Japanese business and poverty reduction

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine inspiring ideas in which Japanese companies are finding innovative ways to tap into base of the pyramid (BOP) markets to increase their profit while simultaneously reducing poverty and contributing to BOP society.Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines a potential and some issues of Japanese business in BOP market through case analysis of Yakult Honsha Co Ltd and Nihon Poly‐Glu Co Ltd.FindingsThe paper reveals that Japanese companies have a particular aptitude and strength for BOP business. The paper have three findings: Japanese company has a source of BOP business; Japanese companies have aptitude and strength for BOP business; and the time is ripe for Japanese companies to break into the BOP market.Research limitations/implicationsThere are few cases of Japanese companies which are engaging in BOP business. It could be kind of difficult to get a general result on Japanese business.Practical implicationsThis paper shows that a high potential for Japanese companies to succeed in BOP market and some issues facing Japanese companies.Originality/valueThis paper is the first which analyzed some cases of Japanese BOP business and revealed a high potential of Japanese companies for BOP business.