REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

(for full report, please access our Market Research Library )

Automotive Parts Industry
The automobile industry is Japan’s primary manufacturing sector. Global demand for Japanese autos is virtually certain to grow in the long term on the basis of existing sales networks and future technologies, with emerging economies holding the best growth prospects. Due to the current global economic slowdown, sales of automobiles and auto parts have temporarily dropped precipitously, and as Japan’s traditional purchasing practices are forced to evolve as a result, opportunities for U.S. auto parts manufacturers to conduct business with Japanese auto manufacturers are increasing. Key areas of current market demand include modularization,
environmental technologies (including electric and hybrid systems), and safety. U.S. auto parts manufacturers with state-of-the-art technologies in the areas of "next-generation" transportation systems, transportation safety, traffic accident reduction, theft-resistance, and electronic components should consider entering this market.

Business Aviation Industry
Japan’s business aviation industry is famously underdeveloped considering that the nation has the world’s second largest economy. Graphic depictions of a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) versus its number of registered business aircraft depict Japan as a clear outlier. Reasons for this include the heavy promotion and protection of the rail and passenger airline industries, and an extraordinarily risk-averse and anti-entrepreneurial regulatory environment.

Motorcycle Industry
Favorable trends in the Japanese motorcycle market present an opportunity for U.S. motorcycle manufacturers. While overall Japan motorcycle sales have remained flat in recent years, statistics show that there is a trend toward an increase in the market for motorcycles with larger displacement.

Aerospace Industry Market Brief
Japan offers a lucrative market for imported aircraft, aircraft parts, and engines. Thanks to long-term relationships (some spanning 50 years or more) with domestic manufacturers and trading firms, U.S. firms have an overwhelming presence in the market. U.S. firms are presented with ever increasing opportunities in the market as the domestic industry undertakes international projects, develops transport and patrol aircraft for defense, and develops small jets and small jet engines for civil aviation. U.S. firms that are new to the market should consider partnering with trading firms that are knowledgeable in aircraft industry networks.

USEFUL LINKS

Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
http://www.mlit.go.jp/english/index.html

Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association
http://www.jama-english.jp/

Japan Automobile Importers Association
http://www.jaia-jp.org/

The Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies
http://www.sjac.or.jp/en_index.html

Japan Boating Industry Association
http://www.marine-jbia.or.jp/english/index.html

CS JAPAN CONTACTS

Unit Chief: Pat Cassidy
Commercial Specialist: Sayoko Koto