New magazines could still emerge but without a big marketing budget would face tough competition in a market that already has too many magazines. Web-zines face the persistent problem of low PC penetration and expensive Internet access charges in Japan. It is often said that Japan remains a few years behind the U.S. in terms of adoption of information technology at the corporate level. If we assume that there is a correlation between the adoption of technology and the degree to which the technology is covered in the media, it makes sense that so much of the Internet space in Japan remains unclaimed. As a Japan e-business enthusiast, I can only hope that the other media groups in Japan take note of LINC Media's move by following suit.
Information is the key to innovation.
The Silicon Valley e-business culture that is sweeping the U.S. and Europe will never take hold in Japan unless its significance is duly covered in the media. All Rights Reserved.