Abstract This paper begins by examining the broad issue of trade that affects the United States and Japan today. The paper then takes a look at the cultural and historical factors that have led to Japanese dominance in business. Finally, the paper considers how the Japanese gains in automobile market share have affected the United States and the world economy, as well as the problems and the opportunities facing business in an international setting given these circumstances.
From the Paper "The United States and Japan have an interesting relationship. It was not so long ago that Japan was the sworn enemy of the United States, intent on the downfall of the United States. It was Japan that destroyed Pearl Harbor, dragging the United States into World War II. The fighting in Europe was intense, but fighting in the Pacific was more arduous, filled with more danger, against an enemy whose cruelty seemed to know no bounds. Stories of the war that fill high school history textbooks include the Japanese basically going on suicide, or Kamikaze missions to destroy U.S. naval power. The books tell a story of soldiers who buried POW's in the sand up to their necks, propped the POW's mouths open with sticks, and allowed local ants and other insects to feed on the soft tissue of the POW's mouths and throats. In response to this threat, the United States dropped nuclear weapons on two of Japan's cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It was after the Japanese surrender that the relationship between the two countries became really interesting."
Tags: sony honda toyota mitsubishi, acurajapanesedumpingproducts non-tariffbarriers
Abstract This paper examines how distribution has often been considered the most effective non-tariffbarrier to the Japanese market and how the distribution system in Japan is vastly different from its American and European counterparts. It discusses the evolution of the Japanese distribution system, its distinguishing features, methods of successfully penetrating the Japanese market and the future outlook for the system.
Outline
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Evolution of the System
3.0 Features of the System
3.1 High Density of Middlemen
3.2 Channel Control
3.3 Business Philosophy & Culture
3.4 Large-Scale Retail Store Law
3.5 Price and Return System
3.6 Distribution Keiretsu
4.0 Overcoming the Japanese Distribution System
4.1 Successes in Japan
4.2 Failures in Japan
5.0 The Future of the System
Endnotes
From the Paper "The complex distribution system in Japan has evolved for numerous reasons. Following the Second World War, there were no large stores selling products. The average Japanese consumer did not possess enough financial resources to purchase more than the bare necessities provided by small, localized shops. Due to citizen demand, the Japanese government opted to support these small stores. As a result, the distribution system was forced to cater to the localized shops. The Japanese government even enacted the Large-Scale Retail Store Law to ensure the continued survival of the small stores. Japanese consumers also prefer to purchase fresh goods, and possess limited storage space for bulk shopping. This further promotes the longevity of small stores and the necessary distribution chains."
Abstract This paper explains that tariffs, which are taxes on imports of commodities into a country or area, (1) supply income for the government and (2) are extensively used to defend domestic manufacturer's profits from overseas opposition; however, this defense comes at an economic cost to domestic consumers who pay higher prices for import competing goods and to the financial system as a whole. The author points out that, since 1948, when average tariffs on manufactured goods reached 30 percent in most developed economies, these economies sought to reduce tariffs on manufactured goods through numerous rounds of discussions under the General Agreement on Tariffs Trade (GATT). The paper relates that many non-tariffbarriers, such as administrative refinement (arbitrary tariff classification), quantitative limitations (quotas and embargoes) and customs management (uplifting invoice value) are especially damaging to exports from developing countries especially the least developed countries.
From the Paper "Economists and trade experts have been trying to certificate the occurrence of NTBs and are also struggling with the trickier task of shaping the particular financial consequence of a number of national or restricted requirements and regulations on limiting imports. Non-tariff barriers may comprise anti-dumping measures, new technological standards applied to imports, innovative security regulations, altered hygienic necessities, or more challenging procedures for import licensing and customs clearance. Experts say it can be tricky to differentiate among legitimate measures taken by industrialized countries to protect public health and promote consumer safety and regulations that abuse free-trade principles and unjustly limit imports."
Abstract This paper discusses both the visible and invisible barriers that exist to free trade. It suggests that the international mood is in favor, not simply of quota and tariff reductions, but also the elimination of less obvious barriers to free trade. The paper describes these barriers and their potential benefits and then discusses the implications of removing all barriers to trade.
From the Paper "Of course, consumers knowing the country of origin of Toyota vehicles have done little to harm the dominance of that car over traditional American manufacturers like GM and Ford. But in some instances, if a particular nation has received bad press regarding its labor practices, mandatory labeling as an imported good might act as an additional invisible trade barrier. Also, if a nation is being subject to a particularly damaging round of international publicity regarding other aspects of its international policy, this may lead to a boycott of the nation's goods, and thus invisible tariffs can be constructed through simply the apparently innocuous policy of labeling nation's country of origin, in the supposed interest of consumer information."
This paper is a marketing analysis for the introduction into Japan of established, technologically superior sanitation products from the United States.
Abstract The paper explains that the United States? sanitation company wants to extend its market into Japan because the product demand for sanitation products is large, thus providing an opportunity for better profits. The author believes that the language problem is a strong marketing barrier and that there are many local products. The paper states that the company might face import problems because the government in Japan would certainly introduce some kinds of taxes, which would discourage people from importing these products from the United States or any other foreign country.
