Japan is the world’s third largest economy and eleventh most populous country. However, Japan’s long-term economic growth could be jeopardized by a low birth rate and, consequently, an aging and shrinking population.

Thanks to cooperation between government and industry, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology and a relatively low defense budget (just under 1% of GDP), Japan has developed a technologically advanced economy over the past 70 years.

Japan produces motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and non-ferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles and processed foods. Overall, its industrial sector accounts for around 29% of GDP. Given the scarcity of essential natural resources, Japan has long imported energy and raw materials, and is now the world’s largest importer of coal and liquefied natural gas, and second largest importer of oil.

There are a number of important points to bear in mind when planning market research in Japan:

• Respondents in Japan tend to be very deferential to older people and those in higher positions, which makes it more difficult to organize focus groups in Japan than elsewhere, especially for B2B studies.
• Many Japanese people work very long hours during the week, so it’s a good idea to include weekend time slots in your study plan.
• As a general rule, organizing a study program in Japan takes longer than in other countries. It is therefore advisable to allow an extra week in your standard study schedule.

In terms of locations, Tokyo and the Kinki or Kansai region (centered on Osaka) are the most popular market research centers where Meenthe can help.