Working with the Japanese can be one of the most challenging, yet financially rewarding areas of international business.  With the differences in language, taste, currency and business culture, most American companies neglect this small, but powerful nation.  The Japanese are influenced by the United States more than any other country in the world.  For this reason, it should come as no surprise that the Japanese are very aggressive in pursuing US goods.  Most American companies that are selling to Japan were first contacted by someone in Japan wishing to purchase their goods.  Though it is nice when the customer comes to you asking to purchase the product, it can also backfire.  The reason most US companies fail in Japan is because they simply do not research and understand the market before the initial sale.  In other words, they get the sale, but lose the business.  Don’t make the same mistake.