Table of Contents
Introduction
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
Marketing Plan
Synchronizing with the Market Realities
Export and Product Deployment
Assigning Distributors and Dealers
Market Penetration
Advertisement
Intellectual Right
Conclusion
From the Paper "Even though the company is proficient in retail as well as direct marketing, there will be a definite change in scenario once the operation shifts to Japan. The company, as its first steps, has to ensure that the exports to Japan happen in a smooth manner. Before the actual commencement of exports, the company must ensure that its products are produced in the right quantity and is exported according to the needs of the Japanese market. Any problems with logistics or misinterpreting the demand dynamics in the Japanese market could create a lot of problem for the company and result in losses."
Abstract This paper focuses on the significance of the mutual recognition principle for the integration of the European Union. The first part introduces the concepts of standardization, harmonization and mutual recognition. Special attention is paid to the practical implementation of the principle - what are its contributions to the free movement of goods in the EU internal market and therefore EU economy. The second part analyzes costs and benefits of mutual recognition from the regulatory perspective and shows the reallocations of regulatory powers within the EU two-level system of regulations under the mutual recognition regime. Finally, the paper discusses mutual recognition in the EU external trade and finds that a harmonization tendency persists as well in the EU trade with third countries, in respect to mutual recognition agreements.
Outline:
Introduction
Basic Concepts
Understanding the Internal Market
Barriers to Trade
Old and New Approach
Old Approach - Harmonization
Standards
CE Marking
New Approach - Mutual Recognition plus Harmonization
Mutual Recognition
How Entrepreneurs can defend themselves
Output
Mutual Recognition - Regulatory View
Development of MR regime
Controversy of the MR principle
Output
Mutual Recognition Agreements
Conclusion
Bibliography
On the basis of the conducted analysis of the principle of mutual recognition of product standards, the conclusion will concentrate on the impact of the mutual recognition principle for the EU integration and present the EU's new approach to better regulation.
From the Paper "Internal market (or the single market) was formed through an agreement between a number of European countries to put trade barriers down. Internal market is considered to be one of the most significant symbols of the European integration. Removal of customs barriers among the EU member states and mutual recognition of goods and service standards were important steps to create a properly functioning internal market. Trade tariffs and customs barriers are eliminated in the internal market. Trading became easier for the companies as they have to deal with less export bureaucracy. Internal market is beneficial for the business across Europe as firms are able to expand their markets after the establishment of the internal market."
Abstract The following paper will explore a U.S. product or service that is extensively traded internationally. The paper will analyze whether the product has a comparative advantage and why. The paper will also assess what trade barriers exist and why, and the impact that the trade barriers have on the product. Further analysis will be conducted as to the percentage of U.S. trade that is involved in the product or service; and the United States' current account surplus or deficit in the produce or service.
Abstract This paper discusses how the Japanese-American bio-pharmaceutical industry represents an ongoing international effort between the two top pharmaceutical markets in the world. It looks at why a number of pharmaceutical products that are currently available to U.S. residents are unavailable to Japanese consumers and how from a humanitarian perspective, this discrepancy denies access to life-enhancing and life-saving drugs to the Japanese population. It proposes a study to evaluate how the United States and Japan can work collaboratively to optimize the availability of ethical pharmaceuticals so that every American and Japanese citizen is permitted free access to life-enhancing and life-saving drugs.
Outline
List of Tables
List of Figures
Chapters
1.Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Importance of the Problem
Definition of Terms
Limitations and Delimitations
2.Review of the Literature
1990 to 1996
1997 to 2002
3.Methodology
Research Design
The Hypothesis
Special Tests
Statistical Procedures Used
Data Gathering
Population Descriptions
4. Results
Statement of the Results
Tables
Charts
Figures
Statistical Findings
5.Summary
Conclusions
Supporting Findings
Contradicting Findings
Recommendations
Additional Research
Implications for Revising the Current Body of Knowledge
Change in Related Practices
Appendices
From the Paper "Regardless of the strategic tools that are utilized for a meaningful entry into U.S. markets as well as growth, Japanese firms must increasingly rely on local staff. Depending on local staff to manage their business, and providing those managers with sufficient opportunities and incentives, is a management challenge that Japanese pharmaceutical manufacturers have yet to overcome, especially in the United States. This will require a modification of management methods throughout the firm, including domestic headquarters. Such changes will be slow and will be resisted; we expect the issue of bicultural management to be a struggle for most Japanese pharmaceutical firms throughout the 1990s. This "people issue" also involves a number of organizational matters that many of these firms are now attempting to manage."
Abstract In the article, the writer provides an in-depth research study on the Tariff of 1828, known as the Tariff of Abominations. The writer discusses that this tariff was a significant precursor to Southern secession and the Civil War. The writer also discusses this tariff as an important indicator of the rise of Jacksonian democracy in America.
