16 May 2026
Japan Society & Policy
Japan is often described as closed to immigration. The reality is more nuanced, and changing faster than the narrative suggests. New visa categories, a foreign population that has more than doubled since 2000, and data showing that foreign crime has fallen sharply in absolute terms - not just as a percentage - tell a very different story.
The gap between political messaging and actual policy has rarely been wider, and the implications for anyone living, working, or doing business in Japan are significant.
Takïn Fakharzadeh
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5 May 2026
Brand Strategy in Japan
Japan remains one of the most coveted markets for European brands - and one of the most misunderstood. Its consumers are discerning, its retail landscape is sophisticated, and its appetite for quality and craftsmanship aligns naturally with what many European brands offer. Yet the path to a successful entry is rarely straightforward.
From distribution models and department store strategy to digital localization and the importance of cultural timing, this article covers what it actually takes to build a meaningful presence.
Takïn Fakharzadeh
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21 April 2025
Tourism in Japan
In 2024, Japan welcomed a record 36.9 million international visitors, signaling a full post-pandemic recovery. Yet this is far below France's 100 million and Spain's 94 million. Despite the lower numbers, overtourism appears to be a more pressing issue in Japan than in either country.
Unlike in France or Spain, where visitors often spread across multiple cities and regions, international tourists in Japan tend to follow a narrow path - concentrating along the Golden Route (Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka), putting intense pressure on local infrastructure and residents' daily lives.
Takïn Fakharzadeh
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12 February 2025
Luxury Market in Japan
Japan's economy has barely grown in thirty years and its population is shrinking by close to a million people a year - yet its luxury market is having the best run in its recorded history. Working out why is most of what a brand needs to understand before committing here.
Arrivals grew by a quarter in 2024; spending grew by half, to a record 8.1 trillion yen. A look at where that money actually lands, why an exchange-rate boom is not the same thing as demand, and what it means for brands building for the long term.
Takïn Fakharzadeh
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