Tanabe Consulting Co., Ltd., a leading management consulting firm in Japan (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, and Yodogawa-ku, Osaka; President: Takahiko Wakamatsu, hereafter Tanabe Consulting), announces the results of the "Corporate Survey on Overseas Businesses." This survey was conducted among corporate managers, executives, senior management, and those in charge of corporate planning departments throughout Japan. The survey results are as follows.

High Interest in Overseas Expansion: Approximately 80% of Japanese companies responded positively that they are either currently developing overseas business or would like to do so in the future. This indicates a strong interest in ongoing or future overseas business development.

Popular Regions for Expansion: ASEAN accounted for the largest number of countries and regions where Japanese companies are considering or expanding their overseas operations, making up approximately half of the total. About 40% of respondents cited "market growth potential and future prospects" as the reason for selecting a particular country or region for expansion.

Positive Business Outlook: About half of the Japanese companies expect their overseas businesses to see "increased sales and profits" over the next three years. Specifically, 49.4% of companies anticipate increased sales and profits, while only 3.1% foresee a decrease. This suggests that overseas business is currently the mainstay of growth for Japanese companies.

Importance of Market Potential: More than 40% of the respondents place importance on "market growth potential and future prospects" when entering or expanding their overseas business. The most common reason for selecting countries and regions for expansion was "market growth potential/future prospects" at 41.8%, highlighting the importance of promising markets in decision-making.

These findings highlight the growing focus and optimism of Japanese companies regarding international markets, particularly in the ASEAN region, and their expectations of positive business outcomes in the near future.

Insights from Tanabe Consulting's expert consultants

About half of the companies engaged in overseas business anticipate "revenue and profit growth" over the next three years and have prioritized the development of new markets. However, securing and training global and specialized human resources, essential for business promotion, remains a significant challenge regardless of industry or company size.

According to the Bank of Japan's “Short-Term Economic Survey of Enterprises in Japan” released in December 2023, approximately 70% of all Japanese companies reported a "not so good" outlook. In contrast, about half of the companies in our survey view their overseas business prospects as favorable over the next three years, with only 3.1% expecting a decline in sales and profits. This indicates that overseas business can be a catalyst for further growth in Japanese companies.

Strategy &amp; Domain Consulting Division and Global Consulting　 Koichi Murakami

Strategy Research Institute Segment &amp; Region Marketing Chief Tang Tang Huang (Creation Support)

The survey received 203 responses from corporate managers, executives, senior management, and individuals responsible for corporate planning departments across Japan. Conducted between January 15, 2024, and February 2, 2024, the study encompassed participants from all over Japan, including those based in overseas offices.

Services offered by Tanabe Consulting

With a population of approximately 130 million people, Japan is a safe, cutting-edge Asian country that offers a very attractive business environment. On the other hand, for foreign companies looking to enter the Japanese market, Japan is an unknown market, with unique business customs and business practices. In order to smoothly launch a business in Japan and penetrate the Japanese market, it is important to build an entry and market expansion strategy based on a clear understanding of the market size and future potential of your product, the competitive landscape and differentiation from competitors, and your supply chain model.

Tanabe Consulting is a pioneer in management consulting in Japan, with over 65 years of history and experience. Tanabe Consulting, with its thorough knowledge of the Japanese business environment, provides total support for expansion and development in the Japanese market.

Tanabe Consulting, which operates in 10 regions throughout Japan, can provide highly accurate market research and information through consultants who are familiar with the relevant areas.

After market analysis, we will prioritize your expansion into the Japanese market based on your goals and your company's strengths and core competencies. We determine the direction of entry, create a roadmap, and provide support for the materialization of your strategy.

（３）	Marketing Implementation Support

Based on market analysis and entry strategies, we support your business in Japan by identifying potential partners and implementing effective website development and marketing initiatives in Japan, drawing on over 65 years of nationwide management consulting experience and network.

Based on our contacts and networks with companies throughout Japan, cultivated through more than 65 years of management consulting, we support capital alliances with companies that are suitable for gaining a position in the Japanese market.

