Preparing yourself and your company to do business
in Japan is a difficult enough task by itself, but the task becomes
even more difficult if you do not know where to get the best information
to begin your preparations. Literally hundreds of sources exist
that can provide your company with market research, trade statistics,
government regulations, descriptions of Japanese business practices,
and advice on how to penetrate the Japanese market. To help you
find some of the best sources of information available, a list
of some of these sources is included below. The list is broken
down into world wide web sites accessible via the internet, publications
such as directories and guides to the Japanese market, and organizations
who provide business assistance to US companies wishing to do
business with Japan.
The Global Business Information Network is always here to help you with your research and information needs.
With the advent and growth of the world wide web,
much of the information a person would want to know about Japan
is now available at his or her fingertips. You can find out about
Japan's economic conditions from the government itself, learn
what the hottest trends are in Japanese music and fashion, or
contact potential business partners electronically. It all depends
upon what you might be looking for. Below is GBIN's "Top
Sixteen" -- the 16 best web sites for people who are looking
to do business in Japan.
American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)
The ACCJ is a membership organization dedicated to
promoting trade between the US and Japan. It describes itself
as the best private source for business information on Japan.
Their web site provides helpful information on how to do business
in Japan, describes their services, and lists the upcoming events
that they sponsor.
Best feature: In its "Guide
to Doing Business in Japan" section, the ACCJ web site provides
over one hundred links to other world wide web pages in both the
public and private sector. This is a great place to begin a search
for information about Japan on the internet.
Asian Business Watch
Asian Business Watch is a comprehensive source of
economic data and marketing information for not only Japan but
also the rest of Southeast Asia. This web site draws upon a number
of sources and is updated daily.
Best Feature: Not only
is the quality of the information on this page excellent, but
one is also able to access daily news reports on Japan from Japanese
newspapers and CNN.
Foreign Investment in Japan Development Corporation (FID)
FID is a private organization whose mission is to
support foreign companies who would like to establish business
operations in Japan. As such, it provides information, networking,
employee recruitment, and research services.
Best Feature: This is
a very good source for those interested in setting up operations
in Japan, including a list of frequently asked questions that
is very useful for those beginning the process.
Gateway Japan
Gateway Japan is an information clearinghouse for
Japanese and Asian print and electronic information. Twenty-five
sources are indexed in this database including over 10,000 documents
from business, academia, and government.
Best Feature: Included
in the wide range of information in this site are directories
of different organizations, programs, services, and experts that
can help one's business efforts in Japan. Gateway Japan is completely
searchable by keyword or by topic.
Japan Development Bank (JDB)
The Japanese Development Bank is a governmental institution
that provides funding for private sector projects. In recent years,
the JDB has been making an increased effort to attract foreign
companies to implement the projects it funds.
Best Feature: The JDB
web site is a good place to learn more about the bank, its upcoming
projects, and how one can benefit from business opportunities
within these projects. It also includes a directory of JDB offices
around the world.
Japan Information Access Project (JIAP)
The mission of JIAP is to better the understanding
of Japanese science, industry, technology, and policy. As a general
rule, this organization tends to focus on science and technology,
but it nevertheless provides some very valuable information on
doing business in Japan along with analysis of policy decisions
that might affect your companies efforts in the country.
Best Feature: This web
site is an excellent place to obtain some often very detailed
information about Japanese business. It is especially valuable
for those in the science and high technology industries. Additionally,
the JIAP web page provides many valuable links to other sources
of information on the web.
Japanese External Trade Organization (JETRO)
The Japanese External Trade Organization's mission
is to promote international trade with Japan. Through its publications
and branch offices around the world, JETRO provides assistance
to companies seeking to export their products to Japan. Included
in their many services are publications describing Japanese business
culture and directories of Japanese companies.
Best Feature: Many of
JETRO's publications are available on its web site along with
a list of JETRO representatives in the US who can assist your
efforts to penetrate the Japanese market. Because of the extremely
useful advice given, the JETRO web site is an excellent place
to begin your preparation for the complexities of doing business
in Japan.
JapanWindow
JapanWindow contains all kinds of information for
people who are interested in Japan. Not only can business information
be found here, but so too can information about Japanese culture,
politics, language, etc.
Best Feature: Many good
links to other web sites are provided for those interested in
learning more about Japan. However, this is also a great place
to find contacts in academia as well as business.
