Tokyoesque

Tokyoesque's Account Manager, Ken Masuno, was one of the experts presenting insights into the Japanese market at the Santander event, "Exploring E-commerce in APAC and North America." A big thank you to the organisers, Paul Sharkie and Santander for having us!- This event was a great opportunity to connect with companies interested in Japan and showcasing what the Japanese market looks like. Understanding that the Japanese market can be a complex one, Tokyoesque can support your business on your Japan journey through various routes, including market research, trade support, and localization. If you're looking to explore opportunities in the Japanese market, feel free to reach out! #Japan #MarketResearch #Localization #Expansion

In Japan, Valentine's Day and White Day offer a fascinating window into cultural traditions that emphasise gratitude and mutual respect. 💌 On February 14, women give chocolates as a symbol of affection or appreciation, differentiating between honmei-choco (本命チョコ) for romantic partners and giri-choco (義理チョコ) for colleagues and friends. Then, on March 14, White Day flips the script, with men reciprocating these gestures, often with white chocolates, cookies, or even jewelry.  Japanese brands excel at turning these occasions into opportunities to delight their customers with unique and seasonal products. For example, luxury chocolatier Godiva Chocolatier releases exclusive seasonal collections featuring intricate designs and rare flavors, while local favorite Morozoff crafts stunning heart-shaped boxes of chocolates perfect for Valentine's Day gifting! On White Day, Fujiya’s Peko-chan candies often appear in special packaging, and popular chains like Shiroi Koibito offer limited-edition white chocolate assortments. These seasonal items are not only a treat for the palate but also a testament to the artistry and thoughtfulness that is evident in Japanese gift-giving culture. For businesses, understanding these cultural differences isn't just enlightening—it's great for forming international connections. At Tokyoesque, we do our best to bring these cultural insights to the forefront, helping you understand Japan’s uniqueness with authenticity and care.

Renewal in the Year of the Snake 🧧✨ As we enter 2025, the Year of the Snake in the Japanese zodiac (known in Japanese as eto) provides a powerful metaphor for business transformation. The snake, a symbol of wisdom and renewal, sheds its skin to grow and adapt—a practice that speaks to the agility and foresight needed in ever-evolving sectors. Furthermore, snakes are a sign of great wealth! If you happen to come by a shed of snake skin, make sure to keep it close in a wallet or purse, as this superstition is thought to bring great riches. For companies exploring opportunities in Japan, this theme feels particularly relevant. Japan is continuing as a global leader in brilliant sectors like AI, sustainability, automation, technological innovation, and international trade, making Japan the 3rd largest economy in the world. This certainly offers a fertile ground for collaboration. But just as the snake moves with precision and strategy, entering the Japanese market requires thoughtful preparation. Success here isn’t about rushing in but building a deep understanding of cultural differences and market needs. At Tokyoesque, we specialise in helping to navigate this transformation by identifying the right opportunities for you. As 2025 begins, what transformations is your business planning? How can adaptability and strategy guide your growth? Let’s make this a year of renewal and success. Share your thoughts or reach out to explore how we can help you succeed in the promising potential of the Japanese market.

🎉✨ Happy New Year from Tokyoesque! ✨🎉 Welcome to 2025!—Don't miss out on the exciting opportunities in Japan's vibrant market! Japan remains one of the world’s most innovative and stable economies, offering potential for businesses ready to: 🇯🇵 Tap into Japan's Growing Trends – From green tech to digital transformation, Japan’s focus on sustainable and technological advancements is creating new market opportunities. 🌐 Bridge Cultural Insights for Success – Navigating Japan’s unique market requires localized strategies and cultural fluency to resonate with consumers and partners. 📈 Expand Your Global Reach – Leveraging Japan’s position as a gateway to the broader Asia-Pacific region. At Tokyoesque, we’re here to help to identify your opportunities and achieve your goals in the Japanese market! For any questions, email us at info@tokyoesque.com (The image shown, is called Osechi is a traditional Japanese New Year’s meal consisting of beautifully arranged, symbolic dishes, each representing wishes for health, prosperity, and happiness in the coming year) #Tokyoesque #Japan #Market #Research #Holidays #2025

