Korean firms look to up Japan share

Armed with a new line of savvy products, major South Korean electronics makers are increasingly launching campaigns to stab a bigger slice of the neighboring Japanese market. 

Samsung Electronics on Tuesday announced that it would be introducing its smartphones and tablet PCs in Japan, while LG Electronics last month unveiledLED-backlit LCD televisions to be sold there.

Market watchers watched the latest development with interest, especially as it comes against the backdrop of lackluster performances by Japanese electronics manufacturers. 

The companies were no doubt affected by a powerful currency, coupled with still-sluggish global economic conditions, but structural deficiencies are also being cited.

“The Japanese electronics market was unable to conduct successful reforms,” Samsung Economic Research Institute said in a recent report.

Figures from last year show that Samsung products surpassed their Japanese peers, such as Sony and Toshiba, in terms of operating profit.

Possibly encouraged by such success, Samsung will now be showcasing its popular smartphone Galaxy S in Japan later this month.