One of the most common frustrations overseas companies face when working with Japanese partners is decision-making speed. Meetings feel productive, feedback seems positive, yet decisions take weeks—or even months—to materialise. This is rarely a sign of disinterest. More often, it reflects a fundamentally different decision-making structure . Understanding how decisions are made in Japanese companies is critical for building successful partnerships. Decision-Making in Japan I

Japan is one of the most unique music markets in the world. Despite the global shift towards streaming, Japan has maintained a distinctive industry structure that continues to favor physical formats, strong domestic labels, and deeply rooted fan culture. For international companies, understanding this structure is essential before entering the market. Market Size: The World’s Second-Largest Music Market Japan is the second-largest music market globally , after the United Stat

When reaching out to Japanese companies for the first time—whether by email, chat, or LinkedIn message —the initial communication carries more weight than many overseas teams expect. In Japan, the first contact  often sets the tone for the entire relationship. A poorly framed message may be ignored, while a thoughtful one can open doors to long-term collaboration. 1. First contact is about trust, not speed In many markets, first outreach focuses on efficiency: who you are,

Japan’s pet industry is one of the most developed and distinctive pet markets in the world. While the total number of pets is relatively stable, spending per pet continues to rise , driven by demographic change, urban living, and a strong tendency to treat pets as family members rather than animals. Market size and growth outlook Japan’s overall pet-related market—including food, products, and services—is estimated at around USD 21–22 billion as of 2024 . Looking ahead, many

We are pleased to announce th at YKBridge (Headquarters: Shibuya, Tokyo, CEO: Yuki Kishi, here inafter referred to as "our company"), has been appointed as an ambassador for the Global Innovation Conference "SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026" , which will be held in Tokyo, Japan, from April 27 (Monday) to April 29 (Wednesday), 2026. YKBridge is appointed as an ambassador for SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 Overview of "SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026" What is "SusHi Tech Tokyo"? " SusHi Tech Tokyo" (Sustain

Japan’s food retail industry is one of the largest, most sophisticated, and operationally demanding markets in the world . Despite a shrinking population, the sector remains highly resilient thanks to urban density, frequent shopping habits, and continuous innovation in convenience, private labels, and logistics. Market size and structure Japan’s total food retail market is estimated at around ¥80–85 trillion annually , accounting for a significant share of overall consumer s

When international companies partner with Japanese firms, challenges rarely come from technology, pricing, or product quality. More often, friction arises from differences in working culture —how teams communicate, make decisions, manage time, and define responsibility. Understanding these cultural fundamentals is essential for building sustainable, productive partnerships in Japan. 1. Consensus Over Speed Japanese organisations prioritise consensus and risk management  over

When working with Japanese companies, meetings are not just places to exchange information — they are critical trust-building mechanisms . Many international firms underestimate this, leading to frustration, slow progress, or missed opportunities. Understanding how meetings function in a Japanese business context can dramatically improve the chances of successful collaboration. 1. Meetings Are for Alignment, Not Debate In many Western business cultures, meetings are used to d

Japan’s entertainment industry is not one “sector” so much as a tightly connected ecosystem of games, anime, film, music, publishing, and live experiences —all built around IP that can travel globally. Even when you look only at a few measurable pillars, the numbers are already huge: Anime : Japan’s animation industry generated ¥3.84 trillion in 2024  (a record), boosted by overseas demand and licensing. Video games (consumer spending in Japan) : ¥2.4 trillion in 2024 , also

From digital transformation to healthcare and green energy, where the biggest opportunities lie. 💻 1. Digital Transformation (DX) and AI Integration Japan’s digital shift has finally moved from concept to execution.Following the Digital Agency’s initiatives, small and medium-sized enterprises are now investing heavily in automation, cloud solutions, and data-driven management. AI is no longer confined to large corporations — local retailers, logistics firms, and even municip

