How Japan’s Pop Culture Drives Business Trends?
If you’re thinking about doing business in Japan, you’ve got to know about its pop culture. Anime and J-pop aren’t just fun and games; they can tell us a lot about the preferences and buying habits of Japanese consumers.
Let’s explore how anime and J-pop can help you understand the Japanese market.
Anime – A Cultural Phenomenon
Anime covers a range of genres and appeals to various age groups. From slice-of-life to action-packed tales, anime series can influence fashion, merchandise, and even food trends in Japan.
– Merchandising: Successful anime often sees a wave of associated merchandise – figures, clothing, and even themed cafes. Aligning with a trending anime could mean your product flies off the shelves.
– Limited Editions: Brands often collaborate to release limited-edition items based on anime themes. If you wish to enter the Japanese market, you must explore if your product has an anime twist.
Did You Know?
Recently, The Van Gogh Museum announced a collaboration with the Pokémon company, and the fans went wild!
They released a special Pokémon card showing Pikachu in a hat just like the famous artist, Vincent Van Gogh. The goodies were supposed to be for kids at this special museum event. But the excited fans grabbed them all super quickly—before many people even heard they were available.
This shows how many people worldwide adore Japan’s pop culture.
J-POP: Setting the Beat for Trends
J-pop often set fashion trends. Notice the hairstyles, clothes, or accessories in J-pop music videos? They can quickly become sought-after items.
– Concert Merchandise: J-pop concerts are all about the shopping experiences. Fans often buy exclusive goods during these events. Partnering with artists for special merchandise could be a lucrative venture.
– Brand Ambassadors: J-pop artists are influential. Having a J-pop star endorse your product could significantly boost its appeal in the Japanese market.
Examples from the Global Giants
1. Netflix
One of the popular examples in recent times is Netflix signing off deals with major Japanese anime studios. They have produced original series and licensed existing ones for global distribution. Shows like “Devilman Crybaby,” “Aggretsuko,” and “Beastars” are just a few examples of Netflix’s deep dive into anime culture. Netflix has also ventured into J-Pop and Japanese dramas which often feature Japanese stars. This helps them tap into the existing fan base of these artists, making their shows more appealing to the Japanese audience.
2. Adidas
In 2018, Adidas launched a colllaboration with the popular anime and manga series “Dragon Ball Z.” This collaboration saw the release of a series of sneakers inspired by the main characters of the show. Each sneaker was designed to reflect the characteristics and colors of iconic characters like Goku, Frieza, and Vegeta. The collection was met with significant fanfare not just in Japan but globally, showcasing the wide-reaching influence of anime.
3. KitKat
KitKat Japan released limited packaging that drew inspiration from the anime world. This move was designed to catch the eye of both anime fans and those who appreciate contemporary Japanese art styles.
Navigating the Japanese Market with COVUE
Breaking into the Japanese market can be challenging, but with a grasp on its vibrant pop culture and the right partner, rewards can be significant. At COVUE, we specialize in guiding businesses like yours in Japan, ensuring you align with the most influential trends and preferences.