As part of my ongoing collaboration with the German Accelerator team in Singapore, I recently delivered a two-hour virtual cross-cultural workshop for German startups preparing to enter the Japanese market.
Since 2022, I have delivered more than a dozen workshops for startups participating in the Japan Market Discovery Program—an initiative run by German Accelerator and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE).
Japan remains one of the more complex markets to enter. Understanding its unique business culture is essential for successful market entry. Through concise yet interactive sessions, I aim to equip startup founders and teams with the cultural insights needed to approach Japan strategically and confidently.
The workshop covered:
- The importance of groups over individuals
- Hierarchy and expectations in customer–supplier relationships
- Relationship-building as the foundation of business
- Collective decision-making processes
- The role of indirect communication
As always, the session sparked engaging discussions and thoughtful questions. It is always inspiring to work with ambitious teams preparing for international expansion. I wish all participating startups great success on their business and cultural journey into Japan.
If you’re preparing to enter the Japanese market, feel free to get in touch.
