheless, very often this reveals weaknesses in the foreign offers : i.e. a not high enough product or service quality level. Too small : 2/3rd of France in terms of land surface, indeed. But 180 % of French GDP, 125 % of German GDP, the 3rd biggest economy in the world and one of the biggest importer of food and beverages to mention just one industry. The Greater Tokyo Area alone (38 M people) has a similar GDP to Italy or Canada and is very much concentrated in an easily reachable area.
Conclusion : if well understood, apparent difficulties are actually a steppingstone to increase your success chances. AXYNEO helps you reach this big rewarding market with loyal customers.
Airbus has approximately 50 % market share worldwide. It took them decades to go beyond 30% % in Japan after a very long period at 5 %. Sephora, Carrefour, Ikea and countless other examples show that perception of time and cultural differences can be deceiving. However, many foreign brands can be hugely successful shall they adapt efficiently. Conclusion : in Japan, “meticulously and surely” is better than “fast and gone”.·
JAPAN IS TOO DIFFERENT AND TOO SMALL A MARKET TO CARE ABOUT : TRUE & FALSE.
Japan is certainly very different in many aspects. Nevertheless, very often this reveals weaknesses in the foreign offers : i.e. a not high enough product or service quality level. Too small : 2/3rd of France in terms of land surface, indeed. But 180 % of French GDP, 125 % of German GDP, the 3rd biggest economy in the world and one of the biggest importer of food and beverages to mention just one industry. The Greater Tokyo Area alone (38 M people) has a similar GDP to Italy or Canada and is very much concentrated in an easily reachable area.
Conclusion : if well understood, apparent difficulties are actually a steppingstone to increase your success chances. AXYNEO helps you reach this big rewarding market with loyal customers.