Country Information - Japan Country Information - Japan
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| ISO code: | jp |
| Name: | Japan |
| Region: | Eastern Asia and North Pacific |
| Primary language: | Japanese |
| Secondary language(s): | English |
| English: | Check first |
| Time zone(s) (from GMT): | +9:00 |
| Telephone country code: | 81 |
| Commercial holidays: | New Year's Day (Gantan), January 1; Bank Holidays, January 2-3; Coming of Age Day (Seijin-no-hi), 2nd Monday in January; National Foundation Day (Kenkoku-kinen-no-hi), February 11; Vernal Equinox (Shunbun-no-hi) (varies--March 21, 2003/March 20, 2004); Greenery Day (Midori-no-hi), April 29; Constitution Memorial Day (Kenpou-kinen-bi), May 3; Holiday for a Nation (Kokumin-no-kyujitu), May 4; Children's Day (Kodomo-no-hi), May 5; Marine Day (Umi-no-hi), July 20;
Respect for the Aged Day (Keirou-no-hi), September 15; Autumnal Equinox (Shuubun-no-hi), September 23; Health and Sports Day (Taiiku-no-hi), 2nd Monday in October; National Culture Day (Bunka-no-hi), November 3; Labor Thanksgiving Day (Kinrou-kansha-no-hi), November 23; Emperor's Birthday (Tennou-tanjyou-bi), December 23; Bank Holiday, December 31. The period from April 29 to May 5 is called the "Golden Week." The period from December 29 to January 5 is a traditional time for observance of year end and New Year holidays. Many businesses are closed due to vacations and holidays during these times. For further details on holidays, see also http://www.holidayfestival.com/. |
| Major berth service ports: | Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Osaka U.S. Schedule K port codes, as needed for AES, are available at this site: http://www.marad.dot.gov/statistics/schedulek/schedulek.html. |
| Major international airports: | Tokyo: Narita (airport code: NRT) http://www.narita-airport.or.jp/airport_e/index.html Osaka (airport code: OSA) Kansai (airport code: KIX) http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/english/. A listing of airport codes is available at this site: http://www.flyaow.com/citycodeg.htm. |
| U.S. export restrictions: | Normal U.S. export requirements and restrictions apply. For detailed U.S. export information, please refer to GISTnet library coverage of this topic under U.S. Export Regulations. You may also refer directly to the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) as a starting point for export restrictions, and the U.S. Foreign Trade Statistics Regulations (FTSR) for export declaration requirements. |
| Relevant trade agreements: | Japan is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), http://www.wto.org/ and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)http://www.apecsec.org.sg/. |
| General import information and restrictions: | All shipping documents must show metric weights and measures. The Japanese government is thorough and strict in enforcing its regulations and inspection requirements, especially with regard to foods and agricultural products. You can access the APEC tariff database at http://www.apectariff.org/. |
| Import license/permit requirements: | Most goods now qualify as "freely importable" and do not require an import license. Exceptions include hazardous materials, animals, plants, perishables, and in some cases articles of high value as well as commodities falling under import quotas, in which case the Japanese importer must apply for license approval. Leather, rice, wheat, and rice flour are among the few remaining products subject to import quotas. Import quota items will be issued an import license, usually valid for four months from date of issuance. |
| Letter of credit or foreign exchange controls: | The central bank is Nippon Ginko (Bank of Japan) http://www.boj.or.jp/en/. The unit of currency is the yen (JPY). |
| Official Packaging and Labeling Requirements: | Straw packing material is prohibited. In general, follow standard shipping practices, use metric system for weights and measures. Packages should be numbered if there are more than one in a shipment. Dangerous goods require U.N. Performance Oriented Packaging (UN POP). Specific packaging and labeling requirements may apply to certain products and commodities. Exporters should check with their customer for applicable product-specific requirements, if any. |
| ATA Carnet: | Accepted |
| Commercial invoice: | Required for commercial shipments. In general, conform to information requirements described in definition of commercial invoice. Provide at least three (3) original signed copies to be forwarded to consignee or consignee's agent. For more information on preparing and distributing commercial invoices, see Common/Generic Documentation Requirements and General Document Distribution procedures. For airfreight shipments, documents in most cases should accompany cargo. See airwaybill (AWB). For non-commercial shipments, prepare a pro-forma invoice. |
