Market Entry in Japan : Theory and Management in a Turbulent Era

Market Entry in Japan provides a sound scientific and up-to-date representation of important social, economic and management matters, as well as a theoretical and practice-oriented overview of potentially successful ways in which to approach the Japanese market. It presents a thorough analysis of the latest theories on 'Managing under Different Entry Methods'. It also evaluates current research to increase intercultural understanding both in scientific and practical terms and to offer answers to the question 'How should your corporate activities in Japan be organized?' Cover......Page 1 Contents......Page 6 List of Tables......Page 8 List of Abbreviations and Acronyms......Page 9 About the Authors......Page 11 1.1 Globalization of the markets......Page 12 1.2 Japan – the largest economy in Asia......Page 13 1.3 Specialists – a key role in market success......Page 14 1.4 Innovative technologies......Page 15 1.5 Economic boom and bust......Page 16 1.6 Return to economic growth......Page 17 1.8 Toyota – a model for success and the knowledge of a special corporate philosophy......Page 20 1.10 The historical dimension......Page 23 1.11 The unstoppable advance of Japanese companies – learning from strength......Page 25 1.13 What this book offers......Page 26 2.1 Natural and geographical features......Page 28 2.2 The forces of nature......Page 29 2.3 The annual cycle of the seasons......Page 31 2.4 A short history of Japan......Page 34 3.1 The imperial dynasty......Page 38 3.2 The constitution......Page 39 3.4 Social structure......Page 40 4 Japanese Management......Page 48 4.1 The early years......Page 50 4.2 Progress......Page 52 5.1 The challenge to businesses......Page 85 5.2 Governmental reform policies......Page 86 5.3 Market transparency and deregulation......Page 87 5.4 The end of economic stagnation......Page 89 5.5 Important markets......Page 90 5.6 Keiretsu structures and intensity of competition......Page 106 5.7 Barriers to trade and pre-defined distribution systems......Page 107 5.8 Industries of the future......Page 109 5.9 Positive overall picture......Page 111 6 Market Entry and Market Development Strategies – Opportunities for Foreign Companies in Japan......Page 112 6.1 Initial preparations for entering the market......Page 113 6.2 Licensing......Page 115 6.3 Low risk: Indirect exports......Page 118 6.4 Direct export......Page 119 6.5 Franchising......Page 120 6.6 The sales office......Page 121 6.7 Setting up a joint venture......Page 122 6.8 Building up strategic alliances......Page 125 6.9 The subsidiary......Page 126 6.10 Mergers and acquisitions......Page 128 7.1 Planning a business trip......Page 129 7.2 Duties in Japan......Page 134 7.3 Reaching decisions......Page 138 7.4 Maintaining the business relationship......Page 139 Bibliography......Page 142 C......Page 167 E......Page 168 G......Page 169 J......Page 170 L......Page 171 N......Page 172 R......Page 173 T......Page 174 W......Page 175 Z......Page 176 Market Entry in Japan aspires to support academics in their work on Japan and managers on their way to Japan and to provide them with help when they get there. The many and varied ways of doing business which arise from entrepreneurial creativity are made clearer with a well-researched and up-to-date representation of some of the more important aspects of society, business and management. Some of the idiosyncrasies of Japanese culture and society are examined as is the development and organization of specifically Japanese management culture, primarily in the area of manufacturing companies. Last but not least, this book offers a short but scientifically well-founded overview of the ways into the Japanese market that promise success. Illustrating the challenges, opportunities and routes to successfully doing business in Japan, this book is targeted at managers in both small and medium-sized companies and large multinational companies, whose corporate and business strategies involve getting to grips with Japan. These companies might have exportable products or services or they are already manufacturing abroad. They have frequently gathered experience in other foreign markets and are now taking a tentative step towards a new and highly competitive economic environment - the step towards Japan An essential guide to the current state of Market Entry in Japan that illustrates the challenges, opportunities and routes to successfully doing business in Japan. It offers a short but scientifically well-founded overview of the ways into the Japanese market that promise success.