Japan Market Entry

Entering the Japanese Market

Japan Market Entry HLS
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Affluent Consumers
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Nominal GDP
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Combined Spending Power

With a nominal GDP of nearly five trillion USD, Japan is the third-largest economy in the world. The island nation is home to over 120 million affluent consumers with a combined spending power of nearly three trillion USD.

Although Japan is a complex market that requires extensive localization, businesses with the right support can overcome barriers to entry and prosper in this dynamic country that serves as a business hub for all of Asia.

Japan exported over 700 billion USD worth of goods in 2018 and is internationally recognized as a leader in the automotive (20.9% of total exports), machinery (20.1%), and electrical equipment (14.8%) industries. In addition to these traditional sectors, Japan’s nascent startup ecosystem is rapidly expanding thanks to a stable economy and increased government support.

Japan market entry is not reserved for large corporations, small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) can also prosper here. Japan’s 3.5 million SMEs account for 99.7% of the businesses operating in the country and play an integral role in economic growth.

We are committed to providing high quality professional business solutions by offering complete “end-to-end” accounting, taxation, and business advisory services effectively to our clients. We strive to become long-term business partners for our clients as our success is aligned with their success.

Norihiko Tokeshi

Partner / Managing Director

Major Industries

From traditional industries such as automotive and consumer electronics to cutting-edge sectors including AI and renewable energy, Japan plays a key role in the global economy. Industries with significant growth opportunity include:

Toursim

With consistent increases in the volume and revenues from international tourists, Japan is one of the fastest-growing inbound tourism economies in the world. Japan also boasts a robust domestic tourism market and high foreign and national investments into the hospitality and travel industry.

Biopharmaceuticals

Japan is home to the world’s third-largest pharmaceutical market. The government is actively promoting growth in this sector, resulting in a 3.4% compound annual growth rate.

Smart Agriculture

The domestic market for smart agriculture (technology-driven farming) is growing exponentially and is expected to reach 3.19 billion yen by FY2022.

Energy

The dual goals of greater energy self-sufficiency and the creation of a carbon-free society create opportunities and require innovation—especially in the renewable energy sector.

Japan Market Entry Meeting HLS

HLS Global: Your Japan Market Entry Partner

We offer a diverse range of services to foreign-based businesses looking to enter or expand in the Japanese market. From business strategy to operational support, HLS Global can help you overcome common Japan market entry hurdles and allow you to focus on the core competency of your business.

Our professionals have extensive experience in multiple domains across diverse industries, and our core accounting business is staffed by several Certified Public Accountants and Certified Tax Accountants. Most of our senior members have extensive leadership experience with the largest global firms, and we remain committed to providing the highest quality solutions to our clients.

Contact us today to learn how our market entry specialists can help you achieve success in Japan, or read our ‘Japan Market Entry and Incorporation Strategies‘ blog for more insights and strategies to succeed in the Japanese market.

Let HLS Global Help You Tap into Japan’s Market Potential

#3

The world’s third-largest economy (GDP)

#1

Home to the highest number of Fortune Global 500 corporate head offices in the world

#1

Ranked first in the world for percentage of highly-skilled workers

#1

Ranked first globally for infrastructure quality

Japan Market Entry Services

As an international accounting and business advisory firm, we specialize in providing superior professional services to both Japanese and non-Japanese multinational companies operating globally.

Whether you are evaluating your plans for market entry, need help with incubation and operations, or seek cross-border M&A and tax advisory, we can support all your business requirements through a wide range of services. Our professionals remain committed to supporting you by assessing your needs, planning strategically, and implementing solutions to ensure that you achieve your goals. At HLS Global, we pay the highest attention to our clients while providing our services with precision in both English and Japanese.

Some of the areas we offer assistance in are Entity Incorporation, Tax Compliances, Audit and Assurance support, Operational Outsourcing, HR & Labor Law support, and Business Advisory, which can feature a tailor-made package of sales and business development support, market intelligence, and much more — depending on your current needs as a business.

Successfully entering the Japanese market may seem daunting at first, but with our end-to-end business consulting services, we will help you craft a Japan market entry strategy that will ensure that you avoid costly pitfalls. When entering the Japanese market, it is critical to form a clear strategy and work with strategic partners that are familiar with Japan’s cultural and competitive landscape. We provide solutions that will ensure your success via the following services:

Sales, Marketing, and Business Development Support

Our team of professionals can guide you through the entire marketing process, including market research, cultural risk management, market development, strategic planning and execution, and customized marketing. Most importantly, we ensure that your products and services receive the nuanced Japanese localization that is required for success in Japan.

Operational Support

We provide complete end-to-end support including subsidiary incorporation and licensing strategy; accounting, payroll, and taxation services in order to save you valuable time and enable you to focus on your core business activities while overcoming trade barriers in Japan.

Market Analysis and Business Intelligence

We conduct market research and produce market study reports in order to analyze market opportunities in Japan. Tailored towards entities that are expanding or starting business in Japan, our reports include market potential, competition analysis, regional market mapping, and ideal target customers.

M&A Advisory

We work with a network of investment bankers and financial advisors to provide financial and tax due diligence. Our professionals provide comprehensive support for clients who are looking for cross-border M&A and tax advisory services during the whole M&A process.

Incubation Support

Our services include setup and advisory in addition to HR and labor law compliance support. To help businesses get off to a good start, we can help build a full strategy and implementation package that covers everything from Japan market entry fundamentals to marketing and sales outsourcing.

Your First Step Toward Establishing Your Presence in Japan

Should you incorporate in Japan as a Kabushiki Kaisha (KK), Godo Kaisha (GK), or simply establish a branch office? What are the minimum office and personnel requirements to get started in Japan? Do processes need to be adapted to match up with Japanese business culture? How can local experts be leveraged for successful market entry?

Discover the answers to these questions and much more by letting our team of experts guide you throughout the entire Japan market entry and expansion process. We’ll ensure that you are aware of local regulations and compliance requirements while helping you find the right solutions to manage day-to-day operations smoothly.

Contact us today to learn why we are the solution that will ensure your success in Japan.

Success Stories

The best way to understand the virtues of working with HLS Global is through our success stories. Common Japan market entry hurdles include localization, market forecasting, market research, and establishing a local presence. The following examples illustrate how we help our clients achieve their greatest potential in Japan.

U.S. Startup

Japan Market Entry

Semiconductor Manufacturing

Our client needed marketing and sales support and a virtual subsidiary office in Japan. In response, HLS Global provided:
  • Sales, marketing, and business development services
  • Localization support
  • A “Japan Desk” virtual office

Publicly Listed U.S. Company

Japan Market Entry

Technology Component Manufacturer

Our client needed us to analyze the Japanese market in relation to their business. In response, HLS Global:
  • Completed a comprehensive study of the market, including partner mapping and competitive intelligence
  • Worked with the client to create a strategic business plan for operating in Japan
Contact us today to learn how we can support your successful entry into the Japan market.

News and Insights From HLS Global

Keep up with the latest Japan market entry strategies on our blog.

Our Sources:

  • The World Bank Group
  • Cabinet Public Relations Office, Cabinet Secretariat (www.japan.go.jp)
  • World’s Top Exports (http://www.worldstopexports.com/japans-top-10-exports/)
  • SME Support Japan (https://www.smrj.go.jp/english/about/)
  • Invest Japan Department, JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization)
  • Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications
  • “The Global Talent Competitiveness Index 2018,” INSEAD
  • “Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2017 – 2018,” World Economic Forum