Unlock Success in Tokyo, ‘The World’s No. 1 Market’:
Expert Business Production & Support Services Exclusively for Global Companies.
If it sells in Tokyo, that’s proof it can succeed anywhere in the world.
If you’re truly aiming for the world stage, establish your presence in Tokyo.
Recommended for
“Recommended for CEOs and founders who want their brand to become a recognized and authentic force in Japan.”
“For companies that have achieved success overseas or in regional areas and are now looking to expand their reach into Tokyo and onto the global stage.”
“For those who are facing the challenge of ‘good products not selling’ and are seeking to overcome this hurdle in the dynamic Tokyo market.”
“For those eager to understand how to create and market products that resonate with a sophisticated and quality-conscious customer base.”
“Ideal for companies seeking to build a brand that resonates with and is highly valued by high-net-worth individuals, key influencers, and astute judges of quality.”
Why TOKYO ?
Largest consumer market on earth
―Tokyo Economic Bloc
“As the most vibrant business megacity on the globe, Tokyo offers a massive business market of 88 million. The immense potential for expansion within Tokyo positions market mastery as the fastest gateway to global brand recognition.”
Trade area population: over 88 million
• Population: 38 million (world’s largest)
• Annual number of tourists: 50 million (domestic and international)
Annual retail sales of over 100 trillion yen
“If it resonates in Tokyo, it will resonate worldwide. The reason? This city is the epicenter for cultural consumers who possess the keenest ability to identify true quality.”
Tokyo is [the largest metropolitan area in the world].
- “Tokyo, the world’s most populous metropolis. Surpassing the United States, China, and India, Tokyo boasts a population exceeding 38 million, making it the overwhelmingly largest commercial zone, dwarfing other cities.”
Tokyo, Garnering Exceptional Praise from Global Travelers.
- Tokyo reigns supreme as the top city in a global traveler survey. Dominating four critical aspects—local hospitality, taxi service, urban cleanliness, and public transit—among 37 cities, Tokyo also clinched the No. 1 spot for ‘overall satisfaction’
A Top 3 City in the Global Power City Index.
- okyo ranks 3rd globally in the prestigious Global Power City Index (GPCI) for 2024, which assesses the comprehensive strength of major world cities across six key areas: Economy, R&D, Cultural Interaction, Livability, Environment, and Accessibility. Tokyo follows only London and New York in this ranking.
*Source: The Mori Memorial Foundation, ‘Global Power City Index 2023’.
The economic production of Tokyo rivals that of a nation.
- The Gross Metropolitan Product (GMP) of Tokyo alone is comparable to the GDP of the world’s 18th largest economy. This underscores its position as a global leader in total output.
The Market Value of Tokyo
A Launchpad for Global Success?
Is the saying “If it’s a hit in Tokyo, it’s a hit worldwide” accurate?
ABSOLUTELY.
Every product, from artistic creations to the latest innovations, that has taken the global market by storm started its breakthrough journey right here in Tokyo.
01 | The Reasons Behind Tokyo Being the ‘Launchpad for Global Brand Success’.
The Reasons Behind Tokyo Being the ‘Launchpad for Global Brand Success’.
In contrast to major global cities like New York, Paris, London, and Shanghai, Tokyo is distinguished by its openness to appealing and quality products across all categories—novel or different, Western or Eastern, old or new. The consumers here have a sophisticated aesthetic sensibility and make highly cultural purchasing decisions. Price isn’t the only determinant of sales; products recognized for their inherent value find buyers even at higher price points.
COMIKET
Comiket, the largest anime and manga convention in Japan, takes place every summer and winter, drawing around 260,000 attendees over its two-day run.
Tokyo Game Show
The Tokyo Game Show, the largest video game exhibition in Japan with 985 exhibitors, draws around 270,000 attendees.
ART FAIR TOKYO
As Japan’s premier and Asia’s most established international art fair, ART FAIR TOKYO features over 150 galleries and welcomes more than 50,000 attendees.
CAR
In the automotive sector, Japan holds the 4th position globally in terms of sales volume, after China, the United States, and India.
Consumer electronics
In the automotive sector, Japan holds the 4th position globally in terms of sales volume, after China, the United States, and India.
Food
Gastronomy: The ‘Salon du Chocolat’ in Tokyo, the largest chocolate event worldwide, sparks even greater excitement than in its native Paris, driving sales exceeding ¥40 billion throughout its duration.