Keidanren - The Japan Federation of Economic Organizations
This private, non-profit membership organization
endeavors to find cooperative methods of developing the Japanese
economy and finding answers to problems facing Japan's economic
future. As such, the membership of Keidanren is made up of trade
organizations, Japanese corporations, and foreign corporations.
Best Feature: Part of
Keidanren's web site is a directory of Japanese companies called
"Access to Japan." The directory is categorized alphabetically
as well as by industry as is a very useful way to gain contacts
with potential Japanese business partners. Also available are
links to magazines and other publications sponsored by Keidanren.
Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI)
The Japanese Ministry of International Trade and
Industry is a governmental organization that seeks to coordinate
Japanese industrial efforts and promote exports. MITI is responsible
for developing Japanese trade policy and negotiating trade agreements
with other countries.
Best Feature: The MITI
web site provides detailed policy statements regarding trade negotiations,
current Japanese industrial policies, and programs for the future.
This site is a good place to keep abreast of governmental regulations
that might affect your business efforts in Japan.
National Association of Japan-American Societies of the US, Inc. (NJAS)
This is a joint web site for the 33 Japan-American
societies across the US. The mission of these organizations is
to promote understanding between the US and Japan. Thus, they
provide cultural information for doing business in Japan among
other things.
Best Feature: This web
site is a good way to begin to make contacts with people who can
assist you in your business efforts. Additionally, a number of
links to Japanese web sites are available which can also be beneficial.
Nikkei Net
Nikkei is a noted provider of business news and market
information in Japan, specializing in stock market data, economic
news, and corporate updates.
Best Feature: Available
on this web site are English translations of business news stories
printed in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, one of Japan's best
newspaper's. Because the stories are updated daily, this is a
great place to keep up on daily business activities in Japan.
Also included is a "Business Browser" which allows the
internet user to view over 1,000 company listings and company
rankings and also to link to approximately 700 Japanese web sites.
NTT Townpage
This web site is an English yellow-page-style telephone
directory published by the Japanese telephone company, NTT. Because
it is new and only provides listings of companies in Osaka City,
Kyoto, and parts of Tokyo, the Townpage is slightly limited in
the information it provides.
Best Feature: As with
any directory of companies, the Townpage telephone directory is
a good way to compile a list of potential contacts in Japan.
Stat - USA
Stat-USA is a world wide web location for business,
economic, and trade information complied by the branches of the
US government. Many types of information are included, such as
market research reports, import/export statistics, and an index
of foreign traders. Though visiting the web site is free, a monthly
fee is charged to view and download some of the most useful information.
Best Feature: Included
in Stat-USA is the National Trade Data Bank (NTDB). Compared to
the NTDB's more common CD-ROM version, the internet version is
easily searchable via keywords that compile information from every
NTDB source available. Therefore, conducting a search on the NTDB
takes much less time and effort online than it would via CD-ROM.
As mentioned before, a fee is charged for use of NTDB online,
however.
Two Way Information Communication System (TWICS)
TWICS is a public-access internet provider for Japanese
computer users. As with any internet service, it provides e-mail,
world wide web, and usenet communications to its members.
Best Feature: TWICS Allows
you to search Japanese web sites and newsgroups to find information
on Japan and their people. This service would also be useful for
making contacts in Japan and/or establishing internet service
in the country.
USDOC - The Commercial Service, Japan Office
The Commercial Service is a US government branch
that supports the efforts of American companies in their export
operations. This organization provides market research, organizes
trade events, and assists companies in the development of business
relationships. This web site describes Commercial Service programs
available to US companies in Japan, and provides some market information
and contact names online.
Best Feature: Much of
the information on this site is very useful. Not only can you
learn about the programs available through The Commercial Service,
but a calendar of upcoming trade events in Japan is posted, and
you can use this site to begin making contacts in Japan that could
lead to future business.
Before concluding this section, it should be noted
that hundreds of world wide web sites contain excellent information
on Japan. Some of these sites are very specific, focusing on one
industry, or even just one company. Since the kind of information
needed varies depending upon your company and its business goals,
we recommend that you make a more detailed search of the internet
on your own. By using a search engine such as Yahoo or
Excite, and by highlighting your particular industry, you
can generate many useful links to companies and other information
that will suit your particular needs. Also keep in mind that most
web sites provide links to other sources of information on the
web. In other words, "be prepared to surf!"
