Ready to Make Waves in the Japanese and U.S. Markets?

Real-world support in international business strategy and cross-cultural marketing for small and medium-sized companies looking to grow between Japan and the U.S.

Services designed to help you expand smarter.

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Cross-Cultural Business Planning Support

Practical preparation for long-term success in Japan or the U.S.

For brands preparing for serious entry into a new market, we offer tailored strategic planning that goes beyond first impressions. This session covers relationship-building, buyer expectations, communication tone, and key cultural nuances—plus feedback on your existing materials. Ideal for brands getting ready for trade events, outreach campaigns, or distributor conversations with confidence.

Cultural Communication Refinement & Brand Voice Alignment

Ensure consistency and cultural sensitivity across your messaging.

This service helps you refine your brand's tone, expressions, and visual presentation to ensure clear, culturally attuned communication across products and platforms. We provide in-depth feedback and recommendations to help align your storytelling with market expectations, whether you're expanding into Japan, the U.S., or both.

Mini Market Snapshot

Quick insights to support your market approach.

Receive a focused report highlighting key consumer trends, price positioning, competitor activity, and retail channel options for your product category. This snapshot is designed for early-stage planning, pitch preparation, or validation before entering a new market, saving time and helping you make more informed decisions.

Tradeshow Preparation & Buyer Engagement Support

Present with clarity and connect more effectively.

We help you get ready for upcoming trade shows or B2B meetings with culturally relevant presentation strategies, material reviews, and pitch practice in English or Japanese. Whether you're exhibiting or attending, this service equips you to approach buyers with confidence and clarity—online or in person.

Brand & Product Sourcing Coordination

Curated sourcing and buying support across Japan and the U.S.

We assist buyers, retailers, and creative directors in sourcing distinctive brands and products through trade shows or direct discovery. From booth visits to interpretation and logistics coordination, we offer hands-on support to help you navigate sourcing trips with clarity and efficiency.

Retail & Distribution Referral Support (By Invitation)

Curated introductions based on trust and market fit.

We selectively connect brands to our trusted network of buyers, agents, and distributors based on alignment with local market needs and our experience. This service is offered by invitation only, typically after working together on other services. If there's strong potential, we're happy to facilitate warm introductions to help you grow.

CHERRYSTONE® Handcrafted Socks

Timeless style, and expert Japanese handcrafted quality, all in one. These super comfortable socks are unique with a special triangular embroidery pattern that resembles a cherrystone shell around the sock opening.

Proudly Distributing Global Brands in Japan

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SwaddleDesigns was founded in 2002 by Lynette Damir, RN. She combined medical expertise with design to create the Ultimate Swaddling Blanket. Each blanket includes easy-to-follow instructions, making swaddling simpler for new parents. Loved for quality, versatility, and value, their multi-use blankets go far beyond swaddling.

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FlapJack Kids creates fun, high-quality accessories for little ones, including reversible winter hats, matching mittens, bibs, and more. Their sun hats offer UPF 50+ protection, blocking 99.9% of the sun’s rays to help keep kids safe. Now available in over 2,500 stores worldwide, their products are designed to delight both kids and parents.

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ZOOCCHINI® is a family-owned international brand creating fun, functional, and affordable infant and toddler products. These are inspired by animals, nature, and vibrant colors. Their products are loved in 23 countries and by over 1,600 retailers worldwide. All items are free of BPA, Phthalates, and Lead, meeting safety standards in the US, Canada, and EU.

Our Portfolio

Crossing cultures is hard. But we're here to make it way easier.

MARKET TO JAPAN is a cross-cultural marketing and support firm founded in Seattle in 2004. We specialize in international business strategy and help ideas, brands, and products move across cultures between Japan and the United States. We focus on small and medium-sized companies in the lifestyle and consumer goods space.

