Japan - background market data

Population – 127,417,244 (2005).

Currency – yen (¥). At the time of this report ¥115 was worth US$1.

Government – prime minister Junichiro Koizumi was swept back to power in a snap election in September 2005. His Liberal Democratic Party is now enjoying a majority after having to rely on cross-party alliances in its previous term.

Area and coastline – Japan’s islands occupy an area of 377,720km2 and the coastline is 34,536km long; around half of the coastline is protected from erosion.

Boating season May-November.

Climate considerations – coastal weather is subject to extremes, including typhoon-induced flooding and high waves, and tsunamis. The prime season for typhoons is September.

Boat park – 421,000.

Boat ownership per capita – 1:303.

Industry Body – The JBIA (Japanese Boating Industry Association) is Japan’s primary marine industry association. A member of ICOMIA, it currently has 33 full members and 102 associate members. www.marine-jbia.or.jp/english/

Key Boat Shows (2)

• Tokyo Boat Show. This indoor show runs every February for four days. It primarily features powerboats and accessories and currently attracts around 140 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors. The 2006 show, the event’s 45th anniversary, will run from February 9-12 2006. www.marine-jbia.or.jp/english/

• Kansai International Floating Boat Show. New in 2005, this marina-based show attracted around 80 exhibitors and 10,000 visitors in March of this year. The 2006 show is scheduled for April 15-17.