Yoshimasa Yamamoto chairman of Japan Franchise Association at FRANCHISE SHOW

In the official figures of Japan Franchise Association (JFA), the number of franchise headquarters in Japan is 1329. Out of the total 24 trillion yen in the industry, 104 regular members of JFA account for 60%. The franchise is a business model of the horizontal deployment of success. However unfortunately this may not be the case. It is important that not only Franchise headquarters but also Franchise members properly share the philosophy, identify each other and understand more. Business model must adapt to changes of the times. In addition, transparent management is also important.
In terms of global activity, JFA is cooperating with organizations of other countries through WFC(*1), APFC(*2), etc. For these four years, JFA has accelerated exchanges with foreign countries to respond to international inquiries.
In JFA members, there are companies that are actively expanding overseas, especially from convenience stores and food & beverage industry. Meanwhile the law differs in each country and the contents also change. There are countries with the Franchise law and for example Philippines and Taiwan which support the Franchise industry by raising the country and region. As for some countries, Franchise headquarters is not able to operate unless they join the association in each country. JFA celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. The current chairman is the thirteenth generation. JFA has inherited the idea of excellent franchise from the predecessors and hold various seminars and lectures to offer opportunities that you can acquire the knowledge of correct franchise. It is highly recommendable for Franchise headquarters and members to join and actively utilize JFA.

Interviewed by Lika Nakanishi

(*1) WFC: World Franchise Council
(*2) APFC: Asia Pacific Franchise Confederation