Land of the Rising Sun

I. Abstract

Japan is known to be the land of the rising sun. From the delicious food like ramen, katsu, sushi, tempura among the most famous to the technological advances that they share, Japan sure has a lot to take part in sharing their rich culture around the world. As it develops most of its most advanced technologies around the world, I plan to study the feasibility and sustainability of a Japanese product that has been introduced in the U.S. but does not get the favorable market appreciation as compared in Japan. With the help of analysis in the political, economical, social, and technological background of Japan, comparing it to the United States’ current analysis of this factors will help understand the current reception of TOTO bidet toilets and how to manage a marketing team with difference in culture between Japanese and Americans.

II. PEST Analysis: Japan

Politics in Japan

Japan is currently under a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. Current head of the state is Emperor Akihito. He assumed the position after his father, Emperor Hirohito, last 1989. The emperor basically does not have any political power but his influence among the people of Japan is one to be the most respected. The Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, is the head of the government and legislative sector, which branches out to executive sectors (BBC News, 2016).

From history, Japan has been involved in wars in the past including the World War II. There have been many controversies regarding the involvement of Japan in this war. At present, they are clearing their name by forming alliances and mutual relationships with different nations around the globe. Among the few world organizations they are part of are Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), and Asia-Pacific Economic Power (APEC), which the United States is also a part of. Their effort to build diplomatic relationships with other nations also brings about international relations that make trading easier for nations.

Economics in Japan

The top economies of the world include United States, China, and Japan, in that order. Japan considers itself to be one of the major traders in international business. Their main exports include the automobiles from automotive giants like Toyota who is currently dominating the global automotive sales. Because of massive exports all over the world, they are recording huge amount of surplus with Y692.84 billion [or $6.84 billion] (Husna, 2016). With this figures, it seems that the Japanese economy will continue to export existing goods and maybe even new goods across the world.

For the longest time, Japan has significantly lowered the value of their currency as compared to their major trading partners like the United States [dollar]. This probably is one of the main reasons as to why exports are also increasing year after year for the Japanese economy (The Economist, 2014).

Social Environment in Japan

Japan is mainly a homogeneous society. They have strong regard for belongingness in a group and national identity. They usually find themselves together with their fellow Japanese in or outside the land of the rising sun.