02 | Offering unparalleled stability in urban infrastructure and business operations, making it one of the most reliable globally.
- Should businesses be concerned about potential labor strikes in Tokyo?
- Is the risk of riots and associated property damage a factor for businesses operating in Tokyo?
- How reliable is Tokyo’s public transportation infrastructure, and are disruptions a significant business concern?
- Is there any risk of foreign businesses or companies facing unfair targeting in the Tokyo market?
Such events are highly uncommon.
Tokyo’s urban infrastructure is robust, and the daily lives and economic activities of its residents remain sound.
03 | Despite the immense appeal of the Tokyo market, what factors contribute to the difficulties faced by foreign companies seeking success?
- A massive, high-spending economy – a prime target for global expansion.
- Access to a concentrated base of affluent and high-net-worth consumers.
- A sophisticated market where quality and appeal drive sales beyond trends and origins.
- A reliable and stable urban environment minimizing operational risks.
Despite Tokyo’s undeniable appeal, what are the key reasons behind the high failure rate for foreign businesses? What obstacles prevent many from establishing a presence here? The past failures of major players like Carrefour and Walmart serve as stark reminders.
The complexity arises from Tokyo’s market being intricately segmented by location and the highly specific tastes and behavioral patterns of customer groups tied to those locations and their demographics.
04 | Within Tokyo, there are six distinct urban areas, each representing a market of over one million consumers.
SHINJUKU
Shinjuku: Recognized by Guinness World Records for its staggering daily average of over 3.4 million users, this is a truly global-scale area.
SHIBUYA
Shibuya, a trendsetting district for youth culture and a fashion and entertainment epicenter currently undergoing a monumental, once-in-a-century revitalization. Its market reach extends to over 2.4 million consumers.
GINAZA
Ginza: Japan’s iconic commercial area, characterized by its sophisticated high-brand stores and time-honored department stores
IKEBUKURO
Ikebukuro, a vibrant district known for its numerous major commercial facilities and eateries, drawing a wide variety of visitors
TOKYO
Tokyo Station: Japan’s gateway, a sophisticated urban area where business, shopping, and tourism seamlessly converge.
AKIHABARA
Akihabara: Famous as an electric town and, in recent years, a central hub for anime and gaming culture.
Each of these urban areas has its own distinct profile in terms of visitor demographics, resident demographics, product performance (what sells and what doesn’t), and prevailing consumer preferences.
05 | Global Brands: Case Studies of Success in the Tokyo Market
PIERRE MARCOLINI
Belgium – chocolate
A leading Belgian chocolatier leveraged their ‘Bean to Bar’ craftsmanship to enter the Tokyo market. Their dedication to sourcing, personally selecting, roasting, and crafting cacao resonated perfectly with Japan’s appreciation for authenticity. Furthermore, their flagship stores, notably in Ginza, garnered attention for presentations that transformed chocolate into an art experience. Delivering ‘special’ in flavor, story, and space was the key to their success in Tokyo.
Joel Robuchon
France – restaurant
In Tokyo, the ‘world’s most starred chef’ unveiled his artistry in both cuisine and ambiance. Joël Robuchon, hailed as the ‘deity of French gastronomy,’ selected the refined locale of Ebisu Garden Place for his Tokyo establishment. The dishes presented in his château-inspired restaurant were a unique synthesis of impeccably crafted French techniques with exquisite Japanese ingredients and aesthetic principles. This fusion of tradition and innovation enchanted Tokyo’s discerning high-end diners, earning it a reputation as ‘French cuisine that moves you beyond even the original standards’.
On
Switzerland – sneaker
Born in Switzerland, the ‘run on clouds’ experience struck a chord with Tokyo’s refined tastes, innovating urban living. On, leveraging its proprietary ‘CloudTec®’ technology for runners to create an exceptional ‘running on clouds’ sensation, also made waves in Tokyo’s fashion world with its understated yet elegant design. Captivating the Tokyo urban dweller’s appreciation for ‘functionality and aesthetic appeal,’ it introduced a fresh sneaker ethos that blurred the distinctions between athletic pursuits and daily wear, street style and professional attire. Its presence in influential districts such as Harajuku and Omotesando became emblematic of the brand’s identity, establishing Tokyo as a pivotal element in On’s worldwide expansion.
proactiv
America – skin care
From an American-born acne care line to a Japanese-market triumph: Proactiv. First introduced to Japan around 2005, the brand initially ran the same commercials used in its home market. However, cultural nuances and lifestyle differences meant the message failed to resonate. In a decisive pivot, Proactiv localized its strategy—casting popular TV personality Kaori Manabe in a tailored campaign that spoke directly to Japanese consumers’ skin concerns and sensibilities. The relatable storytelling and clear demonstration of results propelled the brand to rapid recognition and strong sales. This localization-first approach stands as a textbook case of how an overseas brand can win in Japan.
