Global business today is played by new rules -- many of which are being written by the Japanese and their remarkably successful companies. Because the Japanese are redefining business as we know it, Western companies expecting to profit from the new global marketplace must first learn to compete and succeed against the Japanese in Japan. James C. Morgan, Chairman of Applied Materials, Inc., the leading supplier of advanced processing equipment to the worldwide semiconductor industry which does about forty percent of its business in Japan, and J. Jeffrey Morgan, who has worked in Tokyo on the "inside" at Mitsui & Co., Japan's oldest trading conglomerate, contend that apathy and ignorance have prevented many Western companies from capitalizing on the enormous opportunities for business in Japan. In this brilliant examination of Japanese markets, companies, and business practices -- with special emphasis on the establishment of Applied Materials Japan -- the Morgans, father and son, assert that success in the world of Japanese business is determined by two factors: technology and relationships. Candidly discussing their own mistakes and failures as well as their triumphs, the authors provide invaluable insights into the specific challenges facing Western companies in establishing a presence in Japan: problems in financing the venture, product design and production, marketing and distribution, and most important, creating long-term relationships or "putting on a Japanese face." The extraordinary success of Applied Materials Japan -- hailed by George Bush on the campaign trail in 1988 as "a model for all America" -- is testimony to the valuable lessons to be learned from this book. The Morgans provide a clearly written, step-by-step framework for reorienting company thinking, revising corporate strategy, and revitalizing any organization for world class competitiveness. Using vivid examples of Western companies that have both succeeded admirably and failed miserably in Japan, Cracking the Japanese Market is a straightforward examination of what it takes to compete successfully there -- and by extension in the world today.

The contributing authors of Understanding the Japanese Food and Agrimarket discuss broad forces that affect markets in Japan and specific situations faced in marketing grain, livestock, and seafood products; fruits; vegetables; and wood products. Many of the contributors speak and read Japanese and have lived in Japan for extensive periods; they are able to give deep insights into how and why the Japanese consumption and distribution system behaves as it does. They draw on their expertise to fully explore various Japanese food and fiber markets. As they demystify the Japanese market, they illustrate for readers several systematic approaches to mastering the Japanese food and fiber markets. Readers will discover that effective long-term marketing strategies in Japan must be based on sound analytical information. The contributors provide such needed material with chapters on items as diverse as wine, grain products, beef, and fruits and vegetables. Some of the specific topics covered include: changes in Japanese food consumption Japanese food distribution system demand for beef products in Japan demand for vegetables and vegetable seeds Japanese wine market demand for bakery products new food products for the Japanese market developing trade relations in wood products Executives of commodity associations or firms exporting foods to Japan will find the general sections most interesting as well as chapters specific to their products. Teachers and students exploring exporting to the Japanese market will be intrigued by the various dimensions of the “multifaceted” nature and opportunities of the Japanese market.

Navigating Japan's Business Culture: A Practical Guide to Succeeding in the Japanese Market delivers clear, specific information to help executives understand and successfully navigate the numerous obstacles that confronted when foreign companies do business in Japan. Unlike "cultural intelligence" books that describe Japanese social etiquette, this book goes straight to the cultural values and social customs entwined in Japanese capitalism that make their capitalism so different from Western capitalism--and therefore can become stumbling blocks for gaining success in the Japanese market. Readers will come away with specific guidance on how to negotiate successfully with your Japanese partner ensure your business will endure for the long term in that market know your Japanese counterpart is telling you "no" when it sounds very much like "yes" capitalize on deeply held Japanese cultural traits in a way to benefit both your company and your partner's company create good business practices that will strengthen your business by drawing on the strong values of Japanese management styles and employee work ethic and much more This book is filled with page-turning practical wisdom from communication goals to negotiating, from product selection for the Japanese market to distribution services, and from management to sales. Azar provides valuable direction by Identifying Japan's culture-based differences in management and business practices to alert Western businesses of these differences Explaining and linking these practices to their cultural roots so that they may be understood in their correct cultural context Delivering guidance for dealing with these differences to create strong, successful, long-term partnerships with their Japanese counterparts. Ignore the important cultural differences highlighted in this book at your own business risk if you are working in or plan to enter the Japanese market. The case studies the author includes underscores the wisdom shared throughout the book. This book will be of interest to and benefit three groups of readers: individuals with professional interests in Japan, such as those in business and government those with an academic interest in Japan, such as teachers and students of both Japanese business and culture the culturally curious and globally minded who are interested in the many diverse cultures that enrich our world

The first edition of this book was released under digital format (eBook) in 2014. In 2015, a second edition of the eBook was released, containing, besides minor changes here and there, two important additions: Chapter VII about “the Japanese Consumer Mindset” and Chapter XI about “3 Keys for Success in Japan”. In 2017, the third edition is being released with a new Table of Contents and a revision of Chapter XI, becoming “5 Keys for Success in Japan”. This book is targeted at business executives of companies: • approaching the Japanese Market, • reviewing their options in terms of Japan Entry Strategy, • already exporting to Japan (Indirect Sales) or, • already established and doing business in Japan (Direct Sales). In this book, we show: • That the Japanese Market is a great market to approach and that, provided the right methodology and marketing mix, there are great opportunities to seize in the long-term for foreign companies. • That it is necessary to get familiar with cross-cultural differences and to understand better your Japanese clients, their country, their culture and their business system. • How to market your products or services in Japan (B2C and B2B Marketing Guidelines). • Which Entry Strategies are available to foreign companies to choose from and guidelines for selection. Keywords: Japan, Japon, Economie du Japon, Japanese Economy, Commercer avec le Japon, Doing Business with Japan, Commercer au Japon, Doing Business in Japan, Faire des Affaires au Japon, Marketing in Japan, Japan B2B Sales, Japan B2C Sales, Selling in Japan, Vendre au Japon, Exporter vers le Japon, Export to Japan, S'implanter au Japon, Set up an office in Japan, Japan Entry Strategies, Trade with Japan, Doing Business with the Japanese, Faire des Affaires avec les Japonais, Japan Cross-cultural Management, les Japonais, the Japanese