EJ 003 - Acquire the Knowledge
Know your Japan
Go Japan
Let’s go to Japan! But….not just yet.
We’ve all been told that patience is a virtue.
But it’s an adamant one to uphold when it’s in regards to delaying something that you’re really really excited about, like growing your business in Japan.
You see, the cost of doing business in Japan is not purely a monetary one.
Things take time.
And chances are, they’re going to take a bit more time than we’d like them to.
But why should you wait?
After all, you’re already an expert when it comes to your craft. No one knows the ins and outs of your business better than you. That’s certain.
It’s how the Japanese market feels about your business; that’s what takes time to uncover.
The best way, and only way, to do this - is through lots of homework.
“It’s how the Japanese market feels about your business; that’s what takes time to uncover.”
Homework / Research
But homework doesn’t sound very fun.
Well, maybe it’s better just to call it what it is, market research.
💡 Because for us, market research is actually quite fun and exciting when done about something you’re passionate about. And it just so happens that we’re pretty passionate about businesses and Japan. So we get excited over every opportunity to perform “boots on the ground” style research. Whether it’s conducting interviews, visiting sites, or even just trying to find what a particular stick of butter is selling for in Tokyo - we know the value of what we’re uncovering. With the proper research, not only will it be easier to find the right path, it will help you avoid some of the bigger bumps in the road as well - Like prison.
Dogeza
Ok, so you probably won’t go to prison - but you could.
Say, for instance you wanted to bring your CBD brand to Japan.
THC is still super illegal here. And if your CBD is found to possess THC, simple possession charges carry prison sentences of up to 5 years.
In 2019, boy band singer Junnosuke Taguchi was arrested for having less than 3 grams. It made national headlines, and he ended up performing the “dogeza” bow of shame for a press conference in front of a Tokyo police station.
And yet CBD products are still sold in Japan because the government regulations can, in fact, be navigated - just very carefully.
Help
So you need someone to check your homework as well.
It might even be better to think of it as a group project.
Because with the right partners, the right mindset, and a little bit of patience - you can give yourself a pretty solid chance.
We came before & checked the market scape.
Together, we can come up with a unique strategy that makes the most sense for your unique endeavor.
Work with us
contact@eggworm.jp
So until next time - お疲れ様です and keep up the good work.