Whether you’re a U.S. company exploring the Japanese market, a Japanese brand entering the U.S., or a Japanese entrepreneur starting a business in the U.S., we provide strategic market entry support grounded in real-world experience. Having worked on both sides of the Pacific, we understand the nuances behind cultural differences, and we build partnerships that go far beyond language.

Our Story

I started MARKET TO JAPAN after experiencing firsthand how difficult it can be for small brands to expand across borders, especially between Japan and the U.S.

Having worked in both countries across sales, marketing, and business development, I saw the unique challenges of adapting products and messaging for different markets.

Cross-border expansion is never just about translation—it involves understanding business etiquette and practices, consumer habits, pricing systems, and regulatory frameworks shaped by each country’s unique culture and structure.

That’s why I founded MARKET TO JAPAN: to help others enter new markets with practical insight and lived experience.

Over time, what began as a solo venture has grown into a team effort shaped by changing times, shared values, and lessons learned along the way.

Today, we offer flexible, grounded support for brands with cross-border ambitions.
We’re here to help you navigate with clarity and confidence.
Our ultimate goal? Helping these businesses thrive and making everyday life a little better for the people they serve.

— Sachiko Akahori Miller, Founder

Our Story

I started MARKET TO JAPAN after experiencing firsthand how difficult it can be for small brands to expand across borders, especially between Japan and the U.S.

Having worked in both countries across sales, marketing, and business development, I saw the unique challenges of adapting products and messaging for different markets.

Cross-border expansion is never just about translation—it involves understanding business etiquette and practices, consumer habits, pricing systems, and regulatory frameworks shaped by each country’s unique culture and structure.

Cultural Communication Refinement & Brand Voice Alignment

Ensure consistency and cultural sensitivity across your messaging.

That’s why I founded MARKET TO JAPAN: to help others enter new markets with practical insight and lived experience.

Over time, what began as a solo venture has grown into a team effort shaped by changing times, shared values, and lessons learned along the way.

Today, we offer flexible, grounded support for brands with cross-border ambitions.
We’re here to help you navigate with clarity and confidence.
Our ultimate goal? Helping these businesses thrive and making everyday life a little better for the people they serve.

— Sachiko Akahori Miller, Founder

What Our Clients Say

When I decided to start a business in the United States—far from my home country and everything familiar—I was filled with uncertainty. In those early days, Sachiko was truly a guiding light for me. She didn't just provide information or advice; she listened deeply and always understood exactly where I was struggling. Her support was not only practical as well as deeply personal, and I came to rely on her as one of the few people I could truly count on in a foreign land. Sachiko’s words and actions reflected not only her extensive experience, but also her warmth and integrity. She has become more than just a mentor—she is also someone I admire deeply and want to become like. What impressed me most was that Sachiko never let me get lost in idealism. She helped me see how to bring my passion into reality, how to monetize my ideas, and how to create a sustainable path forward. Thanks to her, I was able to take real steps toward building something meaningful. Without Sachiko, my journey would have looked very different. She not only helped shape my business but also helped me discover what kind of future I want to build for myself. For all of this, I am truly and deeply grateful.

アメリカという異国の地で、右も左もわからない中、ビジネスを始めるにあたって不安を感じていた私にとって、さちこさんの存在はまさに「道しるべ」でした。 ただ知識を教えてくださるだけでなく、私がどこで迷っているのか、何につまずいているのかをすぐに理解し、いつも親身に耳を傾けてくださいました。 さちこさんの姿勢や言葉の一つひとつに、深い経験と温かい人柄が滲み出ていて、単なるビジネスのアドバイザーを超えた、大きな安心感を与えてくださる存在でした。 誰も知り合いのいない土地で、「さちこさんのようになりたい」と思える目標を持てたことは、私にとって何よりの心の支えとなりました。 また、想いや情熱だけで終わらせない、ビジネスとしてどうマネタイズしていくか、その本質を常に示してくださったことも非常に大きな学びでした。 さちこさんの視点があったからこそ、私は現実的な一歩を踏み出すことができたのだと思います。 さちこさんと出会わなければ、私の未来は今とは全く違う方向にあるかもしれません。 ビジネスのことだけでなく、これからどんな人生を歩んでいきたいか――そんな将来の目標まで明確にしてくださったことに、心から感謝しています。 アメリカという異国の地で、右も左もわからない中、ビジネスを始めるにあたって不安を感じていた私にとって、さちこさんの存在はまさに「道しるべ」でした。 ただ知識を教えてくださるだけでなく、私がどこで迷っているのか、何につまずいているのかをすぐに理解し、いつも親身に耳を傾けてくださいました。