The world wide web contains a tremendous amount of
valuable information for any business wishing to expand into the
Japanese market. In fact, so much information is available on
the internet that the task of finding the information you need
can be overwhelming. By visiting the sites listed above, exploring
the links to other sources they provide, and combining that information
with your own internet search, you should be able to locate the
maximum amount of information suitable to your company's needs.
For an example of the type of information that can
be found on the world wide web, please see Appendix II below.
Included there is an excerpt from JETRO's "Doing Business
in Japan," a publication that can be downloaded from the
organization's web site. Not only is this a good example of the
type of information you can locate on the world wide web, but
it is an excellent resource for anyone wishing to learn more about
Japanese business practices. It is well worth reading.
A number of extremely valuable resources are available
to help your company learn more about the Japanese market, its
companies, and its business practices. Below is a compilation
of some of the better print sources available, broken down into
directories, statistics manuals, yearbooks, corporate information,
books, and magazines.
Directories
Access to Japan: List of Contact Points for Procurement. 1993. 287 pp.
Publisher: Industry and Telecommunications Department of Keidanren
Phone: 212-245-1427
ACCJ Directory. Annual.
Publisher: American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)
Phone: 81-33-3433-5381, Fax: 81-33-3436-1446
Foreign Affiliated Companies in Japan - A Comprehensive Directory. Annual. 750 pp.
Publisher: Toyo Keizai Inc.
Phone: 212-949-6737, Fax: 212-949-6648 (Toyo Keizai
America Inc.)
Japan Trade Directory. Annual, in March. 1,300 pp.
Publisher: JETRO, Publications Department
Phone: 81-33-3582-3518, Fax: 212-949-6648
Japanese Overseas Investment, A Complete Listing by Firms and Countries. Every other year in June. 1,027 pp.
Publisher: Toyo Keizai Inc.
Phone: 212-949-6737, Fax: 212-949-6648 (Toyo Keizai
America Inc.)
"JOHOGEN" EU-Japan Centre Directory of Sources of Japanese Information. 1995. 248 pp.
Publisher: The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Phone: 81-33-221-6161, Fax: 81-33-221-6226
Kompass Japan Directory.
Publisher: Kompass Japan Agency
Phone: 81-33-3357-8871, Fax: 81-33-3351-4020
Standard Trade Index of Japan. Annual. 1,400 pp.
Publisher: The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Phone: 81-33-3435-4785, Fax: 81-33-3578-6622
Statistics
Census of Commerce, Report by Commodities. Annual, in November. 771 pp.
Publisher: Printing Bureau of Ministry and Finance
Phone: 81-33-3587-4444, Fax: 81-33-3587-1232
Census of Manufacturers, Report by Commodities. Annual, in June. 512 pp.
Publisher: Printing Bureau of Ministry of Finance
Phone: 81-33-3587-4302, Fax: 81-33-3582-3658
Industrial Statistics Monthly. Monthly.
Publisher: Research Institute of International Trade and Industry
Phone: 81-33-3535-4881, Fax: 81-33-3535-4884
Japan Exports & Imports. Monthly. "Commodity by Country" 1,630 pp., "Country by Commodity" 1,040 pp.
Publisher: Japan Tariff Association
Phone: 81-33-3263-7221, Fax: 81-33-3263-7421
Japan Statistical Yearbook. Annual, in December. 840 pp.
Publisher: Japan Statistical Association and the Mainichi Newspapers
Phone: 81-33-5273-1136, Fax: 03-3203-8358
Statistical Handbook of Japan. Annual, in May. 180 pp.
Publisher: Japan Statistical Association
Phone: 03-5273-1136, Fax: 81-33-3203-8358
Statistics on Japanese Industries. Annual, in March. 200 pp.
Publisher: International Trade and Industry Statistics Association
Phone: 81-33-3561-2974, Fax: 81-33-3561-5212
Yearbooks
Japan Almanac. Annual, in October. 327 pp.
Publisher: Asahi shimbun
Phone: 81-33-5540-7793, Fax: 81-33-5540-7845
Japan Economic Almanac. Annual, in February. 265 pp.
Publisher: The Nikkei Weekly
Phone: 81-33-3219-6588, Fax: 81-33-3219-6575
Japan, An International Comparison. Annual, in December. 105 pp.
Publisher: Keizai Koho Center
Phone: 81-33-3201-1415, Fax: 81-33-3201-1418
Japan Marketing and Advertising Yearbook. Annual. 367 pp.
Publisher: Dentsu Inc.
