culture shift JAPAN

Bridging cultures, building futures.
We empower global citizens to thrive in Japan
by fostering cultural exchange and business success.

You can become a cross-cultural business owner in Japan or with Japan. Let's make it happen together!

Our Goal

Mission

We help global entrepreneurs and investors expand into Japan by combining deep cultural understanding with business consulting expertise.
Unlike other firms that only offer legal or visa help, we provide end-to-end support from market entry to relationship building.
Our bicultural team connects your business goals with the cultural fluency needed to thrive in Japan.

Needs and Values

  • Navigating business setup process in Japan for foreigners
  • Overcoming language and cultural barriers
  • Getting comprehensive, reliable information and guidance
  • Building relationships with local partners

Why choose us?

  • Deep expertise in Japanese culture, business, and government systems
  • Bicultural consultants with startup and investor experience
  • Unique frameworks for cultural onboarding, etiquette, and business readiness
  • Access to networks in public and private sectors
  • Most firms offer legal/admin support without cultural guidance, we integrate both

We are not just advisors! We are cultural interpreters. Our consulting helps you expand your business while building authentic relationships and avoiding friction in Japan's unique business culture.

Key Services

Bridging concierge between Japanese and foreign companies

[JETRO e-Venue Registered No.PI00064239]

The difficulty in business culture between overseas countries and Japan include language barrier, cross-cultural understanding, and decision-making process.
We mediate to resolve these issues and help build a win-win relationship between both companies.

The difference between language and communication

  • In general, English proficiency in Japan remains low.
  • The Japanese culture of “reading between the lines” and ambiguous expressions can easily lead to misunderstandings overseas.
  • Overseas, direct and frank communication tends to be preferred, and indirect and ambiguous expressions used by Japanese people may lead to misunderstandings.
  • We act as a mediator to smooth out these language and communication gaps.

Lack of cross-cultural understanding

  • Japanese people tend to impose their own business models and values without fully understanding foreign cultures, customs, religions, and laws.
  • For example, customs such as “ho-ren-so” (reporting, consulting, and communicating) and “nemawashi” (making necessary arrangements) that are common in Japan are not necessarily effective overseas.
  • Recognition and response to harassment also vary depending on the country and region.
  • We promote cross-cultural understanding by explaining potential differences in business culture between Japanese and overseas companies.

Differences in decision-making processes

  • In Japanese business culture, hierarchy based on position and age is emphasized.
  • On the other hand, overseas, it is common to exchange opinions on a level playing field, regardless of age or position.
  • Japanese people make decisions by consensus in meetings. And there are also issues such as decisions taking a long time and responsibility becoming unclear. On the other hand, overseas, decisions are made based on individual responsibility or top-down decision-making.
  • We will encourage Japanese companies to review their business culture, understand overseas business cultures, and strive to respond flexibly.

Interaction with Japanese people

  • We conduct market research and provide information on Japanese products and services that are of interest.
  • We support the creation of websites that are compatible with Japanese people.
  • We will find the necessary business partners and negotiate on your behalf.
  • We create customized tools and manuals to facilitate different business cultures.

First steps to Japan

When doing business with Japan, the first step is to let them know what makes your company attractive.
However, it is necessary to use expressions and approaches that are familiar to Japanese people.

Japanese language homepage

  • A Japanese-style website using expressions in Japanese for Japanese people.
  • Convey the appeal of products and services, company achievements, and reliability of licenses and approvals.
  • The goal is to generate inquiries as a CTA.
  • We will create a Japanese-language website on behalf of your company. And we will provide support in responding to those inquiries.

Online and offline advertising

  • Listing, display, social media, and access analysis as web advertising
  • Offline advertising as magazines, newspapers, trade journals, and information websites.
  • Creation of advertising messages and catchphrases familiar to Japanese people. Eye-catching illustrations and photographs.
  • We will negotiate with advertising agencies and place advertisements for your company.

Ongoing support

  • Customer inquiry agency service
  • General Japanese language assistance
  • Adapting to Japanese business culture
  • We provide online support for the above content on an annual basis.

Remote business owner/co-owner (Quick reach to Japan)

You can start a business and engage in cross-cultural activities in Japan without obtaining a visa(residence status), while remaining in your own country.