🎉 Wrapping Up 2024 with Gratitude and Looking Ahead to 2025! 🎉 As the year comes to a close, we at Tokyoesque want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our clients, partners, and community! Holiday Closure Notice Our office will be closed from 24th December 2024 to 2nd January 2025 for the holidays. During this time, we'll pause operations, but we look forward to working with you again in 2025! Looking Forward to New Opportunities in 2024 The upcoming year is brimming with potential! If you're looking to: ✅ Expand your market reach in Japan ✅ Navigate the complexities of Japanese markets ✅ Foster meaningful cross-cultural business connections ...let's start planning today. Our team is here to help you achieve your goals and seize the opportunities 2025 has in store. Thank you again for trusting Tokyoesque to be part of your journey. We wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. See you in 2025! 🌟 #Tokyoesque #Japan #Market #Research #Holidays #2025

🎁 Oseibo: A Tradition of Gifting and Gratitude in Japan 🎁 As the year winds down, many Japanese companies and professionals observe Oseibo (お歳暮), a centuries-old tradition of gift-giving that conveys gratitude and strengthens relationships. Typically exchanged in December, Oseibo shows appreciation for the support and collaboration from throughout the year. For UK/EU companies working with Japanese clients, partners, or entering the Japanese market, Oseibo is an opportunity to embrace this cultural custom and foster closer business ties. Thoughtful, respectful gestures during this wonderful season can demonstrate an understanding of Japanese business culture and help strengthen partnerships. 🌏 Here are some respected ideas for Oseibo:  Opt for Practicality and Quality – Gifts like fine food or household items are common, but the key is that they’re useful and thoughtful. Customisation Matters – Consider a personalised touch that resonates with the recipient’s values or interests. Additionally, high-quality items from your country, like gourmet chocolates, teas, or local delicacies, adds a touch of cultural exchange. Professionalism is Key – As with many Japanese business practices, presentation and timing are everything. Plan your gifts in early December, so they’re received before the end of the year! ⏰ At Tokyoesque, we guide companies on implementing these cultural practices effectively, helping you build long-lasting, trusted relationships with Japanese partners. Contact us to gain insights into Japan’s unique business customs and ensure your approach is truly meaningful and well-received. #Tokyoesque #JapanBusiness #Oseibo #CrossCulturalBusiness #GiftGiving #BusinessEtiquette #JapanExpansion #EuropeToJapan #UKJapan #CulturalInsights

Why Some Brands Succeed in Japan – And How Yours Can Too The Japanese market presents immense opportunities, but its distinct cultural and consumer traits require careful navigation. Brands that thrive in Japan—like KFC, Starbucks, and McDonald's’s—excel by aligning their strategies with local values and preferences. Others, reveal the risks of underestimating the importance of localisation. What drives success? Effective cultural integration, localisation of products, and consistency in quality are key. For example, KFC’s establishment of a Christmas tradition and Starbucks’ seasonal menu innovations demonstrate the power of aligning with Japanese consumer expectations. Tokyoesque,  we specialise in helping businesses develop tailored strategies to succeed in Japan. From consumer insights, to translation and cultural adaptation, we provide the expertise to maximise your impact in this highly rewarding market. Discover how your brand can succeed in Japan—read the full article on our website to learn more (https://lnkd.in/gChDGBZS). Furthermore, please check out our other blogs on our website, and feel free to contact us at info@tokyoesque.com for more information.

✨ Reminder: Upcoming Holidays in Japan, the EU, and the UK 🎄🎌 As the year draws to a close, many regions will observe key holidays. Here’s a quick guide to help plan ahead for smooth communication and scheduling: 📅 EU/UK Holidays Christmas: December 25th Boxing Day (UK): December 26th New Year’s Day: January 1st 📅 Japan Holidays New Year’s Period: December 29th - January 3rd While many stores and restaurants may remain open during this time, most businesses in Japan close for an extended period to celebrate the New Year, one of the country’s most significant holidays. Plan ahead to ensure operations run smoothly during this festive season 🎉 #HolidaySeason #GlobalBusiness #JapanHolidays #Christmas #Insight #JapanMarket