About Tanabe Consulting Group (TCG)

Founded in 1957, TCG is a leading management consulting firm in Japan with over 65 years of history and achievements.  Based on the management philosophy of “we love companies walk together with companies and work for company prosperity,” aiming to create values for the future society.

TCG primarily serves top management (executives and leaders) of large and medium-sized companies, as well as government and public organizations, having supported more than 17,000 companies since its founding. In the area of management consulting, TCG has developed a comprehensive consulting model that provides support for corporate management from strategy formulation (upstream) to the implementation and execution of management operations, such as DX in the field (midstream to downstream), with close ties to local communities throughout Japan.

Adhering to a client-centered philosophy of “All for Client Success,” TCG offers “team consulting,” where multiple professional consultants are selected to form a team tailored to address the specific management challenges of each company.

•	ASEAN is the most targeted region for expansion; nearly half expect "increased revenue and profit" in overseas business over the next three years
•	Results of the "corporate survey on overseas business by Japanese companies" released Tanabe Consulting Co., Ltd., a leading management consulting firm in Japan (Head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, and Yodogawa-ku, Osaka; President: Takahiko Wakamatsu, hereafter Tanabe Consulting), announces the results of the "Corporate Survey on Overseas Businesses." This survey was conducted among corporate managers, executives, senior management, and those in charge of corporate planning departments throughout Japan. The survey results are as follows.High Interest in Overseas Expansion: Approximately 80% of Japanese companies responded positively that they are either currently developing overseas business or would like to do so in the future. This indicates a strong interest in ongoing or future overseas business development.<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/bbfded1f-054a-4c66-8119-3b0636fdb900/public" alt="Image" />Popular Regions for Expansion: ASEAN accounted for the largest number of countries and regions where Japanese companies are considering or expanding their overseas operations, making up approximately half of the total. About 40% of respondents cited "market growth potential and future prospects" as the reason for selecting a particular country or region for expansion.<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/f45becf6-c9f8-44ee-3d4c-f6133ab1a000/public" alt="Image" /><img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/7ada9bc2-a744-4e80-fd34-b3947f863500/public" alt="Image" />Positive Business Outlook: About half of the Japanese companies expect their overseas businesses to see "increased sales and profits" over the next three years. Specifically, 49.4% of companies anticipate increased sales and profits, while only 3.1% foresee a decrease. This suggests that overseas business is currently the mainstay of growth for Japanese companies.<img style="width: 100%;" src="https://imagedelivery.net/H6_s_Eb_ylTWnSEV3HlmYQ/344e940e-bdba-45e5-6030-8745c2b9d000/public" alt="Image" />Importance of Market Potential: More than 40% of the respondents place importance on "market growth potential and future prospects" when entering or expanding their overseas business. The most common reason for selecting countries and regions for expansion was "market growth potential/future prospects" at 41.8%, highlighting the importance of promising markets in decision-making.These findings highlight the growing focus and optimism of Japanese companies regarding international markets, particularly in the ASEAN region, and their expectations of positive business outcomes in the near future.Insights from Tanabe Consulting's expert consultantsAbout half of the companies engaged in overseas business anticipate "revenue and profit growth" over the next three years and have prioritized the development of new markets. However, securing and training global and specialized human resources, essential for business promotion, remains a significant challenge regardless of industry or company size.According to the Bank of Japan's “Short-Term Economic Survey of Enterprises in Japan” released in December 2023, approximately 70% of all Japanese companies reported a "not so good" outlook. In contrast, about half of the companies in our survey view their overseas business prospects as favorable over the next three years, with only 3.1% expecting a decline in sales and profits. This indicates that overseas business can be a catalyst for further growth in Japanese companies.Report AuthorDirector, Tanabe Consulting Co., LtdStrategy &amp; Domain Consulting Division and Global Consulting　 Koichi MurakamiTanabe Consulting Co., Ltd Global Consulting Chief Yuma KawanaTanabe Consulting Co., LtdStrategy Research Institute Segment &amp; Region Marketing Chief Tang Tang Huang (Creation Support)MethodologyThe survey received 203 responses from corporate managers, executives, senior management, and individuals responsible for corporate planning departments across Japan. Conducted between January 15, 2024, and February 2, 2024, the study encompassed participants from all over Japan, including those based in overseas offices.Services offered by Tanabe ConsultingWith a population of approximately 130 million people, Japan is a safe, cutting-edge Asian country that offers a very attractive business environment. On the other hand, for foreign companies looking to enter the Japanese market, Japan is an unknown market, with unique business customs and business practices. In order to smoothly launch a business in Japan and penetrate the Japanese market, it is important to build an entry and market expansion strategy based on a clear understanding of the market size and future potential of your product, the competitive landscape and differentiation from competitors, and your supply chain model.Tanabe Consulting is a pioneer in management consulting in Japan, with over 65 years of history and experience. Tanabe Consulting, with its thorough knowledge of the Japanese business environment, provides total support for expansion and development in the Japanese market.（１）	Japan Market AnalysisTanabe Consulting, which operates in 10 regions throughout Japan, can provide highly accurate market research and information through consultants who are familiar with the relevant areas.（２）	Entry strategy planningAfter market analysis, we will prioritize your expansion into the Japanese market based on your goals and your company's strengths and core competencies. We determine the direction of entry, create a roadmap, and provide support for the materialization of your strategy.（３）	Marketing Implementation SupportBased on market analysis and entry strategies, we support your business in Japan by identifying potential partners and implementing effective website development and marketing initiatives in Japan, drawing on over 65 years of nationwide management consulting experience and network.（４）	Cross-border M&amp;ABased on our contacts and networks with companies throughout Japan, cultivated through more than 65 years of management consulting, we support capital alliances with companies that are suitable for gaining a position in the Japanese market.About Tanabe Consulting Group (TCG)Founded in 1957, TCG is a leading management consulting firm in Japan with over 65 years of history and achievements. Based on the management philosophy of “we love companies walk together with companies and work for company prosperity,” aiming to create values for the future society.TCG primarily serves top management (executives and leaders) of large and medium-sized companies, as well as government and public organizations, having supported more than 17,000 companies since its founding. In the area of management consulting, TCG has developed a comprehensive consulting model that provides support for corporate management from strategy formulation (upstream) to the implementation and execution of management operations, such as DX in the field (midstream to downstream), with close ties to local communities throughout Japan.Adhering to a client-centered philosophy of “All for Client Success,” TCG offers “team consulting,” where multiple professional consultants are selected to form a team tailored to address the specific management challenges of each company.

