Japan is the third-largest economy in the world and the eleventh most populous country. However, Japan’s long-term economic growth may be challenged by a low birthrate and consequently an aging, shrinking population.
Japan is the third-largest economy in the world and the eleventh most populous country. However, Japan’s long-term economic growth may be challenged by a low birthrate and consequently an aging, shrinking population.
Through its government-industry cooperation, a strong work ethic, mastery of high technology, and a comparatively small defence allocation (slightly less than 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 nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles and processed foods. Overall, its industry sector contributes around 29% of GDP. Given the scarcity of critical natural resources, Japan has long been importing energy and raw materials and today it is the world’s largest importer of coal and liquefied natural gas and the second largest importer of oil.
There are a number of important points to bear in mind when planning market research in Japan:
When it comes to locations, Tokyo and the Kinki or Kansai region (centred on Osaka) are the most popular centres for market research.