The Japanese consumer has high standards for product performance, reliability, and appearance. The market is dynamic and fast changing. Many products and services may require adaptation to achieve successful market entry. The Japanese market is advanced and highly competitive, making participation both challenging and potentially rewarding. There remain social, demographic, religious, economic, and cultural differences that can have a profound impact on a product's success or failure.
Business customs differ substantially in a number of respects in Japan.
Ringi is a multi step procedure for building consensus and often involved a complex set of negotiations through which a divergent view points are considered and accommodated. However, implementation is easier and fast. The customer is king. Particular attention should be given to meeting market requirements to be competitive. In-person discussions and communication receive greater emphasis in Japan.