As memories of the recent recession continue to fade into the distance, more and more companies are introducing their brands to the Japanese marketplace. This transitional stage is the ideal time for organizations to take the plunge since consumer demand is up and competition isn't quite as fierce as it would be during a boom.

We think the move of Japanese market is always the most complicated and changeable in the world. From my point of view, I think it is very similar to the market of NYC. I guess so many new shops and restaurants are opening in NYC to expect their success in the city, however hundreds of those newcomers are forced to close at the same time in a week or so sometime. This tendency is almost same as the market of Japan.

In this past 10 years, there have been so many foreign brands, restaurants and shops expanding their markets into Japanese market. Of course, it must have been so hard for them to adapt our blooming market to survive.

Having lived in New York, I can see a clear parallel between American and Japanese consumers; neither views luxury and value as mutually exclusive. High end brands like Louis Vuitton, CHANEL, DIOR etc have already been successful in gaining a strong presence in the major shopping districts of Tokyo, Osaka and as well as shop in shop of all districts in Japan. Now it s time for those who can offer quality and value to follow suit.

Taking this kind of step requires careful planning and is of course no small matter. Anyone seriously considering this move like this will have questions, concerns, perhaps even initial doubts. And to address these things, they will need a seasoned support system that can offer them guidance and access to local resources as they navigate this exciting, new market. This is where IPM comes in.