How do people around the world view Japan? How is Japan's brand—its food, tourism, products, and more—perceived overseas?
This data card presents findings from the "Japan Brand Survey 2015," conducted in April 2015 across 20 countries and regions worldwide.
A4 Is "Local Ramen" Popular in East Asia? Food is Hot Even in Regional Areas!

Q4 What would you like to experience in Japan's regional areas?
When asked what they want to do in Japan's regional areas, overall responses included uniquely Japanese experiences like "nature" and "hot springs," as well as traditional cultural activities like "shrines and temples" and "festivals." "Local cuisine" also ranked highly. Looking at regions in East Asia with frequent visitation to Japan, a notable characteristic is higher interest in more specific food genres than just "local cuisine." Particularly, "ramen" ranked highly in every region. These results suggest that "food" could significantly drive inbound tourism to regional areas.
<Japan Brand Survey 2015 Overview>
● Purpose: To understand overseas consumers' perceptions and actual behavior regarding the overall "Japan Brand" encompassing Japanese food, tourism, and products, thereby supporting corporate marketing activities.
●Target Areas: 20 countries and regions
China (Beijing, Shanghai), Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, Australia, USA, Canada, Brazil, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Russia
●Survey Method: Online survey
●Respondent Criteria: Men and women aged 20–59 from middle-income households and above
●Sample Size: 200 respondents per region, total 4,000 respondents
●Survey Period: April 17–27, 2015
Dentsu Inc. Team Cool Japan
A company-wide cross-functional project team launched in 2013 to promote 'Cool Japan-related initiatives'—expanding products and services leveraging Japanese culture and strengths into overseas markets. Dentsu Inc. also invested in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's Cool Japan Organization (fund). The team brings together client company representatives handling overseas expansion, media and content specialists, overseas subsidiary network managers, producers, and planners to undertake initiatives promoting Japan's appeal globally.
DENTSU SOKEN INC. Japan Studies Group
A research team focused on Japan's appeal and strengths was established within DENTSU SOKEN INC. for 2020 and beyond. We aim to be a "network-based think tank" leveraging connections with diverse individuals domestically and internationally, as well as all resources within Dentsu Inc. With Dentsu's unique approach and the team strength to co-create the next form by reading the winds, we aspire to contribute to shaping Japan's future—a future where answers are not easily found.