Business In Japan remote work is referred to using a number of different common terms, including 在宅勤務 zaitaku kinmu (telecommuting), the most direct translation リモートワーク rimooto waaku, or テレワーク terewaaku (telework). Those who are based remotely from the outset as a consistent way of working are taking part in what’s known as furu rimooto waaku (full-time remote work).
Industries In this post, we look at Japan agetech and elder care and some of the tech solutions addressing common issues. What does Japan’s current senior demographic look like, and what’s helping boost longevity and overall happiness?
Case Studies We assisted a tech startup accelerator in Japan by undertaking Japan market startup training for innovative foreign startups aiming to capture the Japanese market.
Consumer Insights Let’s focus on the coronavirus in Japan itself. Being so close to China and relying on Chinese tourism to boost the economy, the outbreak has inevitably had a knock-on effect in Japan. As global pandemics tend to do, coronavirus has given rise to worldwide panic as we continue to find ways of staying safe and work towards developing an effective vaccine. In this article, we outline some of the key happenings related to the coronavirus in Japan and how it has impacted thinking around certain topics.
Interviews Japan M&A transactions have been on the rise. Since 2014, the number of outbound M&A (Merger & Acquisition) transactions from Japan increased by 58% to reach a total of 720 deals in 2019 with Asahi Group’s acquisition of Australian drinks giant Anheuser-Busch Inbev SA/NV topping the list at a value of $11.3 billion USD. 40% of the top ten outbound deals were made with European companies.
As for inbound transactions, only one of the highest ranking deals was made by a European company (Sandoz International GmbH’s acquisition of Aspen Japan KK at a value of $441 million USD), with the key companies being Japan’s Softbank and South Korea’s NAVER Corporation who increased their existing 73% stake in LINE Corporation to a complete acquisition at a value of $3.4 billion USD in December 2019.
This week, we were fortunate to have the chance to speak with Akio Fujii, a longstanding specialist in working on Japan M&A, both between Japanese companies as well as between Japanese and global companies. He kindly agreed to give us the low-down on his key professional endeavours, experiences in the M&A world, and some advice for foreign businesses looking to do deals in Japan.
Check out his latest article over on LinkedIn entitled ‘What it Takes to Change Japan’.
Case Studies Tokyoesque assisted an Integrated Resort operator in navigating the perceptions and experiences of Japanese, Chinese and South Korean visitors to a proposed site for an Integrated Resort in Japan.
Following the legalisation of gambling in Japan in 2018, one of the largest operators of Integrated Resorts in Europe wanted to bid to open an Integrated Resort there. In order to do this, they needed to deeply understand cultural perceptions around ideas of gambling, casinos and related services among Japanese as well as Chinese and South Korean visitors. There were a number of areas that they didn’t have expertise in.
These were namely:
Consumer Insights Yes, it’s that time of year once again. Valentines Day in Japan spells out a craving for all things chocolate. In particular, Japanese women have long been attracted to the idea of giving thoughtful homemade gifts for those they care about. And this is strongly reflected in media portrayals of Valentines Day in Japan. But which key trends being favoured by consumers this year?
Consumer Insights This week, we take a look at Japan’s pet sector, exploring the bigger picture as well as honing in on some of the key trends driving this sector, which is currently worth around ¥1.6 trillion JPY and remaining steady, with no real decline or increase in growth.
Read more “Sniffing out fresh opportunities in Japan’s pet sector”
Marketing As was once the case with Starbucks in New York, Japan’s convenience stores (or konbini ) can be found on practically every street corner in both towns and cities alike. Stocking everything from daily essentials to hot or cold lunchtime snacks, photocopying and printing services, and so much more, convenience stores remain a true staple of everyday Japanese life. But with new challenges on the horizon, in this post we take a look at how the major chains (Lawson, Family Mart, 7-Eleven) have been responding.
Read more “Convenience Stores in Japan: Ubiquitous and Under Reform”
Interviews In 2016, the global 3D Food Printing Market was worth $8.75 million USD and is expected to reach $432.21 million USD by 2025, growing 54.23% year-on-year between 2017 to 2025.
In Japan’s 3D printed food market specifically, one company has stood out from the crowd. Sushi Singularity takes ordering sushi to the next level through its partnership with OPEN MEALS to take biological samples from patrons to create unique creations based on individual requirements. This technology was showcased at SXSW 2019 and was received with great interest.