Business in Japan

This second, fully revised, edition of Business in Japan sets out as before to cover the main, practical elements of doing business with the Japanese. However, it is above all an interpretative study and in the increasingly competitive and sophisticated world of business in Japan it is essential that the prospective marketer takes account of the many nuances and subtleties within what could be termed Japan's business culture. Whatever the specific facts and commonly held views are relating to finance, law, joint ventures, distribution and marketing, etc., the businessman will be thwarting his own long-term associations if he does not primarily approach Japan On a broad socio—cultural basis. It is a society that is very different from any Other and is uncompromising in exacting a recognition of that fact from all outsiders. Furthermore, since publication of the first edition six years ago, Japanese competition in the field Of international business has grown considerably and there is every reason to believe that it will continue growing. So, the challenge Of the 1980s is not just to enter and survive in Japan's domestic market, but also to be with Japan in its world markets and major technological advance. Finally, it should be clearly understood that this book does not offer any ready—made recipes for success. What it has tried to do is to give the reader the confidence and know-how for searching out and developing the many rich opportunities that lic ahead.