Ask most foreign companies what their strategy is for entering Japan, and somewhere in the plan you’ll hear:“Once we get in front of the buyer…” But that’s where things usually break down. You can have a beautiful brand, a proven product, and global success — and still walk out of the meeting with a polite […]

Japan is the world’s third-largest consumer market, known for its discerning customers, high standards, and global influence — especially in food, beauty, and lifestyle. It’s a market many global companies dream of entering. Yet despite deep pockets and proven international success, most foreign market strategies in Japan underperform — or fail outright. Surveys by JETRO […]

So you want to open a retail store in Japan? You’re not alone. Japan is the third-largest consumer market in the world, and for many global brands, having a physical presence here is a sign of prestige and strategic importance. But entering retail in Japan — especially department stores or high-end commercial facilities — is […]

Japan’s labor market might appear stable from the outside — organized, loyal, and structured. But for companies trying to hire and scale here, especially foreign startups and SMEs, the reality is more complex — and often unexpectedly difficult. At Japan Startup Advisory, we’ve hired hundreds of people across retail, food production, back office, marketing, and […]