Entry Strategy

Business relations in Japan are built over time. Study the different strategies and choose the most suitable one for your activities before you get there. A direct strategy will make you the sole bearer of the reins of your project. Going through intermediaries and partnerships will mean having to rely on others to build up your venture, but they may also prove to have a better knowledge of the market, too. Finally, commerce with the government through procurement is also an option.

About Starting a Business in Japan

There are many reasons for wishing to establish or expand your business in Japan, and also many different ways to enter the Japanese market. It is important to study the different strategies and choose the most suitable one for your activities before you get there.

Direct Selling

Establishing an office in Japan will allow you to enter the Japanese market and have direct contact with customers and possible partners. However, it is important to note that there are different types of offices, which have various investment and manpower requirements.

Partnership

Preparing to expand a business overseas requires more than just attention to financial issues. Cultural awareness and an understanding of the market are vital.

Selling Through e-Commerce

e-Commerce is almost an indispensable requirement in Japan, and is commonly perceived as an “easy” way to enter the Japanese market. However, there are many things which must be taken into consideration when creating a website for the Japanese consumer.

Selling Through Intermediaries

If establishing a local office in Japan does not seem like the right solution, it might be wise to use an intermediary. But the choice of such an intermediary should be made with caution, as there are vast differences between the different types of partners you might find.

Entry Strategy

EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation