Leadership

Japan faces a shrinking population, the slower economic growth that comes with it, and the rise of other Asian economies. For companies seeking to break out of stagnation at home and pursue further growth, overseas business offers real promise, and many choose it as their first option.

Overseas business, however, requires understanding of and adaptation to laws, regulations, business practices and cultures that differ greatly from those in Japan. Beyond speaking foreign languages, few people can be entrusted with running operations that are more complex and faster-changing than in Japan, and developing such people in-house takes a very long time. As a result, in many Japanese companies, employees with no knowledge of or experience in overseas business are put in charge of it and are struggling to find their way by trial and error, with little idea of where to start.

Throughout my career, at a foreign consulting firm, a listed Japanese manufacturer, a startup and elsewhere, I have consistently worked on overseas business, both as an outside advisor and inside operating companies. Professional Links is fully committed to helping your overseas business succeed.