From the Paper "The Civil War and the secession of the Southern states that preceded it is most often seen as the most significant rebellion against the federal government in American history. The decades prior to Civil War however are just as significant as the sectionalist battles that raged and nearly broke apart the Union. One of the key issues during this period that incited debate between federalism and state sovereignty was the so-called Tariff of Abominations."
Tags:tariff of abominations, civil war, states' rights, secession, nullification, andrew jackson, calhoun, tariff of 1828
Abstract This paper explains that pop music in Japan, referred to as kayokuoku, is an area in which it was very difficult for women singers to be successful until recently. The author points out that many Japanese pop vocalists, groomed by production companies, often did not develop their own material, whereas, most modern Western female vocalists now develop their own lyrics, which often tell tales of love, lust, and individuality. The paper relates that Japanese female performers work to build intimacy with their audience, participating in "handshaking ceremonies" designed to encourage intimacy between fans and performers.
From the Paper "Japanese jazz and pop female performers are currently undergoing a revolution of sorts. Most especially in the area of popular music, women are "no longer bound by the whims of male songwriters" and many women vocalists are offering women new ways to view themselves and their relationships. Many women are pushing new cultural norms, especially that of a more independent woman, into the themes of the music they produce. A majority of female singers include lyrics in their songs that relate to their desires to express themselves and to be independent. This theme is also very common among American female jazz and pop vocalists."
Tags: songwriter, material, intimacy, kayokuoku, production
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that social networking through such sites as MySpace and Facebook has become a popular and spreading interest in the United States. Such online contexts for community and group orientation and networking have originated in the U.S. and have generated remarkable success and innovative application there. The writer looks at how language barriers and cultural differences affect marketing efforts in different countries. The writer discusses that China is a market context where challenges are specific and dominant due both to the dramatic distinction between the Chinese language and Romantic or Latin-based tongues and due to China's isolated and distinctly defined cultural nature. The writer then discusses an approach to introducing a product like the iPod to Egypt, a country that is somewhat modernized but still characterized by many of the cultural distinctions of its region.
From the Paper "In both of these, we consider that there is a real and difficult obstruction for organizations seeking to establish a meaningful identity.
"In consideration of the example of Foster's beer, for one, we are given a narrative detailing a long and difficult process by which the Australian beer distributor was eventually able to penetrate the market. For Foster's, one of the biggest problems was its prior strategic dependence on its name and Australian identity, which are easily and charmingly conveyed in advertisement in America. In a non-English speaking market, this is a harder association to draw. "
Abstract This paper explains the implications of tariffs in general. The author identifies issue of tariffs and quotas such as the increased price of steel. The paper argues against protectionist laws.
From the Paper "According to the International Society for Individual Liberty online, protectionist laws raise taxes called tariffs on imported goods or impose limits or quotas on the amount of goods governments permit to enter into a country. They are laws that not only restrict the choice of consumer goods but also contribute greatly both to the cost of goods and to the cost of doing business. So under protectionism, you end-up poorer with less money for buying other things you ..."
Abstract In this article the writer discusses all about the end of Fordism. The writer then examines the rise of lean production, as pioneered by the Japanese auto manufacturer, Toyota, in the 1950s. The writer describes that this method has since been widely emulated worldwide.
From the Paper "Fordism was the first method of mass production, and it remained the main method of mass production until around 1970. So pervasive was it that Fordism became almost synonymous with capitalism and mass production. However, by 1970 Fordism was in crisis, for a number of reasons. In the automobile industry, there was never any thought of ending mass production - thus, there was no quest for alternatives to mass production. For the auto industry the crisis came down to what other approach to mass production could be used."
Abstract This paper identifies the main barriers to intercultural communication and suggests how barriers might be overcome in order to be an effective international manager. It identifies the main barriers as including misperception, misinterpretation, and misevaluation.
From the Paper "There are certain barriers to intercultural communication. More specifically there are barriers to effective intercultural communication that prevent people from communicating effectively. Learning what these barriers are and how to overcome them will make individuals better communicators and will make international managers far more effective..."
Tags: intercultural communication, effective international manager, misperception, misinterpretation, misevaluation, overcoming barriers misperception cultural accommodation stereotyping, subconscious cultural binders, lack of cultural self-awareness, projecte
Abstract This paper focuses on two chapters from Brett De Bary's translation of 'Origins of Modern Japanese Literature' by Karatani Kojin. This paper introduces a distinctively Japanese regard for landscape in relation to literature, and discusses what Kojin referred to as the 'discovery of Interiority'. The paper reviews these chapters as they are a helpful introduction to other trends in modern Japanese literature before the rise of militarism.The rise in militarism heralded the War in the Pacific that brought the destruction of the Japanese'modern' order as it is known.
From the Paper "Foreign influence of the later 19th century inspired reflection on Japanese literature hitherto shaped by Confucian/Chinese literary culture. Several reformers appeared, esp. Soseki of early 20th century to inspire a strongly Japanese expression; focus on landscape as background for human activity, and conveying of human psychology. Expression then delayed by rise of Japanese militarism in 1920s and 1930s; much of what we understand, now, did not surface strongly till after 1949. Mainly course material references."
