Doing Business in Japan

The world’s second largest economy (15% of the world’s economy is there), Japan is a pulsating and thriving country. The nation boasts among the most successful international businesses worldwide, low unemployment, an extremely advanced technological infrastructure (one-quarter of the world’s high-tech products are made there) and local and expat populations with substantial disposable incomes.

Among the many factors contributing to Japan’s success and allure are:

• Soaring market opportunities
• Asia’s central business hub
• Highly-skilled workforce
• Elevated standard of living
• Commercial and economic framework reforms
• Decrease in business costs
• Increased foreign investment

All-in-all, the IFA relocating to Japan will find that the business and living environments are conducive to success, contentment, personal wealth and pleasure.

Exceptional Literacy Rate

Japan is one of the most literate societies in the world; the country boasts a literacy rate of more than 99% - surpassing that of the U.S. and many European countries.

At the centre of Japan’s government is its ‘National Diet’ – or Kokkai – which consists of the House of Councillors and House of Representatives. The Cabinet, responsible for the Diet, consists of a Prime Minister and ministers of state.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been in power for the last 50 years – with the exception of a short-lived coalition government in 1993.

In terms of climate, Japan is a temperate nation overall, with – due to its extensive length - the conditions varying somewhat drastically from North to South. The far northern regions feature very cold winters; in the far south, the weather is subtropical.

One writer likely struck the proverbial nail on the head when he termed Japan’s culture as one that is “paradoxically modern-yet-mystical.”

The country offers many similar – albeit alluring – sources of leisure as can be found in numerous locales elsewhere on the globe: parks, museums, scuba diving, hiking, skiing, and many cultural events. There is also a wealth of great restaurants, clubs, bars, and other night life hot spots available.

The Japanese people are well-known for their ability and inclination to celebrate well. This is most apparent during their holiday periods:

• Oshogatsu: For about two weeks in late December and early January, the Japanese New Year holiday celebrates the end of the work year and the beginning of the New Year.
• Golden Week: Most schools and businesses are closed during this celebratory week beginning in late April. The week actually features celebrations of several holidays, including Emperor Hirohito’s birthday and Japan’s Constitution Day;
• Obon: This Festival of the Dead takes place in August, and celebrates “the return of the spirits of the deceased to the land of the living.”

Other holidays in the country include honours for the nation’s elderly, celebrations for young adults who turn 20 during the year, and a health and fitness festivity.

Tattoos, Comic Books, and Cartoons!

Are you interested in finding out about Japanese offerings that are not quite as run-of-the-mill? How about specialised tattooing?

The Japanese are famous for irezumi, a Japanese tattoo art rich with tradition. Irezumi tattoos cover a large portion of the body's surface, often with intricate designs of many traditional Japanese motifs. Japanese tattoo art has a very long history – and is considered by many to be the world’s finest.

And don’t be surprised if you spot more than a few businessmen reading comic books during their daily commutes. ‘Manga’ – Japanese comics – address all sorts of topics, aimed at readers from the youngest to the oldest.

Like cartoons? The Japanese have become known worldwide for Anime, Japanese cartoons typified by short characters with large eyes (remember Pokemon?).

Prefer puppets to cartoons? Bunraku, Japanese puppet theatre, is considered the most developed form of puppetry in the world. The puppets are large, and many Bunraku plays are historical. Osaka has been termed the Bunraku capital of the world.

But we digress…

On a more conventional subject, the country has one of the strongest economies in the world, helped largely by government-industry cooperation, a robust work ethic, a strong emphasis on its high-tech industry, and its very education-oriented mindset.

The Japanese people are known for their kindness, hospitality, warmth and great sense of humour. Of its population of approximately 127 million, Japan has a sizeable expat community - about 1.5 million.

And, despite a reputation for being a very expensive locale, many expats report that the cost-of-living in Tokyo - and other popular Japanese cities - can be kept under control with a bit of know-how. For instance, seeking housing in city suburbs, as opposed to city centres, can result in significant cost-cutting. This can be accomplished without much commuter hassle or expense, as the country is credited with having a superb and affordable train system.

In addition, carefully selected local supermarkets and restaurants can provide both value-for-money as well as great food!

Japan is a country that offers a wealth of interests for everyone who goes there. Above all, you can expect the unexpected – in the most positive sense!

Scottish comedian and actor Billy Connolly once said, “I loved Japan…it was delightful. I absolutely loved it. What a smashing place.”

The overwhelming message from expats – both from those still there, and from those who have moved on - is that they agree wholeheartedly!