The Japanese marketplace is a lucrative one offering multiple business opportunities to its native and foreign investors. Language is undoubtedly an important part of business communication. It is with language that brands are able to showcase to their audiences what they are selling. Also, language is important when it comes to the Japanese marketplace. There are many examples where foreign businesses entered Japan using translation and are currently catering to the native audiences very well. For instance, many English businesses using English to Japanese translation services have entered the Japanese market.
Curves is one of the very successful businesses in Texas, United States. It is a women’s fitness chain that offers fitness and cardio exercises to women. When entering Japan, Curves translated their website into the Japanese language for the native audiences. They even used Japanese women to make sure that natives don’t see them as a foreign business.
The Japanese Marketplace
According to GDP, Japan has the world’s fourth largest economy. The first position is occupied by the United States, then China and Germany, and Japan lies in the fourth place. This sums up that Japan is a business-friendly country where the economy is so great that brands thrive in such an environment. Japan offers a blend of traditional business etiquette with modern technology and innovation. The Japanese consumer market is versatile, preferring quality-based products. Their demands are very diverse, which gives space to every business to enter the marketplace and serve those consumer needs.
Cultural nuances are one of the most important things for native Japanese audiences. They are more attracted towards brands that contain even a slight factor that depicts cultural importance.
Japanese Business Culture
In terms of business dealings, long-term relations and cultural trust are often looked at. Unlike the western business culture, the Japanese business environment focuses on the growth of collective groups. Here harmony and collectivism are two concepts being followed the most. This practice involves an informal business meeting before the formal one. It is consensus that makes sure that both parties agree on certain points before the big meeting, and in case there is any confusion, it would be solved priorly.
A hierarchical system prevails in Japan, where seniority is given utmost respect. Respecting elders and their decisions is considered paramount. When it comes to business dealings, people holding the highest positions are informed first, and they are the ultimate decision makers. Giving gifts is not considered offensive; rather, it is taken as a sign of gratitude. Too extravagant and experienced gifts are avoided, and special attention is given to gift wrapping.
Using Translation in Japan & Expanding Your Business
English to Japanese translation services are an important asset for businesses who wish to enter Japan and set their business operations there. As mentioned earlier, language is an important part of business dealings with other investors as well as with the target audiences; translation plays an important role in this regard. There are multiple businesses that have utilized translation as a weapon and transformed their outlook for the Japanese consumers.
You must have heard about the English clothing brand, The Gap or Gap Factory. It is a California-based clothing brand famous for selling premium quality clothes. They opened their outlet in Japan and completely translated their website and other content into the Japanese language. This translation helped them gain the interest of the native audiences, and now Gap is actively serving its Japanese customers.
Industries Where You Can Invest
With the help of a translation agency, you can transform your business content for the Japanese audiences. But you should also know what business is best for you. Yes, the Japanese market is very lucrative, and it offers you multiple opportunities to scale your business; still, it is important to know what the core areas are that can globalize your business in no time.
Automotive Translation
Japan is famous for its automotive industry, where brands like Honda, Nissan, Mazda, Daihatsu, etc., are in demand around the world. Japan not only manufactures luxury but also budget-friendly cars, which is why Japanese cars are always high in demand. You can enter the Japanese market with automotive translations and help these car brands in translating their car manuals and other content. In this way, your translation business can turn out highly beneficial.
Technology sector
The tech sector is highly developed in Japan, which makes it very easy for technologically advanced businesses to set their grounds in Japan and earn revenue in high amounts.
Other than these two, there are many other business opportunities as well:
- Medical and healthcare
- Tourism
- Energy
- Manufacturing sector
Final Words!
To sum up, Japan is a highly developed nation with a large economy, offering business opportunities to both local and international businesses. With the help of translation, not only can businesses enter this market, but they can also cater well to the needs and demands of the target audience.