03 - The right strategy for Japan
Entering Japan requires more than a good product - it demands the right strategy - A tailored roadmap for market entry
With over 30 years of experience in Japan-related business, we help companies develop clear, actionable market entry strategies built on local insight, industry understanding and real-world execution experience.
Whether you are starting from zero or need to refine an existing approach, we’ll help you avoid common pitfalls and build a roadmap tailored to your goals, product, and resources.
Why strategy matters in Japan
Japan is a highly structured, competitive, and culturally nuanced market. Approaches that succeed in Europe or the U.S. often fail in Japan—not because of the product, but because of mis-aligned strategies.
A successful Japan strategy requires:
Deep understanding of how business is done in Japan
Realistic expectations around timelines and relationship-building
Clear positioning of your brand and product in a dense competitive environment
A methodical approach to selecting the right partners, channels, and customers
What our strategic advisory covers
Target market selection: where to start, and which segment to focus on first
Product positioning and messaging: how your product should be perceived in Japan
Sales and distribution models: direct vs. indirect, trading companies vs. agents
Partner criteria and search strategy: who to approach and how
Pricing and value proposition alignment
Suggested exhibitions, media, and marketing approaches
Timeline planning and risk mitigation
Own statistical database for checking up on real time trade statistics
All strategy recommendations are grounded in market reality, not generic theory. My support is personalized, senior-level, and independent.
Who this is for
Exporters preparing for their first entry into the Japanese market
Companies that want to pivot or re-approach Japan after limited success
Senior managers looking for a second opinion on partner selection, entry timing, or sales methods
Brands preparing for trade shows, distributor talks, or local campaigns
Why work with us?
30+ years of real-world experience with business in and with Japan
Cross-industry expertise in building materials, food, furniture, industrial goods, and more
First-hand experience as a diplomat, advisor, and business executive
Deep cultural knowledge and business fluency in Japanese and English
An extensive cross-border network of contacts, buyers, agents, and partners
You won’t get theoretical reports. You’ll get honest, field-tested strategic guidance you can act on.
The process
Initial consultation to assess your current approach or starting point
Analysis of your product and objectives
Tailored strategic roadmap: including partner suggestions, next steps, and timeline
Optional: execution support, partner outreach, or trade show planning
Let's build your Japan strategy together
Before you commit budget, time, or product inventory to Japan, make sure your strategy is right. Let’s define a plan that fits your business and the Japanese market.
Want to learn more about Japan, & doing business in Japan?
Don’t forget to explore our blog “Looking into the Japanese Mind.” This blog gives you essential insights into Japanese business culture, communication norms, and the decision-making style of Japanese companies. Understanding these elements will help you build trust, avoid misunderstandings, and succeed in the Japanese market. You can read the blog here: Inside the Japanese mind.
You should also take advantage of our advanced data service at JapanTradeStatistics.com. This platform provides the fastest and most precise way to analyze Japan’s import and export movements, updated directly from official Japanese trade data. With just a few clicks, you can filter thousands of HS4 codes, compare markets, and understand complex trade developments in seconds, giving you a competitive advantage that traditional spreadsheets or slow databases cannot offer. All dashboards run in Power BI, allowing you to embed live, automatically updated charts directly into your PowerPoint presentations, ensuring that your reports always contain the latest information without you ever have to update it manually.
JapanTradeStatistics.com is an invaluable tool for:
Trading companies evaluating market shifts
Journalists and analysts covering economic or geopolitical developments
Public institutions and embassies tracking bilateral trade
Exporters and importers identifying new opportunities
Consultants and researchers needing reliable, real-time data
Investors monitoring changes in the markets.
If you work with Japan, or plan to, this tool will save you hours of research while giving you insights that help you act faster, identify opportunities earlier, and make better, data-driven decisions.
Price: Ask for a quotation