ArrowArtboardCreated with Sketch.Title ChevronTitle ChevronIcon FacebookIcon LinkedinIcon Mail ContactPath LayerIcon MailPositive ArrowIcon Print
Trade

From steel to Gundam: Japan's changing exports

Forget TVs and steel, today's mix includes high-quality lipstick, rice and figurines

"Gunpla," as fans of Gundam plastic models call them, are growing in popularity overseas.

TOKYO -- While televisions and other electronics dominated Japanese exports when the yen last depreciated to current levels 20 years ago, cosmetics and figurines have now taken over to become the poster children of the country's manufacturing.

"There was a time when Japanese corporations responded to changes in currency levels by shifting factories overseas," said Masahiko Uotani, president of the health and beauty company Shiseido.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored Content This content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.

Discover the all new Nikkei Asia app

  • Take your reading anywhere with offline reading functions
  • Never miss a story with breaking news alerts
  • Customize your reading experience

Nikkei Asian Review, now known as Nikkei Asia, will be the voice of the Asian Century.

Celebrate our next chapter
Free access for everyone - Sep. 30

Find out more