No. Most of the successful projects I work on do not come from large corporations, but from specialist software companies in the SME sector.

The key to success in Japan lies not so much in the size of the company as in thorough preparation, a compelling offering and a willingness to build up the market over the long term. Specialised software and IT companies, in particular, can be very successful in Japan if they understand the expectations of their customers and partners and consistently meet them.

Japan is not a market for quick wins. However, any company – even a small or medium-sized enterprise – that is prepared to invest for the long term and build reliable relationships stands a very good chance of success.

If you would like to assess whether Japan is currently a good fit for your business, please feel free to use the free ‘Japan IT Business Readiness’ self-assessment.

The real question is not whether Japan means work. The question is whether the expected opportunities justify the effort.

Those who set out without preparation often end up paying the price in more ways than one: through project delays, lost customers or failed partnerships.

Whilst taking a structured approach does take time, it helps you avoid many of the costly mistakes that end up requiring considerably more effort later on.

Not necessarily. The package prices are based on typical real-world scenarios and are calculated to provide a quick and transparent solution for most short-term assignments or clearly defined tasks.

The benefit for you is that you immediately receive a reliable budget estimate and avoid the additional effort involved in drawing up quotations, detailed cost calculations and renegotiations.

If your project differs from the scenarios outlined here or spans a longer period, we will, of course, provide you with a bespoke quote. In such cases, the focus is not on standardisation, but on providing the best possible support for your specific situation.

No. The key difference compared with traditional time-and-materials models is the ability to plan ahead. Sie wissen vor Beginn eines Einsatzes, welche Unterstützung Sie erhalten und welches Budget dafür erforderlich ist. So können Sie bei jeder Maßnahme direkt die Kosten zuweisen bzw. gegen den Nutzen abwägen.

You only commission support when it is actually required. There are no ongoing retainer fees, no unused consultancy days and no long-term commitments. The services are agreed in detail in advance and carried out on the basis of a specific statement of work (SOW).

The package prices are based on assignments on normal working days (Monday to Friday). Brief consultations, preparations or dress rehearsals outside these times are, of course, possible. Extensive additional services will be agreed in advance if required.

An interpreter translates speech. In critical situations, this is often not enough.

Japan IT-Business Impact is designed for situations in which technical, linguistic and cultural misunderstandings give rise to tangible risks and, as a result, high costs: stalled projects, uncertain clients, lost trust or decisions that have reached an impasse.

You’ll receive support from a single source – right where decisions are made. I understand both the technical and business aspects, communicate in Japanese, and translate not just words, but expectations, risks and priorities.

In many cases, your own experts do not need to be on site for support. Before the assignment begins, we agree on what specialist backup is required and when it needs to be available. For long-standing clients, this form of support largely replaces the need to send out their own experts.

Most assignments in Japan can be reliably costed. That is why our sample costings already include the usual travel and accommodation costs.

For you, this means, above all, peace of mind when it comes to planning: you’ll receive a budget estimate without having to worry about booking flights, hotels or the organisational details of a trip to Japan.

The following principles apply to the calculation:

1. Prices for Japan are based on bookings made well in advance and on standard market rates for travel and accommodation. In the case of last-minute bookings or exceptional market conditions, individual adjustments may be necessary. 
2. For assignments outside the Greater Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya areas, or in the event of special travel requirements or changes made after the assignment has been confirmed (e.g. on site), additional travel costs within Japan may be incurred. Depending on the terms of your contract with your client, these costs can often be passed on.
3. For assignments in Japan, an advance payment of €10,000 is required to cover travel expenses.

However, we always discuss any discrepancies before a binding order is placed, not only during the assignment.

Impact is useful when customers, partners or projects in Japan require specific support – or when important sales opportunities cannot yet be adequately supported by local resources.

However, Impact is no substitute for strategic preparation. If you wish to assess the Japanese market first, understand the risks involved or develop your strategy for Japan, the Japan IT Business Assessment or the Japan IT Business Navigator are usually the better place to start.

Impact is most effective where a solid foundation is already in place and where concrete results now need to be achieved, trust secured or critical situations stabilised.