🚇Japan to Operate London’s Elizabeth Line: A Landmark Moment for Japan-UK Collaboration🤝 Big news today as Transport for London (TfL) has announced that a joint venture led by Go Ahead Group, Tokyo Metro, and Sumitomo Corporation will take over the operation of London’s Elizabeth Line starting in May 2025. This is the first time Tokyo Metro has extended its expertise outside of Japan, marking a significant milestone in international collaboration between Japan and the UK! Japan is known for having one of the most reliable railway systems in the world, being globally recognised for its top-tier efficiency, punctuality, cleanliness, and sustainability. With this move, London passengers can expect to see these high standards applied to one of the UK’s most important transport systems. The Japan-UK relationship, particularly in infrastructure and public transport, is entering a new era.✨ Why is this important? 🔹 Improved Operations: Tokyo Metro's leadership in technology, punctuality, and customer service is poised to address common concerns, regarding delays, overcrowding, and cleanliness, creating a more seamless commuting experience. 🔹 Strategic Partnership Goals: The new partnership aligns with the goal of fostering safe, sustainable, and customer-focused rail services. This collaboration will also oversee crucial projects like the development of Old Oak Common superhub for 2030, linking Elizabeth Line with other UK transport networks. 🔹 Strengthening UK-Japan Relations: Beyond transport, this partnership highlights how the UK and Japan, both island nations with strong cultural identities, can work together. As Tokyo Metro brings its expertise to London, there’s a huge opportunity for further collaborations between Japan and the UK in tech innovation, infrastructure, and other sectors. What can we learn from Japan’s Metro? A lot! Japan’s metro systems are globally admired for their emphasis on cleanliness, reliability and customer-first ethos. Tokyo Metro carries millions daily, with an emphasis on sustainability and precision. For example, 99% of Tokyo’s metro services came within five minutes of their scheduled time in 2022. This cross-cultural expertise offers a potential blueprint for elevating UK rail services. At Tokyoesque, we believe in bridging cultures and driving success by helping companies navigate these cross-cultural opportunities. If you’re looking to expand into Japan or the UK, we can provide valuable insights into both markets to help you make the most of these dynamic opportunities. For businesses seeking more insights on Japan, please check out our other blogs on our website, and feel free to contact us for more information. https://lnkd.in/gU7E5Muy #TokyoMetro #LondonElizabethLine #JapanUKRelations #Infrastructure #PublicTransport #Sustainability #CulturalCollaboration #Tokyoesque #BusinessDevelopment #Innovation #CrossCulturalExchange #JapanExpansion #UKBusiness

🌿 Tokyo’s Green Spaces: A Work Environment that Prioritises Well-Being and Productivity 🌿 Tokyo has been redefining urban spaces, blending vibrant green areas throughout its business and commercial districts. Beyond its popular parks, Tokyo incorporates greenery along streets, sidewalks, and even high-rise rooftops, ensuring a daily connection to nature in one of the world’s most corporate, active cities. This commitment to green infrastructure reflects Japan’s dedication to enhancing quality of life - a principle that supports the well-being of workers and citizens alike. For employees, easy access to nature within a dense and populated city, provides much-needed spaces for relaxation and mental clarity. Research consistently shows that even brief interactions with natural environments has the ability to reduce stress, promotes focus, and improves overall mental health. Overall, 20% of Tokyo is green! With vibrant pocket gardens, tree-lined boulevards, and countless public spaces, employees can step outside to recharge, fostering a more resilient and balanced workforce. For companies considering expansion, Tokyo’s thoughtful design offers a unique value: a work environment that integrates wellness and productivity. Establishing operations here not only brings businesses closer to Japan’s innovation-driven market but also places employees in a setting that promotes their holistic well-being. At Tokyoesque, we provide the insights, strategies, and local connections to make your market entry smooth and impactful. Let us help your company embrace the benefits of Tokyo’s dynamic work environment while capturing the full potential of the Japanese market. 🌏 (Images taken by Tokyoesque) #Insight #Research #JapanMarket