Services
We support overseas brands entering Japan and Japanese brands developing new sales channels, from strategy through execution. Beyond market research and brand strategy consulting, we can also take on the sales activity and import distribution themselves.
Three Core Services
Market research and brand strategy don't end with a report. Backed by retailer and buyer relationships and industry trust built over 25+ years, we carry the work through to real negotiations and go-to-market.
Market Entry & Business Development
Best for: brands that want to enter Japan or build sales channels now
For overseas brands, we support entry into Japan; for Japanese brands, sales channel development and sales support. From strategy that reflects the market environment and distribution structure to building contact with retailers and distributors, we provide practical, hands-on support.
Who it's for: Overseas brands considering entry into Japan, and Japanese brands aiming to expand their sales channels
Support includes: Market size and trend analysis / sales channel development strategy / Japan market entry planning / negotiation support with retailers and distributors / buyer-facing proposal materials / sales activity support / collecting and analyzing market feedback
Process: ① Interview and current-state analysis → ② Market research and mapping of the distribution structure → ③ Entry and channel strategy → ④ Building contact with retailers and distributors, and setting up negotiations → ⑤ Follow-up and improvement
Typical timeline: 1–2 months for strategy; 3+ months, ongoing, for sales channel development support
Related Case Studies
Market Research & PR Strategy
Best for: brands that want to widen awareness after entry, or raise visibility through trade shows and PR
Based on market research and competitor analysis, we design a marketing strategy that suits the Japanese market. Combining trade shows, PR, advertising and digital measures, we support brand awareness and market penetration.
Who it's for: Brands seeking higher awareness, and planning for trade shows, PR and advertising
Support includes: Competitor research / support for exhibiting at major domestic trade shows / booth planning and operation support / arranging buyer meetings / planning PR and marketing measures / carrying out brand awareness measures
Process: ① Competitor and market research → ② Target and message design → ③ Planning trade show, PR and advertising measures → ④ Execution (exhibition support, advertising, web and video production) → ⑤ Evaluation and improvement
Typical timeline: 1 to 6 months, depending on the scope
Related Case Studies
Market Analysis & Brand Strategy Consulting
Best for: leadership teams that want to build long-term brand value and revisit positioning
We analyze market trends and the competitive environment, and propose a positioning strategy that builds on the brand's strengths. Beyond short-term results, we support medium- to long-term brand value and sustainable business growth.
Who it's for: Leadership teams considering medium- to long-term brand strategy and positioning
Support includes: Analysis of the client's challenges / market research reports / competitor benchmarking (pricing, distribution channels, promotion methods, etc.) / brand positioning / target (customer profile) design / brand story and statement design / messaging proposals / proposal materials and briefings for executives
Process: ① Interview and issue analysis → ② Market trend and competitor analysis → ③ Brand positioning design → ④ Medium- to long-term growth plan → ⑤ Regular reviews and strategy adjustments
Typical timeline: 3–6 months, with ongoing reviews recommended
Related Case StudiesEngagement Models
Beyond strategy, we can also take on day-to-day operations. There are three levels of involvement, depending on your brand's situation. We decide together how much you want to hand over.
| A. Consulting Only | B. Sales Agency (Sales Rep) | C. Import & Distribution Agency | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Negotiations and order-taking | Your brand (advice only) | Replacements | Replacements |
| Invoicing and wholesale operations | Your brand | Your brand, or a separate company | Replacements |
| Credit risk | Your brand | Your brand | Replacements |
| Fee structure | Monthly fee | Commission-based (set by product and contract) | Wholesale revenue |
| Business operations in Japan | Handled entirely by your brand | Sales activity only is outsourced | Can be outsourced as a whole |
| Best suited for | Brands with their own sales resources | Brands with limited sales resources, or those who want to build a track record first | Brands that want to hand over Japan operations as a whole and enter the market quickly |
Wholesale terms differ by product category, so the fee structure is decided individually. For a new market entry or new sales channel development, a monthly fee plus commission is our standard.
A. Consulting Only
We handle market research and strategy proposals, and your brand carries out the actual negotiations and order-taking. This suits brands that already have sales resources and only need support on strategy design and market analysis.
B. Sales Agency (Sales Rep) Service
Replacements acts as your brand's "sales contact" in Japan, handling negotiations with retailers and distributors, securing orders and building relationships. Inventory and invoicing stay with your brand (or a separate importer), so you keep control while handing over only the sales activity in Japan.
C. Import & Distribution Agency Service
Replacements handles the entire import and wholesale operation in Japan, including sales and invoicing to retailers. Your brand doesn't need to be involved in operations in Japan, and can enter and expand quickly through our existing sales network.
It's fine if you aren't sure which model fits. We'll sort it out together after hearing your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we choose between Sales Agency and Import & Distribution Agency?
If your brand has the setup to handle inventory and invoicing itself (or through a separate importer), Sales Agency is the better fit. If you'd rather hand over all of Japan operations, Import & Distribution Agency fits. In a free consultation we decide together, based on how much you want to hand over and how your products currently flow in Japan.
Can we work in English?
Yes. We handle negotiations and materials in English, and this website is available in both English and Japanese.
Our brand is still small. Can we ask for help?
Yes. We work with brands of any size. In a free consultation, we'll propose support that fits your situation.
What should we prepare before getting in touch?
A product catalog or price list helps, but it isn't required. We'll sort things out together during the free consultation.
We already have a distributor in Japan. Can we hire you just for PR or trade show support?
Yes. Beyond market entry support, you can also engage us for individual services such as PR and marketing.
Do you work with competing brands at the same time?
It depends on the situation. If there is a chance of supporting brands in the same category and market at once, we check carefully for conflicts of interest before taking it on. If you have concerns, please ask.
How much does it cost, and how long is the contract?
Costs vary significantly with the scope of support, brand scale and product category, so we don't publish fixed prices on this website. In a free consultation, though, we give you a straight answer on cost, and "just tell me the ballpark" inquiries are welcome. Contracts range from project-based to monthly, depending on the engagement. For a new market entry or new sales channel development, a monthly fee plus commission is our standard. In other cases, we decide individually after hearing your situation.
Why is there a monthly fee for a new market entry or new sales channel development?
For something new, groundwork has to come before sales begin: assessing channels, selecting candidate accounts, and preparing and coordinating with them. The monthly fee supports that work in the meantime. Once sales begin, commission based on sales is added. Whether your brand counts as "new" is something we confirm together in the free consultation. In other cases, we decide individually after hearing your situation.
Let's Talk — 30 Minutes, No Obligation
Not sure which service or engagement model fits? That's fine. We offer free consultations built around execution, not just proposals.