When working with Japanese companies, meetings are not just places to exchange information — they are critical trust-building mechanisms . Many international firms underestimate this, leading to frustration, slow progress, or missed opportunities. Understanding how meetings function in a Japanese business context can dramatically improve the chances of successful collaboration. 1. Meetings Are for Alignment, Not Debate In many Western business cultures, meetings are used to d

Japan’s entertainment industry is not one “sector” so much as a tightly connected ecosystem of games, anime, film, music, publishing, and live experiences —all built around IP that can travel globally. Even when you look only at a few measurable pillars, the numbers are already huge: Anime : Japan’s animation industry generated ¥3.84 trillion in 2024  (a record), boosted by overseas demand and licensing. Video games (consumer spending in Japan) : ¥2.4 trillion in 2024 , also

Japan remains one of the most important markets in today’s global economy. Despite discussions about its ageing population and slower growth compared to emerging markets, Japan is still the world’s third-largest economy, with unmatched stability, advanced infrastructure, and strong purchasing power. For international companies looking to expand, Japan provides both unique challenges and unparalleled opportunities. One of Japan’s key strengths lies in its culture of innovation