ICT to Japan

Trends and opportunities

Opportunities

Many opportunities exist for Australian companies to export products and services to the information and communication technology (ICT) market in Japan including:

Why is this market attractive for Australian companies?

• The economy of Japan is the third largest in the world by nominal gross domestic product (GDP) and fourth largest by purchasing power parity.
• IoT, Big Data, and AI are areas of focus and markets are expected to grow dramatically with multiple applications across various industries. While ICT infrastructure is relatively well established in Japan, utilisation of ICT technology and skilled labour are challenges that might provide opportunity for new business (Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication: ICT Whitepaper 2016FY - Japanese).
• Continued growth in the application of ICT in cross disciplinary industry sectors.

Marketing your products and services

Market entry

Doing business in Japan differs from Australia and companies should consider:

• Japan’s strongest ICT import partner is the United States and the market is influenced strongly by American ICT vendors.
• The decision making process can be lengthy.
• The need for a local presence is paramount as Japanese customers seek strong on the ground support.
• Finding a suitable partner is not easy and understanding key players and the market could be challenging
• Localisation is an issue, but customisation is greater (Australian firms often underestimate the cost undertaken by Japanese partners in localising products).

Key ICT events in Japan

• CEATEC Japan - 4 to 7 October 2016
• Japan IT Week - 26 to 28 October 2016

Links and industry contacts

ICT-related resources

Communications and Information Network Association of Japan
Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association
Japan Information Services Industry Association
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications

Please note: This list of websites and resources is not definitive. Inclusion in this list does not imply endorsement by Austrade. The information provided is a guide only. The content is for information and carries no warranty; as such, the addressee must exercise their own discretion in its use. Australia’s anti-bribery laws apply overseas and Austrade will not provide business related services to any party who breaches the law and will report credible evidence of any breach. For further information, please see foreign bribery information and awareness pack.

Contact details

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission – Austrade – contributes to Australia's economic prosperity by helping Australian businesses, education institutions, tourism operators, governments and citizens as they:

• develop international markets
• win productive foreign direct investment
• promote international education
• strengthen Australia's tourism industry
• seek consular and passport services.

Working in partnership with Australian state and territory governments, Austrade provides information and advice that can help Australian companies reduce the time, cost and risk of exporting. We also administer the Export Market Development Grant Scheme and offer a range of services to Australian exporters in growth and emerging markets.