Searching for partners and agents with Japanese companies

When partnering with Japanese companies, it is more important to create a relationship where the roles and interests of both parties are clear, rather than finding a partner.

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.

Define the type of partner you are looking for

Clarify the role you expect from the other party, including agents, distributors, logistics, manufacturing, introductions, and technical alliances. Candidates cannot be selected simply by saying, ``I would like to be introduced to Japanese companies.''

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.

Be able to explain the benefits of the other person

We specify not only the demands of overseas companies, but also what kind of sales, customers, technology, and product value Japanese companies have.

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.

Decide what to check during the first interview

Check target customers, regions, pricing, inventory, support, contract length, exclusivity, and more. It is also important to clarify any ambiguous points in writing after the interview.

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.

Build trust from small transactions

Rather than aiming for nationwide expansion or an exclusive contract from the beginning, it is safer to build a track record in limited areas or with limited products and check how both parties proceed.

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.

Don't stop with just the introduction

By planning for business negotiations, adjusting conditions, and checking progress after introducing a partner, you can reduce the possibility that the deal will end with just exchanging business cards.

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 consult individually about ``finding a partner or agency with a Japanese company,'' please let us know your current situation, desired timing, location, budget, and 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.