Marketing / Research

Management Consulting

Think tank

Survey report

Foreign companies

•	ASEAN is the most targeted region for expansion; nearly half expect "increased revenue and profit" in overseas business over the next three years
•	Results of the "corporate survey on overseas business by Japanese companies" released

Tanabe Consulting Reveals: Approximately 80% of Japanese Companies Expanding or Intending to Expand Overseas Operations

ERIA’s
Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, in collaboration with
Brunei Darussalam’s Department of Environment, Parks and
Recreation and the GIZ, explored Brunei's strategies to tackle plastic
pollution and the private sector's role in championing plastic circularity.

Titled
"Private Sector Initiatives to Reduce Marine Plastics: Brunei's Journey to
Plastic Sustainability: Hands-on Initiatives in Action," the event, organised
as part of Brunei Darussalam’s World Environment Day event series, brought
together professionals from the public and private sectors, along with civil
society, to explore innovative solutions and best practices in addressing
plastic pollution. Over 108 attendees from the ASEAN region and beyond took
part in the event, actively participating in the Q&amp;A session.

The
seminar began with the Director of the Regional Knowledge Centre, Mr Reo Kawamura emphasising the critical importance of
collaboration between governments, private companies, and academia to address
the global plastic pollution challenge and achieve peaceful coexistence with the natural environment. Ms Hajah Martinah Haji Tamit,
Director of Brunei Darussalam's Department of Environment, Parks and
Recreation, outlined the challenges of plastic waste management and reaffirmed
Brunei's commitment to tackling plastic pollution alongside other ASEAN member
states. She also highlighted Brunei's active involvement in United Nations
negotiations to develop a global treaty on plastic pollution. Mr Phong Giang,
Advisor for GIZ 3RproMar and AMUSE programmes in ASEAN, detailed GIZ's initiatives across
ASEAN countries, which include supporting government regulations, promoting
circular economy solutions, and engaging with the private sector on upcoming
global plastic treaties.