| Packing list: | In general, a packing list is required for all shipments containing more than one shipping unit of packaged cargo when the exact content of each package is not already clearly identified with its respective gross and net weight, and marks and numbers, on the commercial invoice. See definition of packing list for required information, which must be consistent with all information shown on the commercial invoice. Include least three (3) copies as part of shipping documents provided to consignee. |
| Transport document: | A properly prepared transport document is required. For ocean cargo, three (3) signed originals and at least two (2) unsigned copies of an ocean bill of lading are typically used. Use metric measurements and follow any requirements listed in the consignee's letter of credit (L/C). For detailed information on completing a bill of lading, please see our interactive bill of lading exhibit. (Scroll down to see the form, and click on any field for details on the information that goes in that box.) For air cargo, a set of ten airwaybill (AWB)s (one (1) original and nine (9) copies) are typically used. |
| Certificate of origin: | When required by the buyer (consignee) or letter of credit (L/C), or when goods are entitled to preferential duty rates, prepare in three (3) copies using general certificate of origin (CO, C/O) form, certified by a legal chamber of commerce. |
| Cargo insurance: | A shipper, wishing to protect his interests in the cargo in the event of loss or damage prior to delivery to ultimate consignee should cover cargo with either an FOB/FAS clause or contingency insurance clause coverage. |
| Plants: | A phytosanitary certificate is required for importation of plants and unprocessed plant products. APHIS inspects and certifies live plants and unprocessed plant products to assure that they conform to health and sanitary requirements prescribed by the country of destination. Specific country requirements may be obtained from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture) 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737, (301) 734-8537; fax: (301) 734-5786 (Plant Protection and Quarantine), http://www.aphis.usda.gov/ppq/exports/, who have access to the EXCERPT database. Most exporters of plant products will have arranged for inspection and certification by their local state or country agricultural inspectors, in which case the local inspection certificate may be presented to any USDA office in exchange for a USDA (federal) phytosanitary certificate. Inspections may also be carried out by APHIS inspectors located in major U.S. cities, ports and airports, or by delegated state and county agricultural inspectors operating in or close to production/packaging facilities. A good resource is available on-line from the USDA, entitled: Agricultural Export Transportation Handbook. Since requirements are complex and subject to change at any time, U.S. exporters should seek current information directly from the importer prior to shipment. |
| Animals: | A health certificate issued by the USDA is required for animals and unprocessed animal products. Specific country requirements may be obtained from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), U.S. Department of Agriculture) 4700 River Road, Riverdale, MD 20737, (301) 734-7885; fax: (301) 734-6402 (Veterinary Services), http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie/. Most exporters of animals and animal products will have arranged for inspection and certification by their local, state, or county agricultural inspectors, in which case the local inspection certificate may be presented to any USDA office in exchange for a USDA (federal) health certificate or (in the case of certain animal products, a phytosanitary certificate). Inspections may also be carried out by APHIS inspectors located in major U.S. cities, ports and airports. A good resource is available on-line from the USDA, entitled: Agricultural Export Transportation Handbook. Since requirements are complex and subject to change at any time, U.S. exporters should seek current information directly from the importer prior to shipment. |
| Processed Food: | The use of chemicals and other additives in foods is severely restricted by regulations. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has helpful international information available at http://www.fda.gov/oia/foodcosm.htm, and the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service has information for exporters at http://www.fas.usda.gov/scriptsw/attacherep/default.asp. In any case, exporters should consult closely with their importers since requirements are complex and subject to change at any time. |
