No, Samsung is not facing its end in Japan, but its position there is genuinely weak and has been for years. While Samsung remains the world’s largest smartphone maker, in Japan it holds a small single-digit share of the smartphone market, far behind Apple and local giants like Sony and Sharp. This article explains the real state of Samsung in Japan, the reasons behind its struggles, and whether the situation is changing.
Formula
The calculator works out your average pace and speed for a run, walk, or ride. Enter the total time in minutes and the distance in kilometers. The pace is time divided by distance (min/km), and speed is distance divided by time in hours (km/h).
Pace = t / d
Speed = d / (t / 60)
Where:
t = total time in minutes
d = distance in kilometers
Worked Example
Using the default values: t = 50 minutes, d = 10 km.
Pace = 50 / 10 = 5.00 min/km
Speed = 10 / (50 / 60) = 10 / 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h
So the average pace is 5 minutes per kilometer, and the average speed is 12 km/h.
Why Samsung Struggles in Japan
Japan’s smartphone market is unique. Apple dominates with over 50% share, and domestic brands like Sony, Sharp, and Kyocera hold most of the rest. Samsung, despite being a global leader, has never cracked double digits there. Several factors explain this.
- Carrier relationships: Japanese carriers (NTT Docomo, KDDI, SoftBank) historically favored domestic brands and Apple, and Samsung was often treated as a secondary option.
- Local preferences: Japanese users value water resistance, TV tuners, and mobile payments (like FeliCa) early on. Samsung phones often lacked these features at launch or added them late.
- Marketing gap: Samsung’s global ads don’t always translate to the Japanese market, where local celebrities and specific feature-focused campaigns matter more.
- Brand perception: Some Japanese consumers associate Samsung with Korean rivalry, though this has softened over time.
Has Samsung Ever Had a Strong Presence in Japan?
In the early 2010s, Samsung had some success with the Galaxy S series through carriers, but it never reached the heights it achieved in the US or Europe. By 2015, Samsung’s share in Japan was around 5%, and it has hovered in the 1-3% range since. The Note 7 battery recall in 2016 hurt its reputation globally, and in Japan it was a further setback.
What Samsung Is Doing Now in Japan
Samsung hasn’t given up on Japan. It still sells flagship Galaxy phones through carriers and unlocked retailers, and it has a strong presence in components—Samsung supplies memory chips and OLED displays to Japanese companies, including Sony and Apple. In recent years, Samsung has tried to appeal to Japanese users with features like the Galaxy S24’s AI translation and camera improvements, but the market response has been muted.
How Does Samsung Compare to Apple and Sony in Japan?
Apple’s iPhone is the default choice for most Japanese users, especially after the iPhone SE and budget models made it accessible. Sony’s Xperia line retains a loyal niche thanks to its camera and display quality. Samsung’s Galaxy offers comparable hardware but lacks the ecosystem lock-in that Apple has, and it doesn’t have Sony’s domestic brand trust. In terms of price, Samsung’s flagships are often similar to the iPhone, so there’s little incentive to switch.
Common Misconceptions About Samsung in Japan
One misconception is that Samsung has left Japan entirely—it hasn’t. Another is that the Japanese government bans Samsung due to political tensions—that’s false; there are no official bans. A third is that Samsung’s low share means its phones are bad—they’re actually top-tier, but the market simply favors other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Samsung banned in Japan?
No, Samsung is not banned in Japan. It legally sells smartphones and other products through carriers and retailers. The low market share is due to consumer preference and competition, not government action.
Why do Japanese people buy iPhones instead of Samsung?
Apple has a strong brand image, seamless integration with other Apple devices, and excellent carrier support. Japanese users also value the iPhone’s camera, battery life, and resale value, which are perceived as better than Samsung’s.
Does Samsung sell any phones in Japan?
Yes, Samsung sells the Galaxy S series, Z Fold, and Z Flip through major carriers and unlocked. They are available, but they are not heavily promoted compared to iPhone and Sony.
Could Samsung leave Japan completely?
It’s possible if sales continue to be negligible, but Samsung has maintained a presence for over a decade despite low share. Its component business in Japan is profitable, so a full exit is unlikely.
Are Samsung phones cheaper than iPhones in Japan?
Not usually. Samsung’s flagships are priced similarly to iPhones, and they don’t have the same carrier subsidies or trade-in deals that iPhones get, making them less attractive on a cost basis.