If you are thinking of expanding your business in Japan, it will undoubtedly come with many challenges and effective solutions. With a unique cultural background and high quality demands from consumers, it takes more than just offering great products to succeed in Japan. That is where having a local marketing agency with the right strategy and deep understanding of the local market comes in.

Understanding the uniqueness of the Japanese market

For example, suppose you start an advertising campaign for your product in the Japanese market. Even if you bring an advertising campaign that was successful in the Western market directly to Japan, it may not work. Why is that?

This is because the Japanese market has different values, expectations and purchasing behaviors.

And there is one problem that cannot be solved by simple translation: the language barrier.

A famous Western brand translated their slogan “Live your dream” into Japanese. What was the result?

“Live your dream” translates to “Live in a dream” in Japanese, which did not have the intended impact and actually ended up confusing consumers. As such, localizing the message, rather than just translating it, is key to success. To ensure that the message is conveyed to the local people, it is necessary to go beyond simple translation.

The strengths of local marketing agencies

Local marketing agencies go beyond simply translating materials; they help tailor your brand’s voice, tone and messaging to suit Japanese culture and language, ensuring that everything from your website to your advertising effectively appeals to Japanese consumers.

Additionally, doing business in Japan has its own unique regulations and consumer behavior, so without a local agency, it may take months or even years to enter the Japanese market. However, partnering with a local agency can simplify your market entry by providing access to industry insights, local networks and insider knowledge.

Local agencies already know the legal environment, consumer preferences, and the local business environment, and they know the key stakeholders, helping you avoid common mistakes like overlooking regulatory requirements or running campaigns that don’t resonate with consumers. This helps you get started quickly and focus on growing your business without the hassle.

Japanese consumers are sophisticated and want personalized experiences. This is where local agencies truly excel, building targeted, data-driven strategies that speak directly to consumers’ needs and preferences. Whether it’s customized email marketing or highly targeted digital advertising, a local marketing agency will ensure maximum impact with all the marketing you do.

Localization success stories

Here is a success story from Airbnb.

When Airbnb first entered Japan, they struggled to get Japanese travelers to use Airbnb because they preferred traditional accommodations. However, by partnering with a local marketing agency, they were able to rethink their strategy and increase awareness by creating content specific to the local area and using Japanese influencers. Ultimately, Airbnb was able to expand their market and business in Japan. This success story shows that the right local partnerships are key to business success.

A local partner for success

The key to doing business successfully in Japan is to partner with a trusted local marketing agency that can understand the cultural differences, effectively reach the right targets, and develop marketing campaigns that resonate with Japanese consumers.

Instead of trying everything yourself and risking wasting time and money, work with a local marketing agency to unlock your brand’s potential in the Japanese market. Leveraging their expertise, your business will thrive in the competitive and attractive Japanese market.

Dreaman,co,ltd. is a Japanese marketing agency that fully supports overseas companies looking to grow in the Japanese market. We provide a variety of marketing services to support smooth market entry into Japan, and with the experience of numerous successful projects, we can promote lead acquisition and growth in new markets.

If you are considering entering the Japanese market, please feel free to contact us.

Doryman Co., Ltd. Contact Information