Yogibo
America – interior
From a ‘can’t-get-off-it magic sofa’ to a Japanese-headquartered global phenomenon: Yogibo. Since its 2014 debut in Japan, Yogibo’s exceptional comfort and colorful aesthetic ignited instant buzz. Leveraging a ‘feel-it-to-believe-it’ physical store strategy primarily in malls, it swiftly scaled to over 104 locations nationwide. The driving force behind this meteoric rise was its Japanese master distributor, Webshark Co., Ltd., which, in a remarkable feat of reverse innovation in 2021, acquired US-based Yogibo LLC, bringing the global headquarters to Japan. This marks a novel brand blueprint where Tokyo serves as the launchpad for worldwide leadership.
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Understanding Tokyo’s Inbound Tourist: Success is Powered by ‘Real Data’.
We possess a profound understanding of inbound tourism spending. This deep insight is powered by our partnership with Payke, Japan’s premier platform for overseas visitors, through which we access and analyze real-time inbound purchasing data.”
Pakye
- A multilingual product information platform used by over 5% of all inbound travelers to Japan.
- By simply scanning a product barcode, users can instantly view detailed information in their native language.
- Backed by actual purchase data, Pakye provides clear insights into the interests and behaviors of inbound visitors.
We execute strategies grounded in concrete data, not assumptions.
“Historically, inbound marketing efforts have frequently depended on assumptions and ‘best guesses.’ To truly succeed, however, it’s crucial to pinpoint the exact locations, timings, and target demographics driving sales, all through tangible data. Our collaboration with Payke allows us to conduct real-time analysis in Tokyo, a global magnet for tourists, revealing precisely which nationalities are showing interest in which products, and where, empowering us to deliver optimized strategies.
In addition, we provide support in identifying optimal areas, pinpointing strategic locations, and understanding your ideal customer base, along with assistance that covers everything from property search to legal frameworks.
We empower your business to thrive by providing comprehensive support in ‘which areas, where specifically, to whom, and how to sell,’ drawing on both robust data analysis and real-world implementation experience. Our team, actively navigating Tokyo’s dynamic real-time business environment, will facilitate your market entry with a blend of data-driven intelligence and practical, on-the-ground knowledge.
・Fashion
・Cosmetics
・Food & Beverage
・Lifestyle Products
・Technology
・Tourism & Hospitality
・Entertainment
・Education
・Luxury Goods
・Pet Goods
・Consumer Goods…
We possess diverse sales channels in Tokyo across all these sectors. Please feel free to inquire about any product category.
MEMBER
With a proven track record of over 20 years in developing profitable sales spaces in Tokyo, our specialist will produce your successful and seamless entry into the Tokyo market.
CEO, Lifex CO.,LTD.
Ichiro Kudo
“Ichiro Kudo, Representative Director of LifeX, began his career at major mail-order company Belluna, where he managed the CRM division, driving new business ventures and sales through customer database analysis and data utilization. He became the youngest sales manager at the time before founding LifeX Co., Ltd. in 2009. Initially focusing on CRM-based support, he simultaneously managed three struggling single-product direct marketing companies, leading them to a V-shaped recovery. His entire career has been dedicated to the D2C domain.
At LifeX, as a marketing production company, he provides end-to-end support from branding to new customer acquisition (advertising and PR) and repeat customer nurturing (CRM). In January 2022, LifeX launched ‘LIneON,’ a LINE integration tool, and ‘I’llcom,’ a 24/7 communication center-integrated LINE service, expanding its services to include communication design support leveraging LINE.