1st step:Preparation

  • Conduct market research and feasibility studies in areas that interest you.
  • Find Japanese partners in industries and cultural fields that interest you.

2nd step:Company establishment

  • Decide on the registration items necessary for establishing a company
  • Transfer capital (1 million to 5 million yen) to the bank account of your Japanese partner.
  • Your Japanese partner will become the representative director and shareholder and establish the company.
    *You can also become a member of the board of directors.
    *You can also become a 100% investor.
  • After establishing the company, create a bank account in the company's name.
  • If you establish a company as a 100% Japanese partner shareholder, your shares will be transferred to you through a shareholder transfer agreement.
    *Except for specific business activities (media, telecommunications, finance, infrastructure, etc.), 100% foreign capital is permitted.
  • Use your Japanese partner's resident card and seal registration certificate to rent an office.

3rd step:Operation

  • Participate in management as a director while living overseas
  • You can enter Japan on a short-term visa and participate in the meeting. However, it is on the condition that you will not be paid.
  • You will receive overseas remittances in the form of consulting or advisory fees, or stock dividends.

The difficulty of a business management visa (reference)

  • There is a contradiction in that you cannot obtain a “business management” visa without a company.
  • You can obtain a resident card because you have a visa.
  • And you can open a bank account or sign a lease for an office because you have a resident card.
  • It is strange to say that you should have a company first.
  • At the very least, the reality is that you cannot establish a company without the cooperation of a Japanese person.
  • In addition, a five-year business plan must be submitted for review.
    For Westerners, who are accustomed to the world of elevator pitches (where you have a few seconds to catch the interest of investors in an elevator), it is unreasonable to expect them to create a business plan that predicts the next five years.
  • Also, when renewing your visa (for example, after one year), if your company is not profitable, your visa will not be extended. It is rare for a new business to become profitable within a year. Even if you have worked hard to establish your company, it will be ruined if your visa is not renewed.
  • The Japanese government has decided to raise the amount of capital required to obtain a visa from 5 million yen to 30 million yen in order to restrict visa abuse.
  • For the reasons above, it is difficult in reality for foreigners to obtain a business management visa and start a business in Japan.

Other Services

Cross-cultural consulting and operational support

We help foreign entrepreneurs to land and expand in Japan.

Our would-be customers

  • Those who want to start a company in Japan and start an international business.
  • Those who want to introduce or import Japanese culture to their country.
  • Those who want to establish a base for cultural activities in Japan.
  • Those who like Japan and would like to establish a company in Japan.

Our roles

  • Cultural bridges between Japan and other countries
  • Act as glue to promote interaction between Japanese and foreigners
  • Realize investments in Japan, establish a base of operations, and find Japanese partners
  • Provide long-term support for the operation of the company you created

We offer a comprehensive suite of services to support your endeavors in Japan:

  • Market research and investment analysis for Japan.
  • Assistance with company registration in Japan.
  • Office setup, including location scouting and acquisition.
  • Facilitating partnerships with Japanese businesses.
  • Event organization and promotional activities.
  • Strategic consulting and full-scale support across all operational needs.

The road map to Land and Expand

First 5 inquiries
Scope: 30 minutes (+ initial preparation) via email
Charge: FREE
Pre consulting
Scope: Market research, Feasibility study and Project proposal
Charge: One time
Fee: from $3,000 *Please contact us for details.
Initial investigation
Scope: Legal research, Cost Simulation and Alternative suggestion
Charge: One time
Fee: from $10,000*Please contact us for details.
Preparation for landing
Scope: Establishment of a company, Opening a bank account and Setting up a office
Charge: One time
Fee: from $10,000*Please contact us for details.
Execution support
Scope: Business partner matching, HR management and Tax and legal procedures
Charge: Monthly
Fee: from $2,000*Please contact us for details.

Model Cases

  • Invest capital in Japan, establish a company, and conduct cultural activities in Japan.
  • Invest capital in Japan, establish a company, gather information and products, and export them back home.
  • Establish a non-profit organization in Japan to make donations and carry out cultural activities
  • Revitalize suffering cultural projects in Japan through donations or capital investment.
  • Establish a company in Japan to provide supporting services to the growing inbound tourist to Japan.
  • Purchase real estate property in Japan to host foreign visitors.
  • Establishe a operational base in Japan to hold events and sell goods to introduce Japanese culture back home.
  • Establish a company in Japan to conduct cultural exchange projects that promote the appeal and value of Japanese culture abroad.

