How to enter the Japanese market and market research

In order to understand the Japanese market, it is necessary to look not only at the population and market size, but also at how actual customers make choices, who makes decisions, and which sales channels they use.

This page not only provides general information, but also organizes the order and points to check when actually preparing. For people coming to Japan from overseas, it is important to proceed with plenty of time, as each procedure can take time due to differences in language and systems.

Deciding on the customer image first rather than the market size

The information that ``Japanese market is large'' alone does not determine a business location. For corporations, we will specify the industry, company size, department, approver, and introduction period, and for individuals, we will specify the age, region, price range, and reason for purchase.

It is important to confirm your assumptions through conversations with potential customers and related parties, rather than making decisions based solely on the information in the materials. We also check the Japanese side's decision-making methods and expected response speed, and make adjustments to suit the actual business negotiations.

Japanese companies are not the only competitors

Look at existing alternatives as well as direct competitors. Even if the new service is better, customers won't switch if they feel the current method is good enough.

Conditions vary depending on the person and company. The most efficient way to proceed is to organize your purpose, timing, budget, and necessary language support, and then check only the parts you don't understand with a specialist.

Prices are not determined solely by currency conversion.

Simply converting overseas prices into yen may not match the value perceived by Japanese customers. We will design a price that includes competitive pricing, installation time, support, Japanese language support, and payment terms.

If you compare only based on price, you may find out later that there are additional costs and differences in terms and conditions. It's a good idea to separate what is one-time costs and what is monthly/yearly costs and have them confirmed in writing.

Try sales channels

The required personnel and profit margin will vary depending on the sales method, such as direct sales, agency, EC, introduction, exhibition, advertising, etc. Try multiple methods in small steps and focus on the path that responds well.

Conditions vary depending on the person and company. The most efficient way to proceed is to organize your purpose, timing, budget, and necessary language support, and then check only the parts you don't understand with a specialist.

Use survey results for decision making

Market research is conducted not to create materials, but to make investment decisions. It is important to link this to your next actions, such as entering the market, shifting the timing, changing product specifications, or looking for a partner.

Conditions vary depending on the person and company. The most efficient way to proceed is to organize your purpose, timing, budget, and necessary language support, and then check only the parts you don't understand with a specialist.

At the implementation stage, decide on the person in charge and the deadline.

Once the plan is finalized, make a list of who will decide, by when, and what will be decided. If the overseas head office, Japanese person in charge, or external expert is involved, the decision will likely go awry if the approver and contact point are not made clear. Setting a regular confirmation date and updating only undecided items will make progress management easier.

Assuming continued operation on the Japanese side

We not only think about operations immediately after entering the business, but also about operations six months and a year from now. By organizing who will be in charge of customer relations, billing, contract renewals, recruitment, accounting, web updates, etc., you can prevent your company from becoming too dependent on the head office after startup.

What I would like you to tell me when consulting with JCBO

If you would like to discuss "How to enter the Japanese market and market research" individually, please let us know your current situation, desired timing, location, budget, what has already been decided, and what has not yet been decided. JCBO organizes the consultation contents and guides you through what can be resolved with general information and what needs to be dealt with by corporate services or qualified experts.