by carterjmrn | Aug 23, 2010 | Uncategorized
One of the hottest product categories this year is that of e-readers, including the explosion of resulting business in the form of the “e-books” and other published materials. Looking at the electronic book market alone, the industry in Japan experienced annual...
by carterjmrn | Jul 19, 2010 | Uncategorized
Several recently-reported successes from both U.S. and Japanese companies illustrate how rapidly Japanese consumers are adapting to the digital world. These market successes range from digital devices to social networking to online sales to electronic money; taken...
by carterjmrn | Jun 14, 2010 | Uncategorized
The anniversary of my arrival in Japan 25 years ago approaches, auspiciously this year on June 25th, and I can’t help but reflect on some of the key changes since 1985. It has been fascinating to observe Japan and Japanese consumers since the champagne-infused “bubble...
by carterjmrn | May 10, 2010 | Uncategorized
After years of being billed as “the world’s 2nd largest economy,” it appears that 2010 may be the year in which Japan’s economy will officially be surpassed by China’s. Since GDP comparisons are made in dollar terms, foreign exchange movements may impact the exact...
by carterjmrn | Apr 5, 2010 | Aging Technology
Japan may be a long way from the 24-hour, drive-through pharmacies that one sees in the U.S., but a recent flurry of activity to create “new types of drugstores” shows that innovation is alive and well. Several large players last year announced their intentions to...
by carterjmrn | Mar 1, 2010 | Uncategorized
I was walking through Takashimaya in Nihombashi last week, and was impressed by its grandeur, efficient staff and presentation of luxury brands. However, I also noted its “emptiness” in terms of number of customers. Department stores, once the bastion of retail...