The task of government is to create an environment in which enterprises are free to use their own ideas and creativity to develop their business activities. Accordingly, the best policy for the Japanese government is to foster the right environment, in the way which is described in the Keidanren policy statement. Exhibit D in the materials contains a list of the ministries and agencies that have jurisdiction over a law or laws which impact the Internet or e-commerce. As the industry grows, it will no doubt touch every area of the law in some way but it seems likely that Japan will rely upon the legal system as a whole, with appropriate amendments and new statutes, as opposed to the creation of a specific new law to deal with the Internet and e-commerce. But there is a growing body of opinion that a real revolution is taking place and we are just at the ground floor.
Japanese consumers are sophisticated and demanding.
Web content must be in Japanese and should not simply be translated from a foreign language. Marketing concepts and business models which have proven successful in other countries may not necessarily work in Japan. Be open minded and try to tailor something that is likely to work in Japan. Direct entry is possible but local staff must be hired.