Trusted by startups, scale-ups, and listed companies expanding into Japan.

Hi, I’m Ayumi Uchiyama — a Japan-based marketing strategist and the founder of Hestia LLC.

I help overseas businesses unlock the Japanese market by serving as your in-country strategy partner.

With over 10 years of experience in Japanese market strategy, branding, and go-to-market execution, I work closely with founders and teams to align marketing strategy with business goals, bridge cultural gaps, and execute with clarity and speed.

I can be of help if…

– You’re a startup expanding into Japan and need a market strategy lead

– You’ve hired a local team but lack direction and structure

– You’re testing the Japanese market and want expert guidance before committing full-scale

 

What I Offer

✔ Localized go-to-market strategy & execution
✔ Acting as your Japanese marketing lead or in-country strategist
✔ Support in launching, scaling, and refining your presence in Japan
✔ Coordination with local partners, professional experts, and execution teams across marketing, legal, and PR-related fields
✔ Bilingual communication (EN/JP) for seamless execution

Expanding to Japan: What You Need to Know

Japan is a high-value, high-barrier market.
While it’s full of opportunity — especially in the B2B tech and service sectors — entering this market successfully requires a localized strategy, clear positioning, and patience.

If you’re planning to launch or grow your business in Japan, here are some realities to keep in mind:

  • Localizing your product is not enough.
    Japanese buyers expect tailored messaging, native-level language, and marketing that aligns with local expectations. Brand trust and attention to detail matter.

  • Hiring the right talent is difficult.
    It’s not just about cost — it’s about finding people who truly understand both Japanese business culture and your industry. I help clients identify and connect with specialists, recruiters, and legal/tax partners who can help.

  • Legal and operational setup takes time.
    From entity registration to hiring, processes are more bureaucratic than in some Western markets. Having someone local to coordinate the details can save you months of confusion.

  • Your success depends on long-term positioning.
    Flashy launches don’t work here. What wins is clarity, consistency, and care — in your product, messaging, and customer experience.

I work with overseas companies to build Japanese market strategies that are not only locally adapted, but also scalable, repeatable, and aligned with your brand values.

Ready to explore your entry into Japan?

Let’s connect and discuss how I can support your market strategy.

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