Mr
Michikazu Kojima, Senior Research Fellow on Environmental Issues at ERIA,
highlighted Asia's plastic pollution crisis and underscored the need for a life
cycle approach. He emphasised the private sector's role in developing
sustainable materials, designing reusable products, and improving waste
management systems. Mr Mims Sidi from Tebalik Plastik shared their goals to close the loop of plastics, by transforming plastic
waste into sustainable products, supporting a circular economy and aligning
with regional and global sustainability objectives. Ms Trish Lai of Kaimana
Brunei discussed the challenges of the refill business which
can contribute to reduction of packaging waste, for example, high
consumer spending abroad, a small local market, expensive shipping, lack of
manufacturing capacity, and the necessity of focusing on niche products with
anchor points. Ms Wendy Han from Precious Plastic Brunei highlighted
initiatives aimed at raising awareness and mobilising local communities against
plastic waste. She also showed how local communities can create a
plastic recycling facility on their own. Prof Scott Valentine provided insights into
how the lack of perceived value in plastic waste is a root cause and proposed
economic solutions like deposit schemes and plastic bag surcharges to
incentivise responsible plastic use and recycling. He also responded to a participant’s question as to
how to tackle the overwhelming plastic waste issue, by encouraging citizens to
support businesses like Tebalik Plastik, Kaimana, or Precious Plastic, and start contributing in a small way.

This seminar highlights the continuous involvement of
ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris in tackling the
intricate challenges linked to marine plastic debris. By encouraging
collaboration and advancing innovative approaches, the Centre remains dedicated
to assisting and showcasing companies and organisations actively addressing
marine debris issues

ERIA
(Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia)

ERIA is an international organization established
in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2008 by a formal agreement among Leaders of 16
countries in the East Asian region to conduct research activities and make
policy recommendations for further economic integration in the East Asia. 

Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation

The formation of the Department of Environment,
Parks and Recreation under the Ministry of Development took effect in 2002.
Currently, the department handles matters pertaining to Waste Management,
Environmental Conservation and Management, Management of Landscape and
Recreational Areas and also Environmental Cooperation at National, Bilateral
and International level.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH or GIZ is the main German Government development
agency with headquarter in Bonn and Eschborn and provides services in the field
of international development cooperation and international education work. The
main commissioning party is Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation
and Development (BMZ)

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle to Protect the Marine
Environment and Coral Reefs (3RproMar) is a GIZ project (2020-2025) is an
ASEAN-German cooperation project implemented by GIZ in coordination with the
ASEAN Secretariat. 

ASEAN Municipal Solid Waste Management
Enhancement (AMUSE) is implemented by GIZ (2022 -2025), having its objective to
improve environmental quality in small and medium-sized cities in the ASEAN
region by optimising waste disposal and recycling. 

ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, in collaboration with Brunei’s Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation and GIZ, Hosts Event Exploring Brunei's Plastic Pollution Strategies and the Private Sector's Role in Championing Plastic Circularity, organised as part of Brunei Darussalam’s World Environment Day event series. ERIA’s
Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, in collaboration with
Brunei Darussalam’s Department of Environment, Parks and
Recreation and the GIZ, explored Brunei's strategies to tackle plastic
pollution and the private sector's role in championing plastic circularity.Titled
"Private Sector Initiatives to Reduce Marine Plastics: Brunei's Journey to
Plastic Sustainability: Hands-on Initiatives in Action," the event, organised
as part of Brunei Darussalam’s World Environment Day event series, brought
together professionals from the public and private sectors, along with civil
society, to explore innovative solutions and best practices in addressing
plastic pollution. Over 108 attendees from the ASEAN region and beyond took
part in the event, actively participating in the Q&amp;A session.The
seminar began with the Director of the Regional Knowledge Centre, Mr Reo Kawamura emphasising the critical importance of
collaboration between governments, private companies, and academia to address
the global plastic pollution challenge and achieve peaceful coexistence with the natural environment. Ms Hajah Martinah Haji Tamit,
Director of Brunei Darussalam's Department of Environment, Parks and
Recreation, outlined the challenges of plastic waste management and reaffirmed
Brunei's commitment to tackling plastic pollution alongside other ASEAN member
states. She also highlighted Brunei's active involvement in United Nations
negotiations to develop a global treaty on plastic pollution. Mr Phong Giang,
Advisor for GIZ 3RproMar and AMUSE programmes in ASEAN, detailed GIZ's initiatives across
ASEAN countries, which include supporting government regulations, promoting
circular economy solutions, and engaging with the private sector on upcoming
global plastic treaties.Mr
Michikazu Kojima, Senior Research Fellow on Environmental Issues at ERIA,
highlighted Asia's plastic pollution crisis and underscored the need for a life
cycle approach. He emphasised the private sector's role in developing
sustainable materials, designing reusable products, and improving waste
management systems. Mr Mims Sidi from Tebalik Plastik shared their goals to close the loop of plastics, by transforming plastic
waste into sustainable products, supporting a circular economy and aligning
with regional and global sustainability objectives. Ms Trish Lai of Kaimana
Brunei discussed the challenges of the refill business which
can contribute to reduction of packaging waste, for example, high
consumer spending abroad, a small local market, expensive shipping, lack of
manufacturing capacity, and the necessity of focusing on niche products with
anchor points. Ms Wendy Han from Precious Plastic Brunei highlighted
initiatives aimed at raising awareness and mobilising local communities against
plastic waste. She also showed how local communities can create a
plastic recycling facility on their own. Prof Scott Valentine provided insights into
how the lack of perceived value in plastic waste is a root cause and proposed
economic solutions like deposit schemes and plastic bag surcharges to
incentivise responsible plastic use and recycling. He also responded to a participant’s question as to
how to tackle the overwhelming plastic waste issue, by encouraging citizens to
support businesses like Tebalik Plastik, Kaimana, or Precious Plastic, and start contributing in a small way.This seminar highlights the continuous involvement of
ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris in tackling the
intricate challenges linked to marine plastic debris. By encouraging
collaboration and advancing innovative approaches, the Centre remains dedicated
to assisting and showcasing companies and organisations actively addressing
marine debris issuesList of AbbreviationsERIA
(Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia)ERIA is an international organization established
in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2008 by a formal agreement among Leaders of 16
countries in the East Asian region to conduct research activities and make
policy recommendations for further economic integration in the East Asia. Department of Environment, Parks and RecreationThe formation of the Department of Environment,
Parks and Recreation under the Ministry of Development took effect in 2002.
Currently, the department handles matters pertaining to Waste Management,
Environmental Conservation and Management, Management of Landscape and
Recreational Areas and also Environmental Cooperation at National, Bilateral
and International level.GIZ The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH or GIZ is the main German Government development
agency with headquarter in Bonn and Eschborn and provides services in the field
of international development cooperation and international education work. The
main commissioning party is Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation
and Development (BMZ)GIZ 3RproMar ProgrammeReduce, Reuse, Recycle to Protect the Marine
Environment and Coral Reefs (3RproMar) is a GIZ project (2020-2025) is an
ASEAN-German cooperation project implemented by GIZ in coordination with the
ASEAN Secretariat. GIZ AMUSEASEAN Municipal Solid Waste Management
Enhancement (AMUSE) is implemented by GIZ (2022 -2025), having its objective to
improve environmental quality in small and medium-sized cities in the ASEAN
region by optimising waste disposal and recycling.

Environment / SGDs / Recycling

Politics / Government / Local government

Green technology

Government offices / organizations

ERIA’s Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, in collaboration with Brunei’s Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation and GIZ, Hosts Event Exploring Brunei's Plastic Pollution Strategies and the Private Sector's Role in Championing Plastic Circularity, organised as part of Brunei Darussalam’s World Environment Day event series.