--- description: Breaking news and analysis from time.com. Politics, world news, photos, video, tech reviews, health, science, and entertainment news. title: Learning From the Past to Build a Brighter Future image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt1c326e39a9efd378/6a5bb72b4c6b0157e96ea684/Learning-past-future_thumbnail_(1).JPG?branch=production&width=3840&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9 --- # Learning From the Past to Build a Brighter Future  For most of the last century, Japan’s track record of exports and overseas sales have been among the most impressive the world has ever seen. But with economies changing and geopolitics shifting in unforeseen directions every day, it takes more than just a proud history to succeed in international markets. That’s why modern Japanese businesses are forging new paths, investing in R&D and looking to the future like never before. Companies such as vehicle parts and equipment manufacturer HKS Co., Ltd. have enjoyed success through an agile and flexible approach to making deals and strengthening connections. “While the U.S. and China remain significant, ongoing uncertainties such as tariffs and regulations make Southeast Asia increasingly attractive. The region’s rapidly expanding middle class is making our products accessible to a broader customer base,” said President Daisuke Mizuguch. “To capture this opportunity, we are advancing localization efforts across multiple ASEAN countries. We will continue to maintain our presence in both China and the U.S., as they remain essential to our global strategy, even as Southeast Asia becomes our primary growth driver,” he added. Kiyotaka Machii, president of Nisso Shoji Co., Ltd., agreed. “We have operated in China for quite some time, and it remains a critical market for us. That said, recent global developments have made it clear that we need to diversify risk. Our attention is now shifting toward India and other Southeast Asian countries,” said Machii. Airin Co., Ltd. is also looking to expand upon its Chinese success by securing a larger presence across Asia. “In China and Hong Kong, we already have our own group companies which have been operating for the past 20 years,” said President Kenji Hayashi. “Going forward, in addition to our domestic business, we will focus on expanding overseas operations by leveraging our own e-commerce platform, enabling us to reach customers not only in China but across the entire Asian region,” Hayashi added. Meanwhile, Tokyo Gas Asia Pte. Ltd. President Nakao Takashi is aiming for success in diverse global markets. “We are working very hard on partnerships with companies in the United States, Malaysia, and Indonesia to produce e-methane. In Australia, we are also working closely with Santos, a big player in Australian energy, and have a track record of working with companies in Malaysia and Indonesia,” said Takashi. “Recently, we focused on energy projects to set up terminals in Indonesia and Vietnam, and we have worked with Thailand and the Philippines.” As well as anticipating change and trying to predict market flux, a crucial part of modern business success is learning from recent history. “The COVID-19 pandemic was our greatest challenge—but it also accelerated innovation, such as the development of supplements for the U.S. and European markets,” said Kazumi Suzuki, President of A-One Co., Ltd. “Now, we are ready to introduce Japan-born beauty products to Europe. We have been approached by a Swedish company seeking a distribution partnership, and Belgium is a strong candidate for our first directly managed European store,” she added. Osawa Shigehiro, chairman of So Plus Company Ltd., has been working to mitigate impending fluctuations and can see positives in recent economic developments. “The trend of yen depreciation could drive more exports from Japan to the global market. In our case, So Plus has built many partnerships with Japanese companies as part of an effort to reduce the risks of supply chain disruptions and global economic turbulence,” said Shigehiro. According to Fujita Device Co., Ltd. President Kazunori Urayama, overseas manufacturing development will continue to play a major role in the firm’s business plans. It currently has significant interests in Malaysia and Singapore, and is looking at expansion. “Currently, our overseas bases serve as maintenance and support outposts for our Japanese clients working in these countries. In a sense, we would like to expand our business for manufacturer’s mother fabs in Japan, then it would be a global extension,” he said. Wataru Shibata, president of Tsukioka Film Pharma Co., Ltd., has bold plans for taking his firm forward in overseas markets. “I hope we can expand our market beyond Japan. We have already made progress in neighboring countries such as Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea, and I also see strong potential in the Middle East,” said Shibata. “Ultimately, following the example of the Silk Road, which once played a crucial role in the transmission of culture and craftsmanship, we aim for our products to expand from Japan to meet the needs not only across Asia but throughout the world,” he added. 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