It's a common question why Japanese technology, especially in smartphones and computer systems, hasn't reached the same worldwide fame as companies like Apple or Samsung. Japan certainly makes highly advanced technology for its own country. But famous Japanese phone brands or computer systems aren't widely known across the globe.
This situation comes from a mix of important business choices, how the market changed, and things inside the companies themselves. To compete well and create new things, Japanese firms need a clear plan, which must include how people learn and develop skills, with a strong focus on speaking English well for global communication.
Understanding the challenges
Historically, several key issues explain why Japan hasn't been as successful.
- Focusing only on Japan and unique products
A strong local market led to special, often very good, "Galapagos" phones. These phones used unique rules that made them hard to use with global phone networks. This stopped them from selling well around the world. - Slow to change and make decisions
The smartphone market changes very quickly. It needs fast action, but Japanese companies often made decisions too slowly to keep up with new technology and competition. - Strong in hardware, weak in software
Japan has always been great at making the physical parts of products. However, the smartphone age put more importance on software, how easy things are to use, and online systems—areas where Japanese companies were not as strong. - Falling behind in global branding
Even with good products, Japanese companies found it hard to market and brand themselves well internationally. They didn't connect with different kinds of customers around the world. - Not wanting to change within the company
Sometimes, there was a reluctance inside companies to accept new technologies and ways of working, especially among older staff. This made it harder and slower to adapt.
Smart ways to respond: A multi-part plan
To fix these issues, Japanese firms need to make big changes in many areas:
- Prioritise global compatibility and market entry
- What to do: From the very beginning, products should be made for global markets. This means following international rules and including features that everyone will like. It's important to plan to enter global markets early, rather than just reacting later.
- How learning helps: Training programmes can help staff understand international markets, different customer likes, and how to communicate well across cultures. This includes learning professional English to speak directly with global partners and customers. Marketing teams also need training in modern global branding and how to launch products internationally. Being fluent in English is key for creating good global messages.
- Encourage quick action and fast decisions
- What to do: Companies need to simplify how decisions are made, give more power to middle managers, and encourage a culture of trying things quickly, taking sensible risks, and always learning.
- How learning helps: Training in methods like "Agile" and "Lean" can help teams develop products step-by-step and get feedback quickly. This often relies on clear English communication within international teams. Leaders also need training to make quick, informed decisions and lead diverse, often English-speaking, teams.
- Focus on excellent software and user experience
- What to do: A big change is needed towards developing great software, using AI (Artificial Intelligence), understanding data, and designing things that are easy for people to use. This needs a lot of investment and a new way of thinking.
- How learning helps: Companies should start big training programmes for software development, AI, data science, and cloud computing. Good technical English is vital for finding information online and working with international experts. Training in how to design user-friendly products and manage software projects is also important.
- Build a globally connected team that can adapt
- What to do: Companies should actively break down internal barriers and reluctance to change. They need to create a workplace culture that welcomes new technologies and different ideas from around the world.
- How learning helps: Training on how to manage change can help leaders explain why new technologies are needed. Learning about digital tools, with a strong focus on English, helps everyone access global information and best practices. Mentoring programmes, where younger staff help older colleagues, can also bridge gaps, with English helping smooth communication in multinational teams.
The essential role of English communication
Underneath all these plans is the vital need for strong English communication and connections. English is the main language for global business, making it possible to:
- Access global information
Understanding international reports and research—which are mostly in English—is key for making good decisions. - Work well with others globally
Being able to talk easily with international partners, suppliers, and customers needs good English skills for meetings and daily work. - Join global communities
Taking part in international groups of developers and conferences—which are largely English-speaking—is essential for staying up-to-date and creating new ideas. - Communicate brand clearly
Explaining what a product offers and how a brand is seen to a varied global audience requires clear and convincing English communication.
For Japanese firms to get back their competitive edge in the global tech world, they must see comprehensive English language and cross-cultural communication training not just as an extra skill, but as a basic and vital part of their business strategy. This investment will give their employees the confidence to operate, compete, and lead effectively in the interconnected global market.