DEinternational – your path to success in Japanese business
Japan is a land of records: the world’s second largest free economy, one of the main competitors for German business throughout the world, a market with almost unparalleled purchasing power, and a global leader in research and innovation.
One would think, therefore, that German business would be taking a lot of notice of Japan. The reality, however, appears somewhat different. The Japanese market actually receives scant attention, and many market opportunities are wasted, largely due to ignorance. Pre-conceived notions, and not infrequently prejudices, are keeping many foreign businesses away from the Japanese market.
Concerns about all-powerful competition, high costs and associated risks may be the reason. One frequently hears how the clichéd ‘Japan Inc’ is supposed to be particularly difficult or inaccessible, but when pressed further, it can often be established that this judgement was reached without careful analysis or with insufficient or no longer current information.
Is Japan really such a difficult market to reach? Are existing obstacles really insurmountable? The successes of German businesses in Japan show quite clearly that this is not the case. A study by the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan in cooperation with Roland Berger has shown that 94% of companies report profits and describe themselves as very satisfied with the results of their activities.
This is certainly not to oversimplify things. Adapting to unfamiliar rules of play demands a high level of investment, patience and especially flexibility. But in this sense Japan is no longer essentially different from other markets. Nonetheless, thorough preparation is more crucial in Japan than elsewhere. This means getting to know the market and its characteristics and minimizing possible risks at the outset.
This is achieved most effectively by associating with a strong, experienced partner who knows the territory and can introduce you to valuable contacts in the Japanese business world: that partner is DEinternational.
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