Japanese Market News

Recently communication within the nuclear family is slowly decreasing due to changes in lifestyles and values in Japan. While there are many ways to approach this issue, one business has found a way not only to help but profit from this growing concern.

Hometech, a company based in Fukuoka recently introduced a device that monitors how each family member spends time within the house for a week. Multiple receivers collect this data from transmitters that are placed on each family member wrists. This data is analyzed and summed up on a computer for those at Hometech to see and suggest a home improvement solution that will not only fit the family’s lifestyle but improve it.

For example the data may find that the father and son might be in the house at similar times but may spend time in different rooms. In response to this data, Hometech may suggest a space for a computer in the living room which will increase chances for father and son for communication.

Posted by Alisa at 09:10 AM | Permalink

Christmas traditions are slowly starting to change in Japan and as a result of these changes, businesses are being greatly affected.

In Japan, the Christmas season has always been a time for dating couples rather than families and so it was almost taken for granted that hotels and restaurants would be full with reservations during the holidays. However, there has been a slow shift in consciousness and these past few years more and more think of the holidays as time to spend time at home.

Christmas decorations have become increasingly popular because of this new trend. Apartments in Japan these days have higher ceilings allowing more to purchase Christmas trees to decorate–a tradition which was unheard of in past years. What was once a market where only 90 to 120 cm trees were sold has grown to where 180 to 240 cm tall trees have also become popular. What’s more is that Christmas decoration trends have not stopped inside the house but the western tradition of decorating outside the house with Christmas lights has also caught on.

While to some in the restaurant and food industry, this new Christmas trend has had a detrimental affect as mentioned above, others have found new business opportunities through the catering business. More find it more cost effective to close their restaurants for the holidays and just focus on catering for home parties. Another example of businesses who have found joy from the holiday season are cooking schools which teach men to cook season foods so they can entertain their partners, families, and friends.

Posted by Alisa at 09:15 AM | Permalink

It is important to have a great product and it is also important to have great design. However, a humorous product name can also do miracles in bringing sales. Earlier this year, a line of tofu with eccentric names like “Kaze-ni-fukarete-tofuya-johnny” (Johnny the Tofu Maker, Blowing in the Wind),”Otokomae tofu” (Handsome Tofu),”Kenka-jyoutou-yakko-yarou” (The Fighting Fool), grabbed the attention of consumers and became a big hit. Ito Shingo, the master mind behind these new creations was able to help his company escape sluggish sales from having to produce low-priced tofu by producing these not just buzz worthy but very flavorful high-priced tofu.

By realizing that a product as traditionally Japanese as tofu cannot just be healthy or delicious but must stand out also by other means, Ito was able to not only survive but shine while other companies were filing for bankruptcy left and right. The eccentric ideas did not stop there. The line of tofu has its original theme music adding to the brand’s image.

Humor is key to Ito’s success. Perhaps you can bring humor to Japan’s market.

Posted by Alisa at 09:21 AM | Permalink