What is LINE? The biggest social media platform in Japan is LINE with over 95 million active users and counting. I get this question from many companies, but the platform is unfamiliar to them and often overwhelmed by the idea. If this issue resonates with you, read on. One such platform that has gained immense…
Localised marketing Localised marketing is a way to build trust with customers, but it also has the added benefit of helping you gain more conversions and sales. By localising your marketing efforts, you can make sure that your marketing copy is targeted directly at Japanese customers. This means that instead of relying on a translator…
How social media changed consumer behaviour As Japanese consumers are shifting their way of shopping to digital, many experts predict this will remain after the pandemic. Before social media, It was unavoidable for companies and brands to sell their products through established shopping malls and invest in expensive adverts to promote their products. Nevertheless, the…
IKEA’s failure Did you know IKEA Japan failed to enter the Japanese market in the ‘80s? When they entered the Japanese market in 1974, IKEA partnered with Mitsui Bussan (Trading company) and Tokyu department store. They had 2 small stores but this meant fewer products with variations that suit Japanese homes and lifestyles. The lack…
A surge in DIY home renovation and interior decoration During the pandemic, people have changed their lifestyles. Consequently, they invested their free time and money on home improvement as their home time increased. Alongside online and printed media for affluent city dwellers, YouTube tutorials and Instagram pushing the trend, there is a surge in DIY…
Can you name any popular British brands in Japan? Are they the same as in the UK? As you know Japanese are well known for always seeking out the most niche and high-quality things. Japanese are fond of anything with quality and heritage. Any brand holding a Royal warrant will have an advantage as it…
Is the Holiday season in Japan like in the West? Is it just about a time for sipping eggnog and mulled wine? Confused about where to start with your holiday marketing strategy for the Japanese market? In this post, we explain the Japanese culture around the Holiday season and the best marketing practices. Do Japanese…
Japanese consumer behaviour The Japanese e-Commerce market is different as you might have guessed. Have you ever seen some of those fashion magazines that are stocked at convenience stores in Japan? The selection of magazines at convenience stores is an indication of which magazine has the most circulation in each category. If you have seen…
Direct-to-consumer (DTC/D2C) has simplified Japan market entry without relying on traditional wholesalers or third-party retailers. It means it’s easier to sell to Japanese consumers directly and expand your brand into the Japanese market. The e-commerce market has been steadily growing and the pandemic has accelerated the number of online shopping users in Japan and that…
B2C eCommerce market in Japan overview During the last year, the eCommerce market in Japan had a big shift amid pandemic. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) reported, that in FY 2020, the total B2C online sales remained the same at ¥19.3 Trillion although contracted slightly. This was not a contraction in terms…
1. Overcome the language barrier Japan is the largest market following China and the US. Entering an English speaking market is an easy option. However, the point often overlooked is how the competitive US market is. When the market is oversaturated, it becomes harder to stand out. Japan market entry needs a bit more effort…
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