What’s happening with the Japan Business Manager Visa (and its implications for the Startup Visa holders)?

I’m writing this blog post because one of the businesses I’ve been supporting in Japan asked me to gather details about the situation. As I learned more about it, I felt it was important to spread the word. The amendment, scheduled to be implemented in mid-October 2025, seemed to come out of the blue, at […]
Crushing challenges in affiliate marketing in Japan: 4 Lessons

Affiliate marketing is a big deal in Japan. It allows businesses to expand their reach exponentially, and even individuals with minimal influence can start earning money. With the right approach, both sides can run their efforts in an automated way. Whether you’re looking to grow your business in Japan or explore a new income stream, […]
New to Japanese web search engines? Let’s break it down

Japanese society goes hand in hand with the IT revolution, supported by strong IT literacy and high internet penetration. Exploring the intricacies of Japanese web search can significantly enhance your online presence in Japan. Understanding the Japanese web search landscape is essential for effective internet marketing. Whether you’re curious about the web search market and environment […]
5 essential tips for boosting your Japanese SEO game

Understanding and mastering Japanese SEO isn’t easy, but I’ll make it as digestible as possible. I’ll walk you through the key points, using real-life examples to keep things clear. The good news? You don’t need to be fluent in Japanese to follow along. What is Japanese SEO? Let’s first understand what makes Japanese SEO. The […]
Japan market entry strategy that drives long-term success

Are you thinking of entering the Japanese market? You’ve come to the right place. You might be wondering where to start. Japan is a unique country with a business landscape full of complexities, but don’t worry. I’ll break down what you need to know about Japan market entry strategy in detail. I’ll explain why you […]
Effective B2B Marketing in Japan: Strategies and Insights

Breaking into the Japanese B2B market? It’s not as simple as translating your website and sending a few cold emails. Japan is a market where trust beats tactics, relationships trump quick wins, and the rules of engagement are entirely different from what you might be used to. Whether you’re an overseas company planning expansion or […]
Japanese business culture: 7 must‑know tips for international growth

It’s rewarding to do business in Japan, but it requires more than just a great product or competitive pricing. It demands cultural awareness and respect for long-standing traditions. The truth is, Japanese business culture is built on harmony, trust, and precision. Even the smallest gestures speak volumes. Understanding the nuances, such as punctuality and formal […]
Why your real competition isn’t who you think it is

When I ask you, “Who are your competitors?” you might be able to name a few businesses right away. Probably the big ones. Most likely, the market leaders. But let me ask—have you actually confirmed that through research, or are you just naming the ones that come to mind? In my experience, many businesses assume […]
Why it’s important (crucial) to make your product available in Japanese

Is it crucial to have your product in Japanese? This is the question I often get from my clients. They come to me, hoping for their product’s success in Japan. They want it to be as easy as possible. I understand that. You, too, may want to make it as easy and hassle-free as possible. […]
AI translation in Japanese: 5 essential reasons it can’t beat human skill

The translation industry has witnessed a revolutionary transformation over the past few decades, driven by advancements in technology. From the early days of rudimentary machine translation systems to the sophisticated neural networks of today, the landscape of Japanese translation has been dramatically changed. At the forefront of this evolution is, undoubtedly, artificial intelligence (AI), which […]