Guest Articles
When it comes to Japanese products, they are known all over the world for their quality, precision, and reliability. Quality in products, quality in service. From medieval katana making to modern car manufacturing, there is something very special about how the Japanese excel in quality and subconsciously seek quality in anything, more than other nations.
Culture
This year the world has faced unprecedented circumstances, however, traditions and festivities continue to bring people together even in the most challenging of times. Christmas is an occasion celebrated all over the world, but it takes on a different meaning depending on each place, and as a result there are various ways to enjoy the season. Ultimately, Christmas in Japan is no exception.
In this article, we outline some of the options available to celebrate Christmas in Japan 2020.
Read more “Celebrating the Magic of Christmas in Japan 2020”
Industries
Marriages and birth rates in Japan are decreasing every year. It is estimated that by 2040, single people will make up almost half of the Japanese population, with single-person households reaching 39% and nuclear families only representing 23% of all households. The marriage market in Japan has suffered heavy losses, however, it has found different marketing strategies to promote marriage and encourage both Japanese and foreigners alike to get married in the country and boost the economy.
Here, we explore some of the ways the marriage market in Japan is dealing with their current problem.
Read more “The Dwindling Marriage Market in Japan and Innovative Ways to Reinvigorate it”
Culture
Every year, on November 3rd, the nation comes together to celebrate the culture of Japan through many festivities and events in all prefectures for Culture Day (文化の日). But what do these celebrations consist of and how will Culture Day in Japan be celebrated this year amid the global pandemic?
Culture
This week, we take a look at some examples of campaigns for Halloween in Japan and how the event fits culturally into the local context.
Read more “Halloween in Japan 2019: A Frightening Success?”
Culture
It is important to understand the role of social gatherings in Japan when looking to build on existing relationships with Japanese clients and associates. Nominication is a local word that combines both nomi (drink) and the English loan word ‘communication’. Thus, it refers to the art of communicating and bonding through the process of drinking with others.
Read more “Nominication in Japan: What you should know & 5 types of Japanese drinking socials”
Culture
Zen, shinrin-yoku, ikigai— you may have heard of these words. Although each one is used differently, what’s common is the fact that they are all Japanese terms that have become widely accepted in the west. They also all share an underlying ‘spiritual’ or ‘mindful’ sentiment. In their original Japanese context, however, they don’t necessarily signify spirituality, at least not to the same extent as they’ve come to do in the west.
Read more “Zen, Shinrin-yoku, Ikigai? The Exoticisation of Japanese Buzzwords”
Culture
In 2013, the Japanese government set about creating a three-pronged approach to break free of economic stagnation. Known colloquially as the “Abenomics” strategy, named after the incumbent prime minister, Shinzō Abe, the initiative has catalysed huge economic changes including almost 50 per cent lower unemployment, 2.5 million more women in work and a 53.7 JPY increase in the Japanese GDP.
Now is an exciting time to begin targeting Japan, and those with knowledge of Japan cultural insights will take advantage of the opportunities most effectively. With the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games taking place in 2020, plus the Osaka-Kansai Japan Expo in 2025, the potential marketing opportunities for sport, tourism, AI and biotechnologies are huge. Moreover, the recently signed EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement will see a reduction in tariffs, enabling better opportunities for exports.
Read more “Top 5 Japan Cultural Insights That Your Business Needs To Succeed”