Miyuki Ongewe
Chili's Vintage

Working with Sachiko has been an absolute game-changer for me and my business. I had been stuck for nearly three years, unsure of how to even begin importing products from Japan — and launching my online store felt like a distant dream. But after just one consultation with Sachiko, everything changed. She not only provided me with clear, actionable guidance on the entire import process and store setup, but she did it with such genuine care and encouragement that I felt completely empowered. Without her help, there's no way I would be on track to launch my store this year. Sachiko is more than just a consultant — she's become my biggest cheerleader and a true inspiration. I finally feel confident about the direction of my business because I know I have her guidance and support every step of the way.

日本語: Sachikoさんとのコンサルティングは、私と私のビジネスにとってまさに人生を変える経験になりました。約3年間、日本からの商品輸入の始め方が分からずに立ち止まっていて、オンラインストアの立ち上げも遠い夢のように感じていました。でも、Sachikoさんとのたった一度のコンサルティングで、すべてが変わりました。 彼女は輸入プロセスやストアのセットアップについて、明確で実行しやすいアドバイスをしてくださっただけでなく、心から親身になって応援してくれました。そのおかげで自信を持って行動できるようになり、今年中にオンラインストアを立ち上げる準備が出来るようになりました。 Sachikoさんは単なるコンサルタントではなく、私の一番の応援者であり、心から尊敬し目標としているビジネスパーソンです。今、自分のビジネスが正しい道を歩んでいると感じられるのは、彼女の導きがあるからこそです。

Misao Oki
Owner & Founder, Yuzu Marche

Sachiko, the Founder and CEO of Market to Japan for over a decade, possesses extensive experience in the Japanese market. She collaborates with both independent and national chain stores, making her an invaluable asset for those seeking to penetrate the Japanese market. Sachiko is adept at crafting customized solutions encompassing market research, sales, and marketing strategies. This expertise is particularly valuable for those unfamiliar with a market where language and culture diverge significantly from American norms. I highly recommend Sachiko for those seeking to expand into Japan.

Vedant Joshi
President, Brands by Bravo Limited

“They’re not just consultants — they’re brand partners who care about the long game.”

Marie A
Children’s Gifts CEO

“The translation and localization work was top-notch. Our packaging and messaging now truly resonate in Japan.”

Daniel S.
Tea Brand Director

“Market to Japan made our launch effortless. Their insight into Japanese retail culture saved us months of trial and error.”

Katie L.
Organic Babywear Founder
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Meet Our Team

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Sachiko Akahori Miller
Founder & CEO

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Makoto Nishiyama
Japan Office Director

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Rikako Ohori
Sales & Marketing Coordinator

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Emi Matsuoka
Customer Service

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Akiko Saito
Customer Service

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Julie Arisa Miller
Sales & Marketing Assistant

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Shunsuke Inoue
Digital Marketing Intern

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We're hiring!

If you have experience in international sales, marketing, or brand development and are passionate about what we do, then we'd love to connect with you! We're also open to teaming up with strategic partners for international business.

Need Cross-Cultural Marketing and Consulting to Take Your Brand Global?

Bring your brand to life in the U.S. and Japan with strategic market entry support and strategy. Talk to our experts who know what works, what doesn’t, and what to watch out for.

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