Japan market entry for global brands
Launch in Japan with a partner rooted in it.
We help overseas brands test, launch and grow in Japan — from Makuake crowdfunding and Japanese social media to retail distribution. When it works, we commit as your exclusive partner in Japan.
Global reach. Hyper-local roots. Based in Gifu, central Japan.
The challenge
Japan is a huge market.
It just doesn't run on your playbook.
Great products succeed abroad and still stall in Japan. Not because Japanese customers don't want them — but because the way they discover, trust and buy is different.
Translation isn't localization
Japanese buyers read every detail. Product pages, packaging and support need to sound native and feel reliable — not machine-translated.
Different platforms, different rules
Crowdfunding sites like Makuake, Japanese Instagram and X, and a retail world built on relationships. Each works best with a local partner.
High expectations after the sale
Fast responses in Japanese, careful returns and warranty handling. Customer care is part of the product here.
How it works
Start small. Prove demand.
Then go all in — together.
You don't need to commit to Japan blindly. We start by testing your product with real Japanese customers, and grow the partnership as the results come in.
Launch Partner
Test the Japanese market with a pre-order launch, with minimal risk and no upfront inventory.
- Japan market-fit review of your product
- Native Japanese copy, product pages and visuals
- Makuake / crowdfunding campaign planning and production
- Japanese social media and creator outreach
- Customer support in Japanese
Exclusive Japan Partner
Once demand is proven, we become your committed, exclusive partner for the Japanese market.
- Exclusive distribution in Japan
- Retail and B2B channel development
- Pricing and positioning for the Japanese market
- Ongoing marketing, PR and customer care
- One accountable partner — no price wars between resellers
Why us
Global reach.
Hyper-local roots.
Most agencies see Japan from a Tokyo office. We've spent 26 years inside it — helping local makers, shops and manufacturers in Gifu, central Japan, sell to Japanese customers.
- We know how Japanese customers buy — because we've built marketing for 800+ local businesses.
- We know what it takes to sell in a market that isn't yours — we do it ourselves. Our e-commerce team sells products made in Japan in 13+ countries, about ¥150 million a year, and handles orders, shipping and customer support in-house.
- We make the content ourselves — web pages, crowdfunding pages, social media and ads, all in-house.
- We think beyond the campaign — our goal is lasting retail presence, not a one-time spike.
- We move fast with AI — and every word is checked by native Japanese marketers.
Case study
From one crowdfunding campaign
to a growing retail network.
Handcrafted pens carved from rare woods
A small maker of artisan writing instruments, each pen taking around 48 hours of handwork. A premium product with a story — that needed the right launch to reach the right customers.
- Makuake launchWe supported the crowdfunding campaign for a premium, high-price product.
- Proof of demandStrong results gave retailers and business buyers a reason to take notice.
- Retail & B2B expansionStore partners grew rapidly after the campaign — including well-known retailers.
- “The company changed.”The campaign became a turning point for the business.
This is the playbook we've proven with Japanese makers: launch, prove demand, then expand into retail. Now we're opening it to global brands that want to succeed in Japan.
Is it a fit?
We're selective — so we can be fully committed.
A great fit
- Products already selling well in your home market
- A clear, unique strength that shows in a 30-second video
- Retail price around US$100 or more
- Niche products with passionate users (outdoor, coffee, gadgets, craft, home…)
- Brands looking for a long-term partner in Japan
Probably not (yet)
- Products requiring complex Japanese certification (medical, cosmetics, food)
- Low-price commodity products
- Brands looking only for a one-off translation job
This website was built with AI.
And it's updated in plain language. We use the same AI-powered workflow to localize your brand for Japan — quickly, consistently, and always reviewed by people who know the market.
FAQ
Questions we often hear
Do I need a Japanese company or office to start?
No. We act as your partner on the ground in Japan. The right structure for your product is something we'll discuss together on our first call.
Do I have to ship inventory to Japan upfront?
Usually not. We start with a pre-order campaign, so stock is ordered after real demand is confirmed.
Is exclusivity required from day one?
No. We begin as your launch partner. Once results are proven, we discuss an exclusive partnership that makes sense for both sides.
What does it cost?
It depends on your product and the scope of support. The first call is free, and we'll share a clear proposal afterwards.
Can we work in English?
Yes. We work in English by email and video call. On calls, we use AI translation to keep things clear, and we can bring in an interpreter for detailed discussions.
Let's talk
Thinking about Japan?
Let's see if your product fits.
Book a free 30-minute call. We'll give you an honest view of your product's potential in Japan — even if we're not the right partner.
Book a free 30-min call →