The truth about Japanese representatives: sushi, zen and Toto

This article looks at what symbols people around the world think define Japan. These are related to sushi, considered a delicious and healthy food; zen, as people believe the Japanese are calm and at peace with life; and TOTO, the manufacturer of residential equipment and most famous for its computerised toilets.

The truth about Japanese representatives: sushi, zen and Toto

Dave McCaughanMcCann WorldGroup Asia Pacific

Mention a country's name and I bet stereotypes come to mind. When I ask Japanese friends what they think of my native Australia, they think "lots of space" followed by koalas and usually the thought that I must love beer. Try it yourself. Think of another country and we instantly get stereotype pictures in our heads. So what do people around the world think of when they consider Japan?

What is Japan alike?

Earlier this year, this column outlined the results of a global McCann...

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