Japanese Market - Info

Currency: Yen (JPY)

　

Working climate

• Visiting cards should be exchanged at the start of the meeting. The eldest and highest-placed person presents their card first.

• It is customary to bend forward slightly, holding the card in both hands.

What to do and what not to do

• Take an interpreter. Japanese people will be more receptive to discussions in their own language.

• Present your products in an organised manner.

• Be available and do not keep your client waiting.

Trends

• The prêt-à-porter sector is growing rapidly on the accessories market, with Japanese people becoming increasingly brand aware.

• In the fashion jewellery sector, inexpensive Japanese copies of fine jewellery are decreasing in popularity. The use of precious metals is becoming more widespread, whilst Japanese and foreign creators are focussing on design.

• In Japan, hats are becoming a fashion accessory for 20 to 30 year old women and for elderly women.

• Foulards, scarves and wraps are not in high demand in Japan, due to the boom in the silk scarf sector at the end of the nineties.

• The Japanese don't tend to make copies of products like they do in in China. They appreciate colours. French savoir-faire is important, but will not sell a product in itself. Products need to be innovative. Being "made in France" is not enough, because competition is harsh and the market has evolved enormously.