The Changing Scope of Japan’s Book Industry
By Ryoji Shimada Japan’s Biggest Book Fair The 23rd Tokyo International Book Fair was held the first week of July, 2016. This four-day exhibition with three other parallel activities --- e-Book Expo Tokyo, Licensing Japan and Creator Expo --- attracted an estimated total of 66,000 people, according to the organizer. While it is not certain […]
Japan's Senior Business: The Arrival of Senior Business in Japan
The companies shifting toward senior business and new product development In 2020, the average life expectancy in Japan was 85.9 years for women and 79.44 years for men. In addition, the fertility rate was 1.3 children per woman. Based on these figures, the general population of Japan is expected to fall by around 33m to […]
The Techniques of Becoming a 100-year-old Company in Japan
There are many long-lived companies in Japan. The number of them is the highest in the world! The number of companies that have been in business for more than 100 years was surveyed by country. Japan has the highest number of 100-year old companies in the world, with 33,076 companies. This accounted for 41.3% of […]
About Japanese Millennials Behaviors
What is "F1 stratum" (F1層) in Japan? In Japan, many companies and the mass media focus on females between the ages of 20 and 34 years who are said to be most enthusiastic toward consumption and sensitive toward new trends. They like overseas travel and famous brand goods, and spare no expense toward investing in […]
No Kidding on Business in Japan: Japanese Businesspeople don't accept jokes
By P. Pringle A couple of years ago, I worked with a Japanese company that manufactured high-tech devices. The products were designed by Americans with support from Japan. Towards the end of each project, the head office sent a team of highly skilled Japanese test engineers for a final check. Invariably, the American engineers complained […]
Japanese Innovative Products: Zero-calorie Candy, Dried "tsukemono" (pickled vegetables), Chocolate Kimono
From a unique idea to producing a “first” product If one was to suggest people such as Jack Welch, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs as the business giants created by the current times, it is unlikely anyone would voice an objection. A point these illustrious businesspeople have in common is their “non-stop” quality. Steve Jobs […]
What is Omotenashi? About Japanese style hospitality
John Mori meets with Japanese experts whose lives revolve around the concept of delivering the ultimate in customer satisfaction, and asks, What is Omotenashi? What is Omotenashi or Motenashi? Any foreigner who has lived in Japan for an extended period of time will have been asked this question: “What’s your favorite Japanese word?” In my […]
Growing Coworking Spaces in Tokyo Amid Pandemic
The lounging area. A telephone booth. It is a rule to talk on the phone here so as not to distract other people. While lockers using keys are also provided, books and others are placed on shelves for common use. Electric stove The kitchen is fully equipped. It is adequate for preparing simple meals. The […]
Japan's Recycling Technology
From Products to Products: Catch word is “Treasure Hunting” By Ryoji Shimada, staff writer “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature --- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring […]
Tips for Business Sustainability from Japan's Longest-established Companies
Japan has the highest number of companies with longevity in the world What is "Sanpoyoshi?" In Japan, the word "akinai" has been in use from long ago. It’s usually translated into English as “business.” However, akinai has a different origin and nuance from business. According to Ohmi merchants, who lived mainly in current Ohmihachiman City […]