With a brand promise of increasing Lifetime Value (LTV) through a total production approach that integrates branding, marketing, and CRM, he continues to drive success for his clients
246 SELECT
A digital curation media where only authentic items, handpicked with global aesthetic standards, converge. From fashion and beauty to art, travel, and the latest gadgets, we meticulously select and present the most noteworthy headlines, inspiring top-tier brands, and exceptional experiences across all categories. Beyond mere information aggregation, we delve into the unique worldviews and stories behind each brand, offering a seamless experience with direct access to their official stores. Discover new inspirations and encounters that enrich your daily life from our constantly updated, sophisticated content.
KUDOCHI
Experience the ultimate ‘totonoi’ in a refined setting. KUDOCHI: Fully Private Luxury Saunas.
Indulge in the supreme ‘totonoi’ within one of our six luxurious, completely private sauna rooms. Our unmanned reception ensures that this exquisite space becomes your personal sanctuary, available 24 hours a day.
MY HONEY
“MYHONEY is a specialty store for natural, raw, and unheated honey. A gift from nature, our raw honey enhances every aspect of your lifestyle.
MYHONEY’s raw honey products are meticulously crafted one by one for your ‘My honey’ – your precious loved one – with absolutely no white sugar, dairy, emulsifiers, preservatives, artificial coloring, chemical seasonings, or artificial sweeteners.
Brand Producer / Entrepreneur
Kotetsu Kukunochi
Kotetsu Kukunochi is a Brand Producer and Entrepreneur dedicated to enhancing the appeal of products, brands, and corporations, and connecting them with the world. His extensive experience ranges from facilitating the entry of international brands into Japan (BtoC) to managing diverse businesses in IT and entertainment, having led a total of seven companies. Since then, he has spearheaded over 130 creative projects encompassing international and domestic brands, individuals, products, corporations, TV shows, events, talents, TV commercials, and advertisements. Currently, Mr. Kukunochi serves as a brand consultant, advisor, and producer for approximately 15 listed and top-tier companies across various industries.
He also co-founded the gallery brand ‘tHE GALLERY HARAJUKU’ with art curator Yasumasa Yonehara. Furthermore, he conceptualized an interactive art installation by internationally acclaimed rope artist Hajime Kinoko, featured on the rooftop garden of GINZA SIX, designed for children to enter and play within.
Exploring Public Art in Tokyo’s Prime Districts:Ginza, Roppongi, and Shibuya
“Produced the public art of internationally acclaimed rope artist Hajime Kinoko at key Tokyo locations: the rooftop of GINZA SIX, Ginza’s largest commercial complex; Roppongi Art Night, an event coloring Roppongi’s nightlife with art for over a decade; and Shibuya Art Festival, which enhanced Miyashita Park in Shibuya.
A Vtuber Content Company with the Potential to Reach a Global Audience of 8 Billion
Advising a Vtuber Content Company with the Vision to Reach 8 Billion Hearts Worldwide, Originating from Japan. Providing support for the underlying strategies of the rapidly growing global Vtuber content industry.
A Food Brand Redefining the Boundaries of Indian Culinary Experiences
Mumbai-based with a portfolio of 17 Indian restaurants, we manage and produce a food brand that pioneers new experiences and potential in Indian cuisine and spices.
SERVICE
The Straightforward 3-Step Guide to Tokyo Market Success
Initial strategy meeting
(90-120 min. with interpreter)
90 minutes | ¥150,000 (Duration: Approx. 120 minutes)
Crafting your bespoke ‘Tokyo Strategy Blueprint’ for market success.
• Tokyo Market Compatibility Assessment
• Clearly architecting your ideal sales strategy: location, target demographics, and pricing
• Actionable guidance on crucial ‘sales readiness’ steps
• Identifying key challenges, including market temperature variations between international/local markets and Tokyo, and common pitfalls to avoid
Strategic Advisory Program
(3-Month Intensive)
Focused 3-Month Production: 3-6 sessions (1-2 monthly)
• Market analysis reports & target demographic identification
• Tailoring your products/services for the Tokyo market (‘Tokyo-style tuning’)
• End-to-end production encompassing PR, distribution strategy, and experience design
• Assistance in embedding the ‘Tokyo narrative’ within your business framework
[Optional] Report Creation and Analysis
Menu
Strategic Report based on Market Research, Competitive Analysis, and On-site Inspection
Price: ¥1,000,000 – ¥5,000,000 (Fully customized to your needs)
Tokyo Business Produce 