Phone: 81-33-3544-5585 (Editorial), Fax: 81-33-3544-0496
Nippon Business Facts & Figures. Annual, in May. 160 pp.
Publisher: JETRO
Phone: 81-33-3582-3518, Fax: 81-33-3587-2485
Corporate Information
Asian Markets: A Guide to Company and Industry Information Sources. 1996.
487 pp.
Publisher: Washington Researchers
Phone: 202-333-3499, Fax: 202-625-0656
Diamond's Japan Business Directory. Annual, in June. 1,600 pp.
Publisher: Diamond Lead Co., Ltd.
Phone: 81-33-3504-6790, Fax: 81-33-3504-6798
Industrial Groupings in Japan - The Anatomy of the Keiretsu. Every other year, in November. 730 pp.
Publisher: Dodwell Marketing Consultants
Phone: 81-33-3589-0207, Fax: 81-33-3589-0516
Japan Company Datafile. Annual. 1248 pp.
Publisher: Toyo Keizai Inc.
Phone: 212-949-6737, Fax: 212-949-6648 (Toyo Keizai
America Inc.)
Japan Company Handbook. First Section and Second Section (2 vol.). Quarterly, in January, April, July, and October.
Publisher: Toyo Keizai Inc.
Phone: 212-949-6737, Fax: 212-949-6648 (Toyo Keizai
America Inc.)
Books
Access Nippon: Business Handbook, How to Succeed in Japan. 1994. 440 pp.
Publisher: The Reference Press
Phone: 512-454-7778, Fax: 512-454-9401
Accessing Japanese S&T Information Without Leaving Home. 1995. 150 pp.
Publisher: Japanese Information Access Project (JIAP)
Phone: 202-822-6040, Fax: 202-822-6044
A Guide to Doing Business in Japan. 1996.
Publisher: American Chamber of Commerce in Japan and the US Embassy in Japan
Phone: 800-526-2778
A Guide to Exporting to Japan. 1995. 113 pp.
Publisher: The International Division of the US Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 202-463-5460, Fax: 202-463-3114
Destination Japan: A Business Guide for the '90s. 1994, 112 pp.
Publisher: Japan Export Information Center (JEIC), US Department of Commerce
Phone: 202-482-0469, Fax: 202-482-0469
Doing Business in Japan. 1992. 70 pp.
Publisher: Actus Consulting Inc.
Phone: 81-33-3352-7600, Fax: 81-33-3353-0080
Doing Business in Japan. 1991. 128 pp.
Publisher: Ernst & Young
Phone: 81-33-3238-2710, Fax: 81-33-3238-2724
Doing Business in Japan. 1989. 244 pp.
Publisher: Price Waterhouse
Phone: 212-371-2000, Fax: 212-688-5460
Employment Practices of American Companies in Japan. 1991. 46 pp.
Publisher: American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)
Phone: 81-33-3433-5381, Fax: 81-33-3436-1446
Exporting to Japan. 1989. 57 pp.
Publisher: American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)
Phone: 81-33-3433-5381, Fax: 81-33-3436-1446
Finding a Home in Tokyo. 1991.
Publisher: American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)
Phone: 81-33-3433-5381, Fax: 81-33-3436-1446
Guide to Investment in Japan: A Comprehensive Outline for Successful Entry by a Foreign Company into One of the World's Most Dynamic Markets. 1991. 151 pp.
Publisher: The Industrial Bank of Japan Industrial Research Department
Phone: 202-835-0455, Fax: 202-835-0454
Inside Washington & Tokyo: A Business Guide to US & Japanese Government Assistance by William A. Delphos. 1993. 154 pp.
Publisher: Venture Publishing
Phone: 202-205-6720, Fax: 202-205-7272
Introduction to Standards, Certification, and Other Regulations in Japan. 1994. 189 pp.
Publisher: Office of Trade and Investment, Economic Planning Agency, USG. Corporation
Phone: 808-942-1661, Fax: 808-942-1663
Living in Japan. 1993.
Publisher: American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)
Phone: 81-33-3433-5381, Fax: 81-33-3436-1446
Setting Up an Office in Japan. 1993.
Publisher: American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)
Phone: 81-33-3433-5381, Fax: 81-33-3436-1446
Setting Up and Operating a Business in Japan by Helen Thian. 1988. 300 pp.
Publisher: Charles E. Tuttle & Co.
