“UPDATE JAPAN”
This is the Yahoo Japan’s mission.
If you are not living in Japan, maybe you think it is something in the past. Though its rival, Google, is becoming more popular in Japan, Yahoo is still playing a big part in life of Japanese locals.
Yahoo and Google
Yahoo Japan was founded in 1996 by the Softbank group as an independent organization, distinct from its US counterpart. This is reflected in their logo, which also differs from that of Yahoo in the United States.
Yahoo Japan has been thriving in Japan, offering more than 200 services. They state that their vision is to make Japan the most convenient country in the world and considering how it is cultivated here in Japan, they are acing it.
According to statistical reports from the Japanese Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the most used search engine in Japan is Google at 75%, and Yahoo comes 2nd at 14.2%. Compared to its worldwide usage (Google 84% and Yahoo 2%), we can see that there still are a certain amount of Yahoo fans.
Unique traits behind their success
Yahoo Japan’s unique trait compared to other search engines is its services.
Yahoo Japan is a one-stop-all portal that offers a wide range of services beyond just search. While many search engines primarily focus on delivering search results, Yahoo Japan aims to provide users with a comprehensive online experience by offering various services all in one place. Services like weather, news, shopping, travel, and auctions will make users engage in various activities that cater to their interests and needs.
By offering these diverse services, Yahoo Japan aims to create a more immersive and engaging online experience for its users.
The services is not the only uniqueness. How the website looks is another point that the Japanese audience loves.
The design aesthetics and preferences for websites can vary significantly based on cultural factors and audience expectations. In the case of Yahoo Japan’s website design, it seems to align with the preferences of its Japanese audience. The text-dominant design with a wealth of information on the top page caters to users who appreciate a more content-rich experience. This design approach allows users to quickly access a wide range of information and services without having to navigate through multiple pages.
In contrast, English-speaking audiences often value clean, minimalist designs that prioritize ease of navigation and simplicity. This aligns well with the design philosophies of companies like Google, which focus on providing users with a straightforward and efficient search experience.
These special qualities play a big roll in Japanese digital marketing and highlight the compelling need for businesses to establish a dedicated online presence. This gives them a strategic advantage to succeed in the Japanese market.
