Abstract
This chapter aims to provide insights into the challenges and opportunities of expanding businesses in Japan via the Paul Smith case study. Japan is an important market for many fashion businesses. However, it can be very challenging for Western companies to enter the Japanese market due to its special cultural norms. The Japanese concept of wa, which means harmony and peace, is embedded in Japanese cultural values and significantly influences businesses. In Japan, business decision-making has to follow the principles of wa.
Paul Smith, a leading British fashion design company, stays popular among Japanese consumers. The success of Paul Smith in Japan can be attributed to Sir Paul Smith’s passion for the country and its culture. Sir Paul Smith has visited Japan many times since 1982. The founder has built a strong relationship with the local consumers, shareholders, and partners, aligning with the wa concept. The Case Study of Paul Smith suggests appreciating Japanese culture and values is the key to successful business expansion in Japan.
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Yao, Y., Dana, LP., Vignali, C. (2023). Paul Smith Meets Japanese WA. In: Brandstrup, M., Dana, LP., Ryding, D., Vignali, G., Caratù, M. (eds) The Garment Economy. Springer Texts in Business and Economics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-33302-6_26
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-33302-6_26
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