Phone: 81-33-3811-7741, Fax: 81-33-5689-4926
The 'No-Nonsense' Guide to Doing Business in Japan by Jon Woronoff. 1991. 177pp.
Publisher: Yohan Publications, Inc.
Phone: 81-33-3204-1758, Fax: 81-33-3209-0288
Trade and Investment in Japan: The Current Environment. 140 pp.
Publisher: American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)
Phone: 81-33-3433-5381, Fax: 81-33-3436-1446
White Paper on International Trade. Annual.
Publisher: Ministry of International Trade and Industry
Phone: 81-33-3501-1511
US - Japan Trade White Paper. Annual.
Publisher: American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)
Phone: 81-33-3433-5381, Fax: 81-33-3436-1446
Magazines
ACCJ Journal. Monthly Periodical.
Publisher: American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)
Publisher: 81-33-3433-5381, Fax: 81-33-3436,1446
Diamond Industria. Monthly Periodical.
Publisher: Diamond Lead Co., Ltd.
Phone: 81-33-3504-6790, Fax: 81-33-3504-6798
Far Eastern Economic Review. Weekly Periodical.
Publisher: Review Publishing Company, Ltd., Dow Jones & Co.
Phone: 2508-4338, Fax: 708-228-0677
Japan International Journal. Monthly Periodical.
Publisher: Business World Corp.
Phone: 81-33-3449-1321, Fax: 81-33-3442-0217
Japan Quarterly. Quarterly.
Publisher: Asahi Shimbun
Phone: 81-33-5540-7793, Fax: 81-33-5540-7845
Tokyo Business Today. Monthly Periodical.
Publisher: Toyo Keizai Inc.
Phone: 212-949-6737, Fax: 212-949-6648 (Toyo Keizai
America Inc.)
Below is a compilation of public and private organizations
both who provide assistance to businesses wishing to learn more
about, and ultimately penetrate, the Japanese market. In fact,
many of the publications and internet sites listed above were
created by the groups below.
American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ)
Bridgestone Toranomon Building, 5th Floor
3-25-2 Toranomon
Minato-ku, Tokyo 105, Japan
Phone: 81-33-433-5381
Fax: 81-33-436-1446
Mr. Charles Duffy, Executive Director
Export-Import Bank of Japan (JExim)
2000 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 3350
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: 202-331-8547, Fax: 202-775-1990
Mr. Yoshito Miyairi, Chief Representative
Indiana Department of Commerce
International Trade Division
One North Capitol, Suite 700
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2288
Phone: 317-232-8909, Fax: 317-233-1680
Mr. Dan Drexler, Asia Specialist
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Representative to the State of Indiana, USA
Indiana Department of Commerce, International Trade Division
One North Capitol, Suite 700
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2288
Phone: 317-232-8851, Fax: 317-233-1680
Mr. Shizuhisa "Eddy" Takumyo, Representative
Japan Information Access Project (JIAP)
2000 P Street, NW, Suite 620
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-822-6040, Fax: 202-822-6044
Ms. Mindy L. Kotler, Director
Japan-America Cooperation Committee
Japan-America Chamber of Commerce and Industry Cooperation Secretariat
c/o International Department
Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry
3-2-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100, Japan
Phone: 81-33-283-7609, Fax: 81-33-216-6497
Japan America Society of Indiana, Inc.
Merchants Bank Building
11 South Meridian St., Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46204-2491
Phone: 317-635-0123, Fax: 317-6351452
Ms. Theresa Kulczak, Executive Director
Japan Development Bank (JDB)
1101 17th St., NW, Suite 1001
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-331-8696, Fax: 202-293-2932
Keidanren
Keizai Koho Center
Japan Business Information Center
145 West 57th St, 20th Floor
New York, New York 10019
Phone: 212-489-6206, Fax: 212-489-6211
Mr. Leo A. Shinozaki, Director
National Association of Japan-America Societies of the United States, Inc. (NJAS)
333 East 47th Street
New York, NY 10017
Mr. Robert Marra, President
US Embassy in Japan
US & Foreign Commercial Service
1-10-5 Akasaka
Minato-ku, Tokyo 107, Japan
Phone: 81-33-224-5060
Fax: 81-33-589-4235
Mr. George Mu, Commercial Minister Councilor
US & Foreign Commercial Service (US&FCS)
US Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration
Indiana District Office
11405 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 106
Carmel, IN 46032
Phone: 317-582-2300, Fax: 317-582-2301
Mr. Dan Swart, Director