BRN (Big River Network) is a team of experts with many years of experience in assisting foreign companies in entering the Japanese market
We connect people to people and businesses to businesses across borders
Let us help expand and revitalize your businesses in Japan.
Allow us to assist in spreading your content and services in Japan
For those looking to enter the Japanese market, we offer expert advice to tackle early-stage concerns and uncertainties, including market research to understand needs and evaluating the adaptability of content and services with proven success abroad. Our strategic partnerships span across different regions, facilitating the realization of fresh visions in the Japanese market.
Every country has its own unique characteristics, culture, and customs, but Japan can be especially challenging for those who are not familiar with them. Everything from the colors and wording used in advertisements to the way meetings and communication are conducted can significantly impact success in Japan.
Have you thought about initiating dialogues with fellow professionals in Japan? Such exchanges often breed creativity and facilitate enhancements to existing services and content. Given the distinctive and specialized nature of Japan’s market, characterized by its conservatism and emphasis on local networks, engaging with counterparts here can provide invaluable insights for refining your business strategies and improving your market presence.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a casual discussion
We provide free online consultations, as well as the option for face-to-face meetings.
Example case…
- A foreign company looking to enter the Japanese market. Currently seeking agents or distributors in Japan who can help sell and promote products.
- Educational institutions located in rural areas aim to attract international students.
- Small business owners and entrepreneurs seek to expand business in Japanese market.
- Understanding the potential needs of Japanese consumers/Business Partners/End users.
- Do you want to promote your services or products in Japanese through social media? Leave it to us! We can assist you with or handle your Japanese content creation and communication
Challenges for Companies Entering the Japanese Market
One of the most significant hurdles for companies attempting to enter the Japanese market is the degree of commitment required. Japan, with its rich history and highly developed economy, presents a marketplace that is tightly bound by existing interests and relationships. Even for Japanese companies, entering new segments can be challenging, making it even more so for foreign firms.
Japan is not a market that can be easily penetrated without careful planning and preparation. Cultural factors also play a crucial role—trust and relationships often take precedence over purely logical or transactional considerations. This is particularly important when you consider that Japan is home to nearly 10 companies that have been in business for over 1,000 years, and close to 45,000 companies that have existed for more than a century.
The key question for foreign companies is how committed they are to establishing a lasting presence in Japan. The market has seen many foreign companies enter and exit within just a few years, which creates a significant barrier in establishing trust with local partners. If your company aims to succeed in Japan, it is crucial to have the capital and a strategic plan that will sustain your operations for at least five years.
Furthermore, it is advisable to reconsider any strategy that relies solely on a global approach without significant localization.
Success in Japan’s complex and unique market requires a deep understanding of local conditions and careful adaptation of your strategies. We invite you to leverage our extensive experience to help bridge the gap between your company’s goals and the realities of the Japanese market.
Meet our team
BRN Team is composed of members with various specialties. We have highly skilled and experienced professionals from a wide range of industries, both domestically and internationally
Ken Okawa
Founder, Market Specialist
Nori Takechi
Founder, Market Specialist
Mark Ishibashi
Education Specialist
Kentaro Hara
Tourism Facilitation Specialist
FAQs
Stages
- Curious about the insights from those who conduct business across Japan and overseas?
- Join BRN’s networking event
Interested in attending a variety of events?
Various trade shows and exhibitions and many events are regularly held in major cities across Japan. Additionally, there are numerous meetup events available. We also provide regular updates on such information. We can also find out what sort of events may help spread your product recognition.
We offer networking opportunities specifically designed for students
- For students pursuing entrepreneurship
- For newly established business owners
- We provide support for participating in overseas exhibitions and networking events
- International Business Owners, would you be interested in meeting talented multi-lingual Japanese University students?
Ready to bring your ideas to life? Let us assist you in bringing your vision to life with customized support
- Would you be interested in touring the offices, shops, or factories of business owners in Japan?
- We offer support for visits to educational institutions in Japan, including schools and universities
- Specialists in business who have facilitated cross-border connections between overseas and Japan are available to support your business ventures in Japan