Japan Inc. 2006 – lost in transition?
Douwe Rademaker
Japan is one of the most difficult markets to crack, with very demanding consumers, mature domestic manufacturers and a protectionist environment. Many western companies have tried and failed to capture the hearts of the consumers and to penetrate the business practices. But the success of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Häagen-Dazs is proof of what can be achieved.
Despite the challenges, the sheer size of the market and the spending capacity of the consumers means that Japan offers a tremendous opportunity for western companies. Its purchasing ...