Shohei Tarui
Japan Market Producer
About Shohei
Over the years, I have worked with international teams exploring partnerships, market entry opportunities, and long-term growth in Japan.
My approach is simple.
Business in Japan is rarely built through transactions alone. It takes preparation, consistency, and a partner who actually follows through — that is the role I try to play.
Rather than acting only as an advisor, I aim to be a long-term local partner who helps bridge cultural gaps, create meaningful connections, and support sustainable growth.
Based in Japan. Working globally.
01
Listen
Start with context, expectations, and the relationship map around the opportunity.
02
Understand
Translate business goals into local nuance: etiquette, timing, risk, and decision dynamics.
03
Connect
Make the right introductions with care, preparation, and clear mutual value.
04
Support
Stay close as conversations move from interest to agreement, alignment, and execution.
05
Grow
Build the relationship beyond the first deal so it can become a durable local presence.
Explore Japan
For companies still deciding if Japan is the right move.
— Market discussion
— Market validation
— Potential opportunities
Find the Right Partner
For companies ready to identify who to work with in Japan.
— OEM manufacturers
— Distributors and agencies
— Long-term business partners
Move the Project Forward
For companies that have started but need momentum.
— Negotiation and meeting support
— Project management
— Contract coordination
Long-term Local Support
For companies already operating in Japan.
— Ongoing Japan-side representation
— Relationship management
— Local point of contact
Overseas founders exploring the Japanese market
International companies looking for customers or business partners in Japan
Companies validating Japan before making a larger investment
Teams that need local execution without building a full Japan team
Avoid costly mistakes before entering Japan.
Most companies spend more than they need to because they move before the market is understood.
Find partners you can actually build long-term business with.
Not just introductions — evaluation, vetting, and relationship building.
Keep conversations moving until both sides reach agreement.
Negotiations in Japan take time. I stay in the room until there is a result.
Make sure the project doesn’t stop after the first meeting.
Follow-up, coordination, and momentum management between meetings.
Translate not just language, but intent.
What your company means and what a Japanese partner hears are often different.
Set up operations before you need them.
Logistics, fulfillment, and local processes built before the first order arrives.
Build a team that fits the Japanese market.
Hiring and onboarding support for companies building a local presence.
Have one reliable contact instead of many.
A single point of coordination across partners, suppliers, and stakeholders in Japan.
Why Companies Contact Me
Companies usually reach out when:
✓ They don’t know who to trust in Japan.
✓ They have meetings but no progress.
✓ They need someone actually on the ground.
✓ They need a Japanese partner, not just advice.
✓ They want one reliable contact instead of many.
If any of these sound familiar, feel free to reach out.
Challenge
The company had strong brand recognition in Europe but no established relationships or sales structure in Japan. They needed partners quickly without a local team.
What I Did
Managed the full partner acquisition process — research, outreach, negotiation, and onboarding — directly with Japanese operators.
Progress / Result
Built an active partner pipeline and moved multiple relationships from first contact to signed agreement.
Challenge
The company had a strong product but lacked understanding of how Japanese organizations make decisions and who the right contacts were.
What I Did
Mapped the market, identified key decision-making pathways, and developed a go-to-market approach suited to Japanese business culture.
Progress / Result
Established a clear market entry strategy and initial partner relationships to begin local business development.
Challenge
An overseas brand wanted to produce in Japan but had no supplier contacts, no understanding of local manufacturing standards, and no one to manage communication.
What I Did
Identified and evaluated Japanese manufacturers, managed requirement definition between both sides, and coordinated negotiation through to agreed terms.
Progress / Result
Reached agreement with a Japanese manufacturer and moved the project into production planning stage.
My Philosophy
Japan is built on trust.
Introductions matter, but what happens before and after the introduction matters more. My work is to help both sides arrive prepared, respectful, and ready to build something durable.
When a project needs specialist support, I bring in partners I already
work with directly — not a directory, a small trusted circle.
Legal
Local guidance for contracts, entity questions, and operating risk.
Accounting
Support for tax, bookkeeping, invoicing, and Japan-side reporting.
Recruitment
Trusted introductions for hiring, talent context, and local team setup.
E-commerce
Operational partners for marketplaces, fulfillment, and digital sales channels.
Insights
LinkedIn — notes on trust, market entry, and the small signals that shape business relationships in Japan.
Read on LinkedIn
Read Field Notes
Shohei Tarui