Japan is an island country located in East Asia with a population of over 127 million people. Tokyo is the capital and largest city of Japan. The country has a highly developed economy and is the third largest in the world, having the second highest GDP. Japan has a monarchical form of government with a constitutional monarchy and the Emperor as the head of state. The country has strong cultural traditions of politeness, respect, and valuing harmony.

1. Japan Jacob Babcock

2. Where in the world is Japan?

4. OverviewCapital – Tokyo 8 regions47 Prefectures Bodies larger than cities, towns, and villagesCurrency1 Dollar = 90.6 Yen3rd most traded after Euro and DollarGlobal Edge.msu.edu

7. HistoryAttack on Pearl Harbor, December 7th, 1945Atomic Bomb - Hiroshima August 7th, 1945Occupied until 1951 under General MacarthurPeace treaty –45 Nations; 1951Ally with U.S. todayGlobaledge.msu.edu

8. Geography4 main IslandsOver 3,000 smaller onesEarthquakes – August 6.78 main areas65 % ForestsMountainsMount FujiCoastlines

10. Natural ResourcesAccess to ocean RiceWoodWheatBarleyOatsApples

11. InfrastructurePorts

12. 128 Major, 951 LocalJapan is known to have some of the most highly developed transportation systems in the world.

13. People

14. Religion2 % ChristianMost consider themselves Buddhist, Shinto, or both.Does not play big role in everyday life.

15. EducationElementary – 6 years Junior High – 3 yearsHigh school – 3 yearsCollegePublic school until Middle SchoolPrivate very popularPlayed big part in economic growth and recovery from WWII

16. LanguagePrimarily JapaneseKonichiwa! Good day, or Good afternoonDo people in Japan speak English?It is a problem - Trying to increase English fluency

17. Values and AttitudesSaving Face Harmony – Work togetherNon verbal CommunicationsHierarachySchools – Address as senior (senpai) or junior (kohai)

18. Public BehaviorMeeting EtiquetteWait to get introduced, bow head slightlyGift GivingVery ritualisticDiningShoes off, Show on time – Toilet slippers!Table mannersWait to be seated, Chopsticks

19. Business DressBe conservative!

20. Men – Business Suits

21. Women – No pants, little or no accessories Business PracticesLow expectationsImpress them!Appointments RequiredListen – eyes closedNon – confrontationalYes or no answersBusiness CardsAddresses Prefecture, Municipal, City District , City Block, House Number

22. Hofstede’s DimensionsHigh MasculinityLow IndividualismHigh Uncertainty AvoidanceCollective culture that avoids risks and have little personal freedom.

23. Major IndustriesMotor VehiclesToyota, Nissan, HondaElectronic EquipmentMachine toolsShipsTextilesTelecommunications Construction

24. Labor Force20 % of Japanese 65 +…40 % by 2055Big concern for futureWill reduce number of workers

25. GovernmentMonarchy – Emperor (Akihito)(Power very limited) -Symbol of the state and unity of the people.Next in line – Prince NaruhitoPrime Minister of Japan - Yukio HatoyamaHouse of Representatives (480 )Prime Minister appointed by Emperor after being designated by the House.

26. Economic IndicatorsWorld’s 2nd largest economy & GDPStrive on relationship with U.S.Recession in 2008 – 2 % GDPJapanGDP (per capita) $34,200Inflation Rate1.4% Ease of Doing Business12/181 Global Competitiveness5/134United StatesGDP (per capita) $46,900Inflation Rate3.8% Ease of Doing Business3/181 Global Competitiveness1/134

27. Economic AlliancesASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)WTO (World Trade Organization)APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation)WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization

28. Intellectual property protectionVery strongThe Patent Law of JapanProtection of Trade SecretsUnfair CompetitionCopyrightsUtility ModelDesign

29. Import RelationsGlobal Imports by JapanMarket Value: 543,884,000

30. Export RelationsGlobal Exports by Japan Market Value: 567,403,000

31. ReccomendationsRisk Rating – A2; Can still improveIndustries with potential growthRoboticsTremendous technologyHospitalsOld age will eventually need more health careWorkforceImmigrantsCoastlinesMaximize use