Expanding your business in far-away markets has always been a tough job. On top of that, the Japanese market can surprise you in ways you may never have experienced in Europe or other Western business environments. Strategic and on-the-ground sales activity When you are looking for new partners, it is best to rely on someone...

Now it may be an excellent time to promote your brand in Japanese retail if you are in the business of selling alcoholic beverages, pasta or cooking oil. According to the results of the latest household consumption survey, in May Japanese households consumed about 25% more of the food items mentioned above than the same...

Even in your home market, a knowledge of the language is nowhere near enough to guarantee successful business development, market expansion or new product launches. And in a foreign market, there are even more factors at play. In the domestic market, if you want to open a branch in a new city, you probably have...

In our dealings with food and beverage products, we have witnessed many situations where European and Japanese partners tried to do business, but ended up talking at cross purposes. Neither side was able to comprehend the other’s questions or demands. If they managed to make progress in one area, talks broke down again on a...

A crisis can provide new opportunities. Crisis. The word originates from Greek and means ‘decision.’ In times of uncertainty, people and companies typically reduce their expenses and become risk averse. Nevertheless, it is also an excellent time to reassess your direction and adopt a new strategy. There are many reasons for you to make this...

In recent days and months, almost everyone has been thinking about the changes and effects Covid-19 will bring into our lives, including growing interest in the future of the economy and particular industries. The unprecedented emergency measures restricting the mobility of people and goods have raised the question: How will the coronavirus affect globalisation? Globalisation...

People often say that good products need no marketing because they “sell themselves”. This is one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted conceptions, because it is simply not true. It is nothing more than a myth. Even if we ignore the definition of the word “marketing” and look at the expression itself, it makes very...

In any major city in Japan, you can find Western cuisine of the same level and quality as in its homeland.  You will also find the most Michelin-star restaurants in Tokyo, and in international pizza-making contests, Japanese chefs continually rank among the top contestants.  In the past few years, it has also become popular among...

Having your introduction material in the local language of the target market is essential.  Many think that in Japan it is enough to have presentations in English because Japanese people can read it.  It is true that many Japanese can read English text, but some may not be very good at it.  Also in general,...

Starting business between Europe and Asia may take a long time but it is worth the patience Recently one of our projects reached an important milestone.  The first container of beverage (a very well-known brand in its home country) arrived in Japan, and official distribution has started. It is also important to know that getting...