All You Need To Succeed in Japan ... For Free!

Published Biweekly by
Richard Posner

Website
http://www.successinjapan.com 

Contact Us
newsletter@successinjapan.com 

Thoughts From Above And Below

Self-Effacing Japanese

Accepting compliments proudly yet graciously is not a strong suit of the Japanese people.  They - and I don't take the use of  they lightly - will usually deflect or deny their efforts or skills when praise is given.

It is not for me to judge the good or bad of the Japanese character because it serves no purpose.  It just is.

Yet if you want to live or work here, you must understand this societal modesty for what it is:  an attempt to suppress one-upmanship in order to insure stability and cooperation in all aspects of life.

In the United States, coaches and motivators teach us that accepting praise graciously is an integral factor in developing-self-confidence.

While I would tend to agree with this notion on a personal level and I do practice it in my own stealthy way in Japan, the golden rule for success here is to develop sincere modesty and deflect praise to the person giving it.

While that is a hard pill to swallow for many readers of this newsletter - and even though this self-effacing character is slowly dissipating among the young here - by and large you will do monumentally better in all affairs with a little bit of humility.

After all, you become better, more efficient, and more successful by learning how to place the blame on yourself when things go wrong while sharing the victory with all players when things are going swimmingly well.

That might be a bitter pill to swallow if you like to toot your horn and bathe in others' praise of you, but keep your eye on the ball.  The ball is successful communication and bundles' of cash in the bank as well. 

TAKE THE TEST AND BECOME YOUR BEST!

Japan Niche Opportunity of the Week

 The Stage

Japan  does have a lot of musicians, though few of them reach worldwide audiences.  Music clubs are scattered throughout the archipelago.  According to a blog entry I read, there are an incredible number of guitar clubs and societies in Japan.  Some are university guitar clubs, work-based groups, hobby clubs, guitar class-based groups, etc. It's said most of Japan's high schools and college/universities have guitar clubs and some have more than 100 members.

Moreover, I was astounded that one of my friends, an executive with a major electronics firm, had just purchased a made-to-order classical guitar from an English maker for a cool 1,300,000 yen (US$13,727)!

He got it through his teacher at a workshop.  Many local brokers visit such guitar schools around Japan.  Though the high-end guitars may seem exorbitantly expensive to the novice or non-player, to a rabid player/enthusiast the purchase is a pleasure worthy of financial sacrifice.

The Opportunity

Guitar clubs, violin clubs, and assorted other musical instrument clubs and bands are frequented by people with passion for their music and their instruments.  Instruments of any quality command a hefty price here and there are many people ready and willing to but quality instruments and cross-sells.

Almost every university has such clubs, and soliciting to them as a broker (with an interpreter in tow, on occasion)  for the best guitars, violins, etc. from your country could be a great side business.  Japanese, in regards to guitar, think of Spain (first), Italy, England, and other EU countries when it comes to purchasing quality instruments.

It is essential, however, to be more than a flogger.  You must have knowledge and passion to convince skeptical Japanese that you offer the quintessential products from your country.  But at such high prices, it's worth your effort to develop your product and sales acumen to the maximum.

Also, you could also sign up with a comprehensive affiliate program marketing instruments and accessories (but having no Japanese translation) and offer a variety of products when selling your classical instruments as a broker. You would need to have someone make a nice catalogue with Japanese translations to make this concept work.  Once the order is made by the Japanese customer, you could get the payment for the accessories through PayPal. 

Do You Want to Introduce Your Product or Service in Japan?  Looking for partners?  CLICK HERE.　

Empowering Japan Resources

Fashion Houses & Designers

In recent years Japan has become a center of fashion, especially for the under-30 crowd.  Go to downtown Tokyo on a workday and almost every female office worker will be wearing neat, designer clothes and accessories.

The reason that is probably true is people have money and fashion-model thin and petite bodies suitable for the latest designer clothing.

Listed below are some of the main designer houses and outlets and notable Japanese fashion designers with whom you could collaborate.

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Daiwa Scholarships

The Daiwa Scholarship is a unique 19-month program of language study, work placement and homestay in Japan.

Daiwa Scholarships offer young and talented UK citizens with strong leadership potential, the opportunity to acquire Japanese language skills, and to access expertise and knowledge relevant to their career goals.  (more)

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Setting Up Shop in Tokyo

The Japan External Trade Association has created a comprehensive guide for foreigners wanting to start a business in Japan.  It can be read by CLICKING HERE.  Another great resource for such matters is produced in SmallBizJapan Yahoo Group moderated by a noted Japanese lawyer.  Go to SmallBizJapan Yahoo.

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Software for Japan Business

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Copy Cats Can Cash In on Samurai Underwear

A year ago I brought my American cousin a pair of toe socks from Japan.  She fell in love with them, although I was not sure why she felt that way.

Recently, I came across a similar fashion that I think could be copied.  Samurai underwear, manufactured by Rogin, has caught fire in Tokyo.  It's becoming a gift of choice for young women buying something for their boyfriend or hubby.  Take a look:

Can you see the potential in your native land?  You should!

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When Cooking Oil Turns Rancid

I love recycle-oriented businesses because they reveal ingenuity and a sense of public responsibility.

Tokyo candlemaker Filt doesn't have to go far to find their raw materials: they're located directly above Chubby, a cafe that's happy to hand over its used cooking oil to Filt, which carefully filters the oil to remove odors and sediment. After adding pigments and a vanilla scent, the filtered oil is poured into glass jars that the company collects from local recycling bins.

The candles come in various sizes and—despite their humble origins—sell for JPY 2,000–3,600 (USD 20–36) at local boutiques and at Chubby, which also uses the candles on its own tables.

This Week's Challenge

Just Five More Minutes
By: Author Unknown
 

While at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench near a playground.

Give someone you love 5 more minutes of your time today!