Do you want to target the Japanese market? Take these steps
Features of Japanese culture and language
Japan’s history is one of the most inspiring stories the world has to offer. Anyone who thinks they can’t get back up after getting defeated once should study it to learn that getting back up is not only possible but also beautiful. Today, the country has the world’s third-largest economy after the US and China. Many people who wish to achieve success in the world of business look towards Japan as its market is highly suitable for almost all kinds of businesses. The success of the Japanese market relies on consumers who prefer high-end services and goods.
The country has a population of 127 million which makes it the eleventh most populated country of the world. It also has the world’s most populous metropolitan area which is known as the Greater Tokyo Area. Over 38 million people reside in that area. Japan’s workforce consists of highly skilled and educational people. It is considered a highly developed country and has a very high standard of living. The people of this country enjoy great living and workplace conditions. The country is also known for its music industry, anime, video games, and its contributions to modern technology. It is also known for its productions of robots. A lot of famous companies like Toyota, Canon, Nintendo, Honda, and Sony are Japanese.
The National Language:
Japanese is the national language of Japan. It is spoken by 128 million people in the world. The origins and history of this language are not clearly known. Its relations with other languages of the region are also debatable. There is no evidence that can tie it to Korean or similar vernaculars of this region. Since Japan has one of the highest literacy rates in the world, a lot of internet users are from there. According to one estimate, 10% of internet users are Japanese. As a result, the language is widely spoken in the digital world. The emojis originating from Japan get very famous and become part of internet users’ daily vocabulary. It is the fourth most used language of the internet, after English, Russian, and German.
It is considered as one of the most difficult tongues to learn but in reality, it is a lot easier. The reasons behind that are: it has no gender and no different words for singular and plural. There are a total of 48 sounds in Japanese market that are made with the help of 11 consonants and 5 vowels. When it comes to writing, the native tongue of Japan has four different systems. They are Romanji, Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana.
How much does it cost to start a business in Japan?
The minimum cost for starting a business in Japan is different for outsiders. If you are in Japan on a ‘business manager’ visa, you will have to invest at least 5 million yen to start your own company. Natives, however, can start a business with as little as one million yen. But it also depends on the type of business you are establishing because some ideas need more investment than others.
How do I start a business in Japan?
Foreign nationals who want to do business in Japan will have to obtain a ‘business manager’ visa. But in order to do that, they will have to open an office in Japan. They must also hire two full-time employees. If the applicant has invested five million yen in the business then they don’t have to fulfill the employee condition and they will be eligible for the visa.
Is Japan a good place to start a business?
Japan not only has one of the world’s largest economies but also the ideal business and living conditions. Those who have established their business in Japan consider it the best market for companies. Japan also gives businesses the perfect opportunity for expansion. The requirements for starting a business in Japan are also simple.
Do I need a business visa for Japan?
If you are going to Japan for a business trip, then you will need a business visa. But if you are planning to start your business in Japan, then you will have to obtain the ‘business manager’ visa. This visa is something that people can only get if they have an office space in the country and have invested five million yen in their business.
What are aspects of Japanese culture?
There are various aspects of the Japanese culture that show how beautiful it is. From animation to flower arrangement, everything about the Japanese culture is bound to amaze people. Sushi and a special tea ceremony are also an important part of the Japanese culture that have also become popular in other countries.
What is unique about Japanese culture?
Almost all aspects of the Japanese culture are unique in some way. From flower arrangement to sumo wrestling, the things that make up the Japanese culture are very unique, which is why they are so fascinating for the outsiders. Pottery, animation, special tea ceremony, and sushi are some other unique aspects of the Japanese culture.
How does Japanese language reflect their culture?
Thousand years old traditions of the Japanese culture have been kept alive with the help of language. Formal politeness and respect that makes the Japanese language different from other popular vernaculars is something that comes straight from the culture of Japan. Even the way the Japanese reject a proposal is a part of their culture.
How is Japanese culture different?
Japanese culture is different from other cultures in its politeness and formality. Whenever people meet each other in Japan, they bow as a way of greeting. The family bond is very important in Japan. Japanese adults continue to live with their parents even after reaching the age of 18, which is something unheard of in most of the western countries.
How to Set up Business in Japan?
If you plan on taking your business to this successful country, you are going to need all the guidance you can get. Moving your business to a new place can be risky and if you don’t do your homework can turn out to be the worst decision of your life. No matter where you take your services or products, you are going to have to work hard to win the hearts of the local population. And winning a foreign audience is tough but it can be impossible if you know nothing about them and decide to ignore their culture too. The easiest way to make your mark on people’s hearts is by valuing what they hold dear. Nations all over the world love their cultures, traditions, and language and they respect brands who respect their values.
But how can you respect the local language when you don’t even know it? Just because you don’t know the native tongue doesn’t mean you can’t value it.
Steps to Take to Make Your Business Successful in Japan:
If you take the right decisions and do everything right, there is no reason why you would fail. When you are setting up your business in Japan, be sure to take the following steps:
- Respect the local culture and traditions.
- Only provide the highest quality items as Japanese market don’t like to compromise over quality.
- Don’t ignore the local language. Get your advertisement content, marketing campaigns, website, and company documents translated in Japanese. When it comes to business, translation is not enough, you have to get your content localized which means getting it adapted according to the local traditions.
English to Japanese Translations:
The world has advanced a lot in recent times and in order to enable us all to communicate with each other freely, translation services have become common. A multinational business cannot survive without localization. And for that, you need expert translators. There are many experts who can interpret languages for you but when you need it for business, you need experts. There are interpreters who specialize in different fields but finding an English to Japanese market translator who knows all about business is difficult because they don’t usually work as freelancers.
If you want the best quality interpretations and localization for business, you should get in touch with a language service provider who knows what they are doing and have experts on their team. One such agency that not only has business translators on their team but also offer affordable rates for all kinds of interpretations is the Universal Translation Services. You can get everything you need for your new business venture to succeed in Japan from a reliable translation agency as long as you don’t get hasty and pick an inexperienced team for your business translation needs.
Social Media Strategy
Japanese consumers represent a diverse and lucrative target audience for foreign companies aiming to expand their footprint in international markets. These companies must carefully tailor their marketing strategies to resonate with Japanese customers, understanding their unique preferences and behaviors to convert them into potential customers.
Financial institutions, along with businesses across a wide range of sectors, have recognized the opportunity to engage with this audience, leveraging cultural insights and local trends to offer products and services that meet the sophisticated demands of the Japanese market. By doing so, these organizations can successfully navigate the complexities of entering and thriving within Japan’s competitive landscape, ultimately securing a strong presence among its discerning consumers.
In their quest to penetrate Asian markets, Japanese companies tailor their marketing efforts to captivate the Japanese audience, identifying target markets where their products or services resonate most. Social Media Marketing and Influencer Marketing emerge as critical components of their strategy, leveraging the power of digital platforms and influential personalities to foster a deeper connection with potential customers.
These efforts are not merely about promoting offerings but are intricately linked to the overarching business goals of building brand awareness and loyalty within and beyond Japan. Understanding local nuances, such as the significance of the residence card in daily transactions and identification processes, allows these companies to fine-tune their campaigns, ensuring they are relevant and appealing to their target audience.
This strategic approach helps Japanese businesses effectively engage with consumers and achieve a competitive edge in the dynamic Asian markets. Leveraging a social media platform among various online platforms has become an essential strategy for businesses seeking to engage with a wider audience and enhance their digital presence.
