Western companies find it challenging to penetrate the Japanese market because of the huge diversity of culture, language and local psychologies. Japan is a developed economy and provides many growth opportunities to global brands, but it requires careful planning and execution.
With a population of around 125.7 million people and a high customer purchasing power, Japan is a lucrative market to tap into. Because of the increasing competition in the global landscape, companies have to take a customer first approach to market and sell their products and services in foreign countries like Japan.
It has become crucial for companies to understand and adapt to the unique cultural and consumer market of Japan. So, from getting professional English to Japanese and Japanese to English translation services to adjusting their business setup to Japanese culture, foreign companies have to look into different aspects of their business to thrive in the Japanese marketplace.
How can Western Companies Successfully Launch their Brand in the Japanese Market?
Understanding Consumer Behavior
Japanese consumers are well known for their high standards of quality, attention to detail, and brand loyalty. According to a Statista report, around 72% of Japanese customers prefer quality over anything else while making a purchasing decision.
Therefore, it is significant that foreign businesses focus more on delivering premium quality products and services that fulfill the Japanese people’s expectations and make your brand stand out for them.
Cultural Adaptation
There is a big difference in the cultural values and social systems of Japan and other western countries. For instance, Japanese believe in collectivism and a sense of community. On the flip side, western societies are more into individualism.
Businesses that want to target Japan must understand the cultural sensitivity, traditional values, and social norms of the country. Just like that, colors also have symbolic meanings in Japan; red stands for happiness, and white symbolizes purity.
Companies must use such cultural references mindfully in their brand messaging to resonate with Japanese consumers on a deeper level.
Language Translations
We all know that effective communication is critical for connecting your brand with your target customers. Although many people in Japan are proficient in English. They still prefer communicating in their native language.
For that reason, western brands need to invest in English to Japanese translation services to ensure 100% accuracy and precision while communicating with their audience. All types of content, be it marketing materials, website, or product packaging, must be translated to the Japanese language for better brand reach.
Localized Business Plan
You need to have a comprehensive localization plan, which is crucial for success in the Japanese market. For this, you must tailor your brand messaging, design and marketing to match the preferences and demands of Japanese people.
For instance, when you see the McDonald’s menu in Japan, it offers unique food items, very different from what you see in other parts of the world, such as Teriyaki Burgers and Shrimp Filet-O sandwiches. Instead of going with their typical menus in all regions, they prefer localizing them for local taste and food choices.
Market Launch Strategies
How you launch your brand in a foreign market creates your first impression for the local customers. So, you have to be very careful about your first move. When you launch your product or service in Japan, it requires a well-planned strategy, with a customer centric approach.
Companies must do thorough research to identify major competitors, demographics of target customers, and suitable distribution channels. Additionally, another approach is to partner with local distributors or retailers that can facilitate market entry and increase brand visibility.
You can contact a local LSP specialized in Japanese brand localization. For instance, a local Filipino translation company may provide conventional translation services to and from different languages, but it may not understand the critical nuances of Japanese culture, the way a dedicated local Japanese translation company can.
Local Influencers Marketing
Just like in many other countries, influencer marketing is also an effective way to direct local purchasing decisions in Japan. It is a quick and proven method to multiply your customer base significantly in a market through social media influencers. Global brands can contact local influencers, partner with them to promote their brand to their followers. It will help western businesses build their credibility and increase brand awareness in the Japanese market.
Resonating Brand Positioning
Companies have to position their brand the right way to make it stand out in the saturated Japanese market. Through their unique brand voice, values, and themes, they must differentiate themselves from other alternatives.
Foreign companies should position their products or services in a way that seems resonating with locals. For example, companies need to emphasize their unique selling points, such as environmental sustainability, social responsibility, or innovation, that will appeal to Japanese values.
Final Verdict!
It can be said that western businesses need to respect Japanese culture and values to influence the purchasing behavior of customers. They can employ the localization practices shared in this article to create cultural resonance, promote better communication, and smoothly launch brands into Japanese markets. When it comes to localization, you can contact a professional agency to do all the heavy weight lifting for you.