| Pharmaceuticals: | General information on exporting pharmaceuticals is available from the Food and Drug Administration, HFD-310, 7520 Standish Place, Room 166, Rockville, Md. 20855, (301) 594-0063 or 594-1065; fax: (301) 594-0165, http://www.fda.gov/oia/drugnew.htm. Exporters should consult closely with their customers in Japan since requirements are complex and subject to change at any time. |
| General consumer products: | Many products are subject to standards. Exporters should conform to instructions from their importers in Japan. Information on standards may also be obtained from the Japan External Trade Organization, http://www.jetro.go.jp/top/. Select "search" and type in standards. |
| Other products: | Certain products are prohibited import into Japan. These include narcotics, firearms, counterfeit currency, pornography, and products that violate intellectual property laws. In addition, a large number of products (including those related to health such as medical products, pharmaceuticals, agriculture products, chemicals and explosives) have restrictions of some form governing sale or use and must be evaluated for import suitability before shipment to Japan. |
| Consular missions in U.S.: | Washington: Embassy, 2520 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel: (202) 238-6700; fax: (202) 328-2187; http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/. Anchorage: Consulate General, 3601 C St., Suite 1300, Anchorage, Alaska 99503, tel: (907) 562-8424; fax: (907) 562-8434; email: cgjpnak@ptialaska.net; http://www.anchorage.us.emb-japan.go.jp . Atlanta: Consulate General, Suite 1600, 3500 Lenox Road, Atlanta GA 30326, tel: (404) 240-4300; fax: (404) 240-4311; http://www.atlanta.us.emb-japan.go.jp/index1.html. Boston: Consulate General, The Federal Reserve Plaza, 14th Floor, 600 Atlantic Ave., Boston, MA 02210, tel: (617) 973-9772; fax: (617) 542-1329; email: mailto:japan@tiac.net; http://www.boston.us.emb-japan.go.jp/index.html. Chicago: Consulate General, 737 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60611, tel: (312) 280-0400; fax: (312) 280-9568; email: jicchicago@aol.com; http://www.chicago.us.emb-japan.go.jp/ . Detroit: Consulate General, 200 Renaissance Center, Suite 1600, Detroit, MI 48243, tel: (313) 567-0120; fax: (313) 567-0274; http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp . Honolulu: Consulate General, 1742 Nuuanu Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii 96817, tel: (808) 543-3111; fax: (808) 543-3170; http://www.honolulu.us.emb-japan.go.jp . Houston: Consulate General, 1000 Louisiana St., Suite 2300, Houston, TX 77002, tel: (713) 652-2977; fax: (713) 651-7822; email: info@cgjhouston.org; http://www.houston.us.emb-japan.go.jp/. Kansas City: Consulate General, 2519 Commerce Tower, 911 Main St., Kansas City, MO 64105, tel: (816) 471-0111; fax: (816) 472-4248; email: cgjkc@swbell.net; http://www.kansascity.us.emb-japan.go.jp/. Los Angeles: Consulate General, 350 S. Grand Ave., Suite 1700, Los Angeles, CA 90071, tel: (213) 617-6700; fax: (213) 617-6727; http://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/indexnew.htm . Miami: Consulate General, Brickell Bay View Center, Suite 3200, 80 S.W. 8th St., Miami, FL 33130, tel: (305) 530-9090; fax: (305) 530-0950; email: cgjmia@cofs.net; http://www.miami.us.emb-japan.go.jp . New Orleans: Consulate General, Entergy Building, Suite 2050, 639 Loyola Ave., New Orleans, LA 70113, tel: (504) 529-2101; fax: (504) 568-9847; email: nojc@ix.netcom.com; http://www.neworleans.us.emb-japan.go.jp/. New York: Consulate General, 299 Park Ave., 18th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10171, tel: (212) 371-8222; fax: (212) 319-6357; http://ny.cgj.org/. Portland: Consulate General, Wells Fargo Center, Suite 2700, 1300 S.W. Fifth Ave., Portland, OR 97201, tel: (503) 221-1811; fax: (503) 224-8936; http://www.portland.us.emb-japan.go.jp . San Francisco: Consulate General, 50 Fremont St., Suite 2300, San Francisco, CA 94105, tel: (415) 777-3533; fax: (415) 777-0518; email: japaninfo@cgjsf.org; http://www.cgjsf.org/. Seattle: Consulate General, 601 Union St., Suite 500, Seattle, WA 98101, tel: (206) 682-9107; fax: (206) 624-9097; email: info@cgjapansea.org; http://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp . |
| Representative chamber of commerce: | Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York, 145 West 57th Street, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10019, tel: (212) 246-8001; fax: (212) 246-8002; http://www.jcciny.org/. |
