Yes, - Japan may have been more prosperous 25 years ago and may have gone through two difficult decades economically, however, it's still the second biggest retail market in the world with 127 million sophisticated consumers that appreciate high-quality products and excellent service. China may have more factories these days, but how many people there can really afford Western life-style goods? When it comes to measure retail market size, Japan still accounts for 55% of the total Asian market (JETRO, 2012).
Japan is also the nation with highest demand of food imports worldwide. It has the lowest self-sufficiency rate (41% only) among the G8 countries. Japan is in need to import almost 60% of all foods consumed (United Nations, 2013) - a great opportunity for food producers with quality products in the West. Also, Japan consumes nearly 40% of all luxury goods sold worldwide every year. Almost 90% of Japanese females above age 18 own one or more luxury fashion handbag. Which other nation does have such a ratio? But not only luxury goods do well in Japan. Japanese people in general love western life-style, especially quality goods from Europe and the US with interesting brand story and fashionable, positive image continue to sell well in Japan.
Additionally, Japan is the definite main spot for trends and high-tech innovations. It is an influence to the whole Asian market, if not the whole world, many manufacturers use Japan as a “testing area” for new products and trends. Jochen Zeitz, CEO and Chairman, Puma AG Rudolf Dassler Sport: "Since Japan, Tokyo in particular, is the epicentre of trends in the Asia/Pacific region, our focus is on further strengthening our position in this key market.” Tommy Kullberg, President of Ikea Japan: “If Ikea can win the confidence of Japanese consumers, we can sell our products anywhere in the world.”
Market Reports & Company Directories
JAPAN - Detailed Market Studies
Solar Market Japan 2008
Automotive & Suppliers Japan 2008
Automotive After-market & Auto-parts Japan 2009
Semiconductor (parts & components) Japan 2009
Machinery & Machine Tools Market Japan 2008
Retail & Consumer Goods Japan 2009
Cosmetics & Beauty Products Japan 2008
Furniture & Interior Market Japan 2009
Kitchen Furniture Japan 2009 (see parts of the report on the right) >
Eye Wear Japan 2009
JAPAN - other market reports & general briefings
Business Communication in Japan (briefing)
Doing Business with Japanese (briefing)
World Fact Book Japan 2009
Luggage Market Europe 2009 (market report)
JAPAN - Company Databases & Business Directories
List of Japanese food & beverage importers/distributors/wholesalers/retailers (~600 companies in Excel with contact details)
List of Japanese fashion & textile importers/distributors/wholesalers/retailers (~600 companies in Excel with contact details)
List of Japanese furniture & interior importers/distributors/wholesalers/retailers (~550 companies in Excel with contact details)
List of Japanese housewares & related items importers/distributors/wholesalers/retailers (~500 companies in Excel with contact details)
List of Japanese toys & hobby items importers/distributors/wholesalers/retailers (~400 companies in Excel with contact details)
List of Japanese machinery & machine tools importers/distributors/wholesalers (~500 companies in Excel with contact details)
List of Japanese electronic components & related items importers/distributors/wholesalers (~700 companies in Excel with contact details)
Business Directory of Japanese general importers/distributors/wholesalers/retailers 2008 (110,000 companies in Excel)
Business Directory Japan 2008 (159,000 selected companies)
Database of 5,500 major corporations in Japan 2009 (contacts and financial details in Excel)
JAPAN - Industry Overviews & Market Updates
(market report), Japan, 2005, Auto Parts and Accessories for Aftermarket
(market report), Japan, 2008, AACC Market Brief
(market report), Japan, 2007, Aerospace Industry Market Brief