The Fascination for Things Japanese

CEBU, Philippines — Before the fad of things Korean, Filipinos were drawn to anything Japanese.

And even in the light of various other interesting cultural imports, the appeal of Japanese stuff has remained.  Cosplays, animes and, most especially, the rapid growth of different Japanese stores nationwide is proof of the lingering Japanese influence in the local pop culture. With the Filipinos’ high regard for Japanese products, it seems that the Japanese wave will always be around in the Philippines.

Japanese stores and outlets have slowly re-conquered their ground in the local market lately, making intelligent consumer products easily available.  From fashion boutiques to stores that sell pretty much everything, Japanese brands have once again drawn the purchasing preferences of Filipinos. And the popular appeal has good bases:

Design. Japanese-designed products are generally characterized by minimalist aesthetics that tend to emphasize a spiritual connection with nature, according to Xuan Mai Ardia at www.theculturetrip.com. Japanese design is a kind of fusion of the traditional and the modern. Products and goods sold in Japanese stores – like Muji, Beige etc. – are simple yet inexplicably attractive. The designs look very expensive and dainty, quite attractive to local consumers.

Affordability.  Today people tend to be more and more practical. There is a heightened preference for functionality. And that’s what Japanese stores deliver. And at an affordable price.

A good blend of high quality and affordable price is an equation that’s rather hard to come by. But that’s what consumers are looking for. And that’s what they find in Japanese-made products.

Quality. The Japanese are known for products that have passed strict quality-control standards. In short, these products are assured to last. Even local stores selling previously-owned Japanese and surplus products are still very much popular.

According to Maria Marilyn, at www.japino.net, Filipinos are fond of buying or owning “second-hand” Japanese products because of its high quality.

Variety. Japanese apparel, skincare products, household materials, electronics, and many more are popular among Filipinos because of the perception of good quality. And in certain stores, all these are available in one stop – like at Miniso and Daiso. Another thing, Japanese made products closely match the requirements of local consumers.

The very design of Japanese stores is itself a factor that draw customers in. The clean and orderly displays strike local customers as refreshing. The neat store environment tends to inspire ideas for arranging their own homes and lives.

As Japanese companies are in the forefront of technological, artistic and cultural advancements, they churn products that are timely and relevant, all very useful. And that’s obviously a reason for the popular appeal of things Japanese.  Arigato Gozaimas, Japan! (BANAT NEWS)