| Government information: | JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization), Import Promotion Dept., 2-2-5 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8466, tel: (81)(3) 3582-5511; fax: (81)(3) 3587-0219; http://www.jetro.go.jp. Manufactured Imports Promotion Organization (MIPRO), http://www.mipro.or.jp/eng/top-e.html Ministry of Finance, 3-1-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0013, tel: (81)(3)3581-4111, http://www.mof.go.jp/english/index.htm (click on "Links," "Japan Customs"). Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), 1-3-1 Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8901, tel: (81)(3) 3501-1511; http://www.meti.go.jp/english/index.html. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, http://www.mlit.go.jp/english/index.html. |
| U.S. Embassy (commercial attaché): | U.S. Embassy, 10-5 Akasaka 1-Chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-8420 Japan, tel: (81)(3) 3224-5000; http://usembassy.state.gov/tokyo/; Commercial Service, American Embassy, Tokyo, tel: (81)(3) 3224-5060; fax: (81)(3) 3589-4235; http://www.csjapan.doc.gov/. U.S. Consulate General, 11-5 Nishitenma 2-chome, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-8543, Japan, 2-11-5 Nishitenma, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-8543, tel: (81)(6) 6315-5957; fax: (81)(6) 6315-5963; EMAIL: Osaka-Kobe.Office.Box@mail.doc.gov; http://www.senri-i.or.jp/amcon/. |
| U.S. Country Commercial Guide: | http://www.usatrade.gov/website/ccg.nsf/ShowCCG |
| U.S. ITA Trade Information: | http://www.trade.gov/td/tic/ |
| Other: | U.S. Department of Commerce, Japan Office http://www.mac.doc.gov/japan/index.html. |
| Business Customs: | An understanding of Japanese business and social practices is of great importance in establishing and maintaining successful business relationships in Japan. Indifference to local business practices may indicate a lack of commitment on the part of the exporter, and may lead to misunderstandings and bad feelings between both sides which could result in the loss of business opportunities. One should not assume that because meetings and correspondence are carried out in English, Western social and business norms apply.
Japanese society is complex, structured, hierarchical and group-oriented with strong emphasis on maintaining harmony and avoiding surface confrontation. Japanese religious practice tends to be socially-oriented and selective rather than a matter of deep personal commitment; ethics tend to be situational. Building relationships (which will probably precede the first sale) should emphasize mutual trust, confidence, loyalty and commitment for the long term. Group decision making is emphasized in Japan and has been generally described as bottom up rather than top down. Family businesses founded since WWII and smaller second tier firms are exceptions to this rule. However, even in the large family firms, where decisions are made at the top, the process is usually managed so that company members have a sense of participation. This group decision-making tends to be slower. Recognizing that it takes a longer time to cultivate business relationships in Japan than in the United States, American business executives should not expect to make a deal in just a few days or they will depart in frustration, having made no progress. Consistent follow-up is vital. Likewise, American business people should recognize the importance of working with the staff-level of their Japanese counterparts and not exclusively with the executive level. Gift-giving is expected on many business occasions in Japan. Regional U.S. gifts or company-logo gifts are appropriate. Quality is important, but the gift does not have to be expensive. The packaging of the gift is as important as the gift itself and should be done professionally. In Japan, sets of four are considered unlucky (the number 4 is pronounced the same as the word for death). Gifts that can be shared among a group are appropriate. Business travelers to Japan should have bilingual business cards with the traveler's title. Business cards are exchanged to formalize the introduction process and establish the status of the parties relative to each other. Japanese bow when greeting each other but will expect to shake hands with foreign executives. A slight bow in acknowledgment of a Japanese bow is appreciated. Japanese executives deal on a last name basis in business relationships, and initial business and social contacts are characterized by politeness and formality. Using a professional interpreter in business meetings is highly recommended, although expensive, even if the Japanese side is supplying one and even if the Japanese side speaks good English. This shows proper preparation, gives an opportunity to observe the other side more closely and assures better communication. A written contract, even if less detailed than a contract between two U.S. companies, is essential to meet legal, tax, customs and accounting requirements. Contractual commitments are perceived as representing long-term relationships. Therefore, a company should consider carefully whether to grant exclusive rights to an unknown Japanese company. |