Explore Japan’s rich culture, customs, and consumer behaviour to learn how your brand can effectively connect with local customers and succeed in the market
Japan’s Culture, Customs & Consumer Behaviour
Japan is a highly developed country with a unique culture, customs, and consumer behaviour. Understanding and catering to these factors are essential for businesses seeking to enter the Japanese market successfully.
Japan’s culture is rooted in tradition and social norms, such as the concept of “wa” or harmony. Respect for hierarchy and authority, gift-giving etiquette, and attention to detail are also critical cultural considerations.
Japanese consumers are highly discerning, seeking quality and reliability in products and services. They are also highly influenced by popular trends, and word-of-mouth recommendations carry significant weight in purchasing decisions.
How translation and localisation can help you better engage with the local audience in Japan
Translation and localisation to the Japanese market can help businesses achieve better engagement with the local audience by adapting their messaging and branding to resonate with Japanese cultural values and preferences.
Localising content, such as product descriptions and advertising campaigns, to Japanese language and cultural nuances is crucial for building trust and loyalty with consumers. For example, Coca-Cola’s “This is Coca-Cola” campaign in Japan effectively used localisation to appeal to Japanese consumers’ unique tastes and preferences, by showcasing the different ways that Japanese people enjoy Coca-Cola, such as pouring it over ice cream or mixing it with hot coffee.
In addition to language and cultural localisation, understanding Japan’s digital landscape is also crucial for effective engagement. Japanese consumers have distinct digital preferences, with high adoption rates of social media platforms such as Line and Twitter, and a preference for mobile-first experiences. Therefore, ensuring digital content and platforms are optimised for Japanese users is essential for reaching and engaging with this audience.
By investing in translation and localisation efforts, businesses can build a strong presence in Japan’s competitive market and establish meaningful connections with Japanese consumers.
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