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Culture

About Business Culture

As 3rd largest economy in the world, Japan represents a strategic interest for EU companies. The country has the second highest spending worldwide on R&D, and its companies remain amongst the most valuable and technologically advanced in the world.

Aichi Prefecture

Main City: Nagoya

Population: 7,484,000 people, ranking 4/47 prefectures (2015) [1]

Area: 5,153 km2 [2]

 

Geographical / Landscape description:

Akita Prefecture

Main City: Akita

Population: 945,000 people ranking 38/47 (2021)

Area:  11,638 km2

 

Geographical / Landscape description

Aomori Prefecture

Main City: Aomori

Population: 1,221,000 people, ranking 31/47 prefectures (2021)

Area: 9,645 km2

 

Geographical / Landscape description

Article: The Japanese Consumer Mindset

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Business Meeting Protocol

In order to successfully build a network of Japanese colleagues, proper observance of Japanese business protocol is vital, as one significant faux pas could offend your prospective business partners and cost you a lucrative business opportunity.

Chiba Prefecture

Main City: Chiba

Population: 6,224,000 people, ranking 6/47 prefecture (2021)

Area: 5,156.15 km²

 

Geographical / Landscape description

Chubu

Although the Chubu area only comprises about 10% of the national area in geographical terms, it accounts for 20% of the nationwide share in shipments of manufactured goods and is a catalyst driving Japanese economy with its manufacturing base.

Chugoku

The Chugoku Region is located in the western part of Japan. It borders the regions of Kyushu, Shikoku and Kansai, making it a transportation hub for all of western Japan.

Consumption and Shopping Behaviours
Traditionally, Japanese consumers have tended to be rather loyal toward brands and to value quality over mass consumption. This is especially true for older consumers in a rapidly ageing population.
Cool Japan & Creative Industry

 Latest update: March 2022 

There is no precise definition of creative industries in Japan. 

Cross-Cultural Issues

There are countless cross-cultural issues to be aware of when doing business in Japan. This section provides a very brief overview of certain important issues that you will come across.

Do's & Don'ts

Adapting your professional etiquette to the Japanese business environment may seem like a daunting task! We have therefore provided you with this handy list of "Do's and Dont's" which you can easily memorise for your business dealings with or in Japan.

Ehime Prefecture

Main City: Matsuyama

Population: 1,386,000 people, ranking 28/47 prefecture (2015) [1]

Area: 5,676 km2 [2]

 

Geographical / Landscape description

Fukui Prefecture

Main City: Fukui

Population: 787,000 people ranking 43/47 prefecture (2015) [1]

Area: 4,188 km2 [2]

 

Geographical / Landscape description

Fukuoka Prefecture

Main City: Fukuoka

Population: 5,103,000 people, ranking 9/47 prefecture (2015) [1]

Area: 4,846 km2 [2]

 

Geographical / Landscape description

Fukushima Prefecture

Main City: Fukushima

Population: 1,812,000 people, ranking 21/47 prefecture (2021)

Area: 13,784 km

 

Geographical / Landscape description

Geography & Culture
Japan is quite isolated in geographical terms and, as is often the case with island countries, many of Japan’s cultural traits and its differences from overseas neighbours are attributed to this geographic isolation.
Gifu Prefecture

Main City: Gifu

Population:  2,033,000 people ranking 17/47 prefecture (2015) [1]

Area: 10,621 km2 [2]

 

Geographical / Landscape description

Gunma Prefecture

Main City: Maebashi

Population: 1,927,000 people ranking 18/47 prefecture (2021)

Area: 6,363 km2

 

Geographical / Landscape description

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