Doing business in Japan

Japan is the strongest economy in the Asia and Tokyo is the largest commercial area in Japan the world's largest metropolitan economy with a GDP of US$1.479 trillion at purchasing power parity in 2008, ahead of New York City, which ranks second on the list. The city hosts 47 of the Fortune Global 500 companies. To set and grow business in Japan where there is already tough competitive environment one has to come up with unique and special product or services with best quality you have to be more patient for Japanese companies they are more focused on building trust and mutual confidence  and have strategic approach rather than opportunistic one . Do not expect quick results.

The key business sectors where there is potential for international exporters and investors include Aerospace, Automotive, Bio/pharma, Chemicals, Computer software and games, Creative industries (fashion, design, and music), Energy, Fashion, Financial and legal services, Food and drink, Healthcare and Telecommunications. The best way to break in to market is through local agents or distributers if you looking to export to Japanese market. Before exporting to Japan complete market research must be carried out and it can be done best through local agents or distributers. This will be first step to break in, personal relationships work well and should be developed in long term prospective, built on mutual trust and it can be time taking so one has to be patient to set in market for long term.

Don’t sit back and just rely on agents or distributers but your presence in market is also very essential. Visiting market on regular basis will not only develop successful interaction with agents and distributers but also help you learn business ethics, trends and culture as well, more you interact with market and consumer the more you will know the demands and needs of buyers, that will help you to develop your product or services accordingly. There are many consultant agencies are there in Japan to help you set up your business they will do market research for you and provide upto date market information, provide list of authentic agents, potential partners, key market players or potential customers. They also organize events for you where you can present your company’s products and services to the potential buyers and can meat business partner.

It is advised to fulfill the legal requirements required for setting up business in Japan. Lists of local lawyers can be obtained from business consultant firms many consultant firms also offer legal assistance to start business in Japan. The Japan External Trade

Organization (JETRO) produces a guide to “Laws & Regulations on Setting up Business in Japan”

http://www.jetro.go.jp/en/invest/setting_up/laws/

Many recruitment agencies work in Japan to provide skilled manpower to both national and International companies. These recruitment agencies can cater for personnel needs of foreign companies ranging from junior support staff to CEO.

Basic information about Japan

Japan is an important country located in East Asia. Japan is an island which is surrounded by Pacific Ocean and other powerful nations of the region. It is positioned to the East of Japan Sea, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south. The word “Japan” meaning “Sun Origin” it is therefore referred to as “Land of Rising Sun”

Japan consists of many small and large islands which are nearly seven thousands in numbers. The main islands are Honshū, Hokkaidō, Kyūshū and Shikoku. Japan is one of the most populated countries in the World with current population of nearly 127 million people, making it the tenth largest country in term of population in the World and the sixth largest population in Asia after China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Tokyo is capital city of the country. It is the central hold of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family. The capital city is located on the south of main island Honshu.

Tokyo is ranked the most populated and costly city in the world it has population of 35 million people and the world's largest metropolitan economy. Other main cities include Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sappor, Kawasaki, Saitama and Hiroshima. Japanese is the official language of the country. English is second most spoken language, since WWII English is being taught in schools and numbers of English speakers are growing but you will find very rare who can speak and understand English very well other than Officials, Academics and businessmen who are in frequent contact with foreigners so one must have a reasonable Japanese language knowledge if you are planning to engage in business in Japan.

Japan has efficient, reliable and fast public transportation network especially within metropolitans and between larger cities transportation is well known for its punctuality and superb services. Japanese prefer to use public transport because it’s cheaper and faster than own transport. Modern and Fast trains are something Japanese can be proud of train network is spread throughout the country and this has made transportation easier quite high volume of people use trains to travel within or across the country.

Basic information about Canada

Canada is the second largest country in the World located in North America. It has ten provinces and three territories. There are six time zones in Canada. Ottawa is the capital city which is located in the province on Ontario. Canada is neighboring with USA and share the largest land border in the World. The population of Canada is 34 million which is mostly contributed by foreigners settled in Canada. Canada has a diverse makeup of nationalities and cultures, and has constitutional protection for policies that promote multiculturalism.  Canada has high slandered of living and it has been ranked at no 4 in the World. Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and Edmonton are the main cities.

The main languages are English and French and these are official languages at Federal level making it a bilingual nation most native French speakers in Canada live in the province of Quebec and interpretation may be required for business meetings. With a very high per-capita income, excellent infrastructure and living standers Canada is one of the world's most highly developed countries. It is a member of the G7, G8, G20, NATO, OECD, WTO, Commonwealth of Nations, Francophonie, OAS, APEC, and UN. Canada is a federal state that is governed as a parliamentary democracy.

Many people believe that Canada’s climate is same and cold throughout the year but this is not the case. In winter temperature falls below freezing point in most parts of the country. South-western coast has a relatively mild climate. Along the Arctic Circle, mean temperatures are below freezing for seven months a year. In summer southern provinces have high level of humidity in air and temperature surpasses 30 degrees Celsius regularly similarly Western and south eastern Canada have high rainfall but the Prairies are dry experience just 250 mm to 500 mm of rain every year.