We are pleased to announce a significant leadership update regarding our CEO, Yuki Kishi . After six years of dedicated service on the board of the Fintech Association of Japan (FAJ) , Yuki has transitioned from his role as Managing Director to a newly appointed position: Global Advisor . Yuki Kishi, CEO of YKBridge, newly appointed as Global Advisor at the Fintech Association of Japan A Legacy of Leadership at the Fintech Association of Japan (2019–2025): Yuki's journey with

In recent years, Japan has undergone a quiet but powerful shift toward sustainability and innovation. From renewable energy to health technology, the country is reimagining its future in ways that open fresh opportunities for both domestic and international players. A Nation Redefining Progress For decades, Japan’s economic strength was built on manufacturing excellence and precision engineering. Today, that same mindset is being applied to sustainability. The government’s go

Japan is often described as a “brand graveyard” — a market where global giants stumble despite their global fame. Yet, companies like Starbucks , IKEA , and Apple not only entered but flourished . Their journeys reveal what it really takes to win the hearts of Japanese consumers. 1. Adaptation to Local Culture Starbucks didn’t just sell coffee; it sold a lifestyle.By creating a “third place” — a relaxing space between home and work — Starbucks became part of urban Japanese

When global brands enter Japan, many assume localisation simply means translating their website or marketing materials into Japanese. Yet true localisation goes far deeper — it’s about adapting your entire offering to match the expectations, habits, and emotional preferences of Japanese consumers. Japan is a market defined by precision, subtlety, and trust . Consumers here don’t just buy a product; they buy into the story, the craftsmanship, and the sense of reliability that

Key points of this articles: Strategic partnerships are key to entering Japan effectively. The right ally provides access to networks, trust, and cultural insight. Success depends on alignment of values, patience, and mutual learning. 🤝 The Power of Partnership in Japan Entering Japan’s business landscape can be a complex journey for foreign companies. Despite its economic size and technological sophistication, Japan remains a market where trust, long-term relationships, and

When entering Japan, culture is not a side note — it’s the silent force that can define success or failure. Many global companies focus on localization, pricing, or partnerships, but overlook the invisible layer of cultural nuance that shapes every business relationship in Japan. 1. The Power of Implicit Communication In Japan, what’s not said often carries as much meaning as what is said. Silence, tone, and timing play crucial roles in communication. A simple “we’ll conside

Entering Japan’s market is often considered the “holy grail” for global expansion. But many foreign firms stumble early on — not because their product is weak, but because of avoidable mistakes in execution. Here are five recurring pitfalls, and how to steer clear. 1. Insufficient Localization Translating your website or marketing materials into Japanese is necessary but insufficient. True localization means adapting messaging, visuals, pricing models, and even customer suppo

On November 5th, our CEO, Yuki Kishi , returned to the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech)  to serve as a guest lecturer for the graduate course "Introduction to Financial Business." Marking his third consecutive year teaching this session, Yuki led a class on "Sustainability & Diversity." CEO, Yuki Kishi The Mission: Connecting Code to Conscience Why teach ESG to computer science and engineering students? Yuki’s message was clear: "Technology is a weapon for transparenc

Japan remains one of the most important markets in today’s global economy. Despite discussions about its ageing population and slower growth compared to emerging markets, Japan is still the world’s third-largest economy, with unmatched stability, advanced infrastructure, and strong purchasing power. For international companies looking to expand, Japan provides both unique challenges and unparalleled opportunities. One of Japan’s key strengths lies in its culture of innovation

This past August marked a special milestone for our CEO, Yuki Kishi . Returning to the halls of the University of Cambridge —where he earned his MBA—Yuki took the stage not as a student, but as a thought leader at the Cambridge Japan Forum 2025 . The Session: Expanding Business into the Japanese Market Panel discussion @ Cambridge Judge Business School Yuki joined a prestigious panel for the forum's 2nd session, titled "Expanding Business into the Japanese Market."  Sharing t