Inbound Foreign Direct Investment in Mature Economies: Lessons from Japan

Although Japan has attracted far less foreign investment than other mature economies, it can offer insights into FDI decision-making for international firms entering countries with a shrinking domestic market and increased international competition. Using a Delphi methodology with contributions from foreign direct investors and experts, I propose a model of inbound FDI in Japan and identify four types of investors based on the nature of investments and market maturity, namely empire builders, rescuers, niche players, and cherry-pickers.Several foreign companies can be seen to employ simultaneous FDI strategies, alternating rescuer, cherry-picker and niche-player approaches depending on market conditions and the firms available for takeover. Furthermore, some niche players become empire-builders over time when faced with increased competi- tion and lower growth rates in their sector. This framework, offering both descrip- tive and prescriptive components, can help firms take advantage of investment opportunities in Japan while considering its possible applicability to other mature economies.

Profile: Dr. Rémy Magnier-Watanabe is an associate professor in the MBA Program in International Business at the Graduate School of Business Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tokyo. He is origi- nally from France, where he graduated from Grenoble École de Management (BS, MS). He holds an MBA from the Georgia Institute of Technology in the United States and received his PhD in Industrial Engineering and Economics from the Tokyo Institute of Technology.His current research focuses on knowledge management, cross-cultural management, well-being at work, and inter- national economics. Prior to his academic career, he worked in the United States for a leading French manufacturer of pac- kaging equipment where he developed a growing interest in knowledge management and international management issues.
Moderator: Sophie BUHNIK (UMIFRE 19 – MFJ)
Organization: UMIFRE 19 – MFJ
Co-organization: CCI France Japon.