08 Second opinion on Japanese market strategy
Sometimes you just need a fresh and honest perspective
The Japanese market is complex, and even seasoned exporters can find themselves confused by slow timelines, vague communication, or disappointing results. Is your distributor underperforming? Is your message being misunderstood? Are delays truly cultural, or is something else going on? Is it your product? Is it your distributor? Who is to blame for slow growth? Can anything be done about it?
At Japan Trade Advisor, we provide second opinions based on 30+ years of real experience in the Japanese market. We are not your distributor (unless you want us to be). We are not bound by a corporate structure that limits what we can say. We simply give you our honest assessment, based on facts, patterns, and market understanding.
When a second opinion makes all the difference
Sales are not growing despite years of effort You've invested in the Japanese market, but results are flat. Your local partner says, "it's the culture", "Japanese market grow slowly", "It takes at least three years before we can expect any results", but is that really the reason? What is the importer / distributor doing about it? We ask all the critical questions and get answers.
Your local distributor blames market conditions Are local conditions truly the issue, or are there gaps in execution, positioning, or motivation?
You’re getting unclear or inconsistent feedback Japanese partners are often polite and indirect, which can lead to confusion. We help you decode what's really being said, and what's not.
You’ve been told Japan is slow, but others are growing faster Yes, Japan can be slow to move. But when things are aligned, decisions and growth can happen quickly. We help you understand what’s holding things back in your case.
You’re entering negotiations and want an outside perspective Before signing an agreement, it can be invaluable to get a local expert to review the offer and its practical implications, especially regarding exclusivity, pricing, or performance obligations.
Your team is unsure how to move forward Whether it’s a disagreement between HQ and Japan staff or confusion about local strategy, we offer independent insight to help you regain clarity and direction.
What we offer
Independent evaluation of your current strategy, partners, or messaging
We look at what you’re doing, what results you’re seeing and provide clear feedback, without bias or obligation.
Direct insight into cultural vs. commercial blockers
Not everything in Japan is about “culture.” Sometimes it's structure, sometimes it's poor communication, and sometimes it's just the wrong partner. We help you tell the difference.
Honest answers to difficult questions
If your partner isn't pushing your product, we’ll tell you. If your offer doesn’t match local expectations, we’ll explain why. Our job is not to be polite, it’s to be useful.
Clear recommendations on what to do next
Whether it’s time to adjust expectations, switch partners, change your pitch, or hold your ground, we’ll help you decide with confidence.
Why this matter
Too many companies spend years in the Japanese market without real progress, because no one is giving them the full picture. Polite feedback, indirect language, or lack of local insight can lead to misunderstanding and wasted potential.
By getting a second opinion from Japan Trade Advisor, you gain access to objective, honest, and deeply experienced insight. No agendas. No diplomacy. Just clarity.
Why work with Japan Trade Advisor?
Over 30 years of real business experience in Japan
No affiliation with your local distributor, agent, or team, we’re fully independent
Trusted by companies across Europe and Japan for our straight answers and actionable guidance
Culturally fluent, commercially grounded, and always on your side
Sometimes the answers are right there. Sometimes it does not take more than a few days to find the core cause and get you on the right track. In other cases, it might take a bit longer. Its case by case.
If in doubt, ask an expert who knows Japan and answers honestly
If you feel like your Japan strategy is stuck, unclear, or just not working the way it should, don’t wait. A 30-minute conversation could change your direction & your results.
Want to learn more about Japan, & doing business in Japan?
Dont forget to check up on our blog, "Looking into the Japanese mind".This blog is about Japanese business culture, its about Japanese business norms and practices, its a too for you to understand how Japanese think when they do business with you.You will find our blog on the following page:Inside the Japanese mind
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