Online relocation support

  • Move to Japan
  • Visa and status of residence
  • Housing
  • Finding job

For the people who want to live in Japan

We can assist you on line in obtaining Visa and Residency status, signing various contracts, and setting up your life in Japan

  • Visa and status of residence in cooperation with administrative scriveners (additional cost)
  • Language, degree and work experience
  • Housing, phone number and bank account
  • Tax, utility bills, health insurance and certificate of residence
  • Furniture, appliances and internet access
  • language support for school or job search
  • Understanding of Japanese culture and customs
  • Monthly consultation and support on a case-by-case basis

Japanese Culture Store in your country

  • Japanese specialty store
  • Japanese variety store
  • Not fake japanese but authentic

Examples of cultural goods

Overseas, there is a growing interest in Japanese culture, including anime, manga, Japanese food, and traditional crafts. The image of Japanese products as being “high quality” and “safe and reliable” is highly regarded overseas.

Our roles

  • Supply of authentic Japanese products, not counterfeits
  • Supporting customers in understanding the culture and history behind each product
  • Regulation research, product selection, and shipping for export products
  • Support for creating stores with Japanese-style decoration and service

Trial run

  • No investment
  • No establishment of a company
  • No long-term contract

Just for your test marketing and business incubation in your country

We help you export Japanese products, from yukata to anime goods. Small quantities are welcome!
Note: Food items may be subject to restrictions.

You
Send us a list of items you want.
We
Investigate any export issues.
We
Send you back a estimate, If all is well.
You and us
Make a simple order contract.
You
Send the money to our bank account.
We
Collect goods, pack them, and mail them through a trading company

Contact us

Free email consultation

Feel free to contact us, we welcome your inquiries.

inquiry form

Please contact us with our web form

Your email address

More about us

Learn more about Japanese Culture

Engaging content exploring the beauty and traditions of Japanese culture.
Case studies showcasing successful cultural and business ventures in Japan.

Neo Japonism By CultureShift https://www.cultureshift.site

Founder's Profile (Hiroto Sugii)

Hiroto Sugii

Background

  • Born in Tokyo, 1959
  • Graduated from Waseda Univ Major in Information system and decision making
  • Best impact award by Nikkei BP for accounting and tax return software
  • Experienced with more than 500 IT system constructions
  • Knowledge of a wide variety of business operations and industories

History

1982Graduated from Waseda Univ. Business administration
1982Durban corp.
1984Established StraTeck Co., LTD. Representative president
1988Merged with AIM Co., LTD. Representative president
1999Changes organization into JCNLAND Corp. Vice president
2006Merged with SBI Business Solutions Co., LTD. Technical Advisor
2008Established Sugii Hiroto Projects Corp. Representative president
2024Established RadBody Co., LTD.(US Capital) Representative president
2025Established Studio Soda Co., LTD.(US Capital) Representative president
2025Started CultureShift(www.cultureshift.jp / www.cultureshift.site)

Concurrent posts

  • Opayama prefectural office IT System Advisor 1989 to 1990
  • SBI business solutions Co., LTD. Technical Advisor 2006 to 2008
  • AIDMA Co., LTD. IT System advisor 1989 to 1990
  • 佳力信息科技有限公司 Director 2006 to 2009
  • Tada Management Co., LTD. Director 2006 to 2010
  • CNext Co., LTD. Vice President 2007 -
  • Freeway Japan Co., LTD. Advisor 2009 to 2019
  • RescueNow Co., LTD. Business development 2010 to 2012
  • Sakura-sodan Co., LTD. Business development 2011 to 2015
  • VAL Laboratory Co., LTD. Business development 2011 to 2013
  • LifeStyleDesign Co., LTD. Advisor 2014 to 2019
  • RadBody Co., LTD. Representative president 2024 -

Recent achievement

A project to bring the US RC car culture to Japan. I myself became the representative director and established the company, which became 100% owned subsidiary of our US partner through a stock transfer.

Radbody Co.,Ltd.https://www.radbody.co.jp/