ABOUT

About Us

Company Overview

Company name
Replacements, LLC (合同会社リプレイスメンツ)
CEO
Akira Kariya
Founded
October 2020 (as a sole proprietorship)
Incorporated
October 2025
Location
Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0041, Japan
Corporate Number (Japan)
8010603011831
Banks
MUFG Bank
Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
Mizuho Bank
Bank of Yokohama
Phone
+81-3-6821-2370
Email
info@replacements.jp
CORPORATE PURPOSE
  1. Japan market entry and business development consulting (market research, entry and channel strategy, brand strategy, and PR and marketing strategy)
  2. Brand expansion support (import, sales, distribution, and support for entering Japan as an agent or intermediary)
  3. Product planning and development (planning, manufacturing, development and sales of outdoor and apparel-related products)
  4. Event and content production (planning, production and operation of trade shows, promotional events, advertising, catalogs and web content)
  5. Digital support (sales support and promotion using IT, web, social media and e-commerce)
  6. Creative production (product photography, video production, editing, distribution, advertising operations and media production)
  7. General consulting (supporting the growth of Japanese and overseas companies, including management improvement and business development)
  8. Other activities (publishing, content production, real estate facility operation and other related fields)
MESSAGE

Message from the Founder

I've spent more than 25 years in the outdoor industry — from working the retail floor to leading brand management. I've seen many great brands hesitate to enter Japan because of its unfamiliar distribution structure and business customs. What actually moves the needle isn't a strategy on paper — it's the relationships with retailers and buyers, and the trust within the industry, built over years on the ground. Replacements was founded on that network, to be the partner who carries strategy through to execution.

Akira Kariya / Chief Executive Officer

LinkedIn (personal) · LinkedIn (company) · Google Business Profile

Akira Kariya, CEO
EXPERTISE

Areas of Expertise

  • Market entry support for overseas outdoor and apparel brands entering Japan
  • Sales channel development and sales support for Japanese outdoor and apparel brands
  • Brand strategy and marketing support
  • Market research and competitor analysis
  • Trade show and event activation
  • Product planning and development support
  • Proposals from the buyer's perspective, drawing on hands-on retail experience
TIMELINE

Background

With 25+ years of hands-on experience, we offer proposals that can actually be executed, not just strategy on paper.

2000–2011
At a leading Japanese outdoor brand, worked in retail sales and as an outfitter (guide) at the same time. Learned customer service, product knowledge and store operations on the floor
2011–2017
At an outdoor specialty retailer, worked as merchandiser and footwear buyer, responsible for purchasing, ordering and sales management
2017–2019
At a footwear, apparel and accessories distributor, led Japan operations for German, Nordic and French brands, responsible for developing sales channels and planning and carrying out sales strategy
2019–2020
As a sales planner for a Japanese drinkware, apparel and outdoor accessories company, sourced overseas brands at international trade shows such as ISPO and opened new accounts with specialty and mass retailers
2020.10
Went independent as the sole proprietorship "replacements"
2020–2025
Provided consulting and sales support specialized in the outdoor and apparel industry
2025.10
Incorporated Replacements, LLC
2025–
As Executive Partner (business development) at an outdoor brand distributor, leads strategy for overseas brands entering Japan. Held concurrently with the role of CEO of Replacements, LLC
GET STARTED

Let's Talk — 30 Minutes, No Obligation

The best way to know if we're the right partner is to talk. We offer free consultations built around execution, not just proposals.

Request a Free Consultation