When localizing your internet presence in Japan there are several key areas for consideration:

• Language and cultural factors
• Cellular technology

Language and cultural factors

Of course the most important thing is to have your website translated into Japanese. Translation is often a tricky business and some concepts may not work in Japan so full localization is more than just a translation of your words – its about understanding the culture and moulding your message so that its acceptable and understandable.

Cellular technology

The world wide web is a widely distributed and popular medium in Japan. Also, huge numbers of people use their “keitai” or cell phone to access websites specially designed for small screens and mobile communication devices. Japanese people can pay for goods and bills at stores just by holding their cell phone over a special receiver! They can also make bank transactions, download music, watch TV, use the internet and a variety of other useful functions direct from their phone. With such a ubiquitious and useful device integrated into Japanese culture any localization strategy should consider developing a cellular compatible web presence.

Summary

To sucessfully localize your presence in Japan requires a lot more than a simple translation of your website. Language and cultural factors as well as consideration of cellular technology should be considered as part of your strategy.