Decode Japan's Evolving Defense Market
From Tokyo, we help American defense and dual-use companies navigate Japan's ¥5.3 trillion defense modernization through market intelligence and relationship development.
Why Japan
Japan is on track to double it's defense budget, becoming the world's 3rd largest defense spender by 2027. Today's threat environment - with China's military modernization, North Korea's advancing missile capabilities, and the war in Ukraine demonstrating the importance of rapid capability development - has forced both Japanese companies and the Japanese government to adapt.New institutional players, dramatically increased budgets, and compressed development timelines are creating opportunities for U.S. defense and dual-use technology companies.Understanding which Japanese entities might be open to different engagement approaches - and how to reach them - is the key to success.
What We Do
We help U.S. defense and dual-use technology companies understand and navigate Japan's evolving defense market. Rather than assuming all Japanese entities operate the same way, we provide market intelligence about which organizations might be more open to different engagement approaches, help companies develop appropriate strategies for their specific situations, and are networked to identify pathways to relevant stakeholders.
Our Unique Assets
- Based in Tokyo with access to Japanese decision-makers, government agencies and defense companies- Embedded understanding of day-to-day market dynamics rather than periodic visits- Connections with emerging ecosystem players and traditional primes- U.S. Embassy and diplomatic relationships for context and introductions- Deep understanding of geopolitical competition, evolving threats, and how current events drive Japanese defense priorities and influence procurement decisions- Knowledge of both U.S. and Japanese defense ecosystems and how they're evolving
Our Services
Market Intelligence & Strategy
Assess which Japanese entities might be good fits for your technology and approach, develop tailored engagement strategies, and provide ongoing market intelligence about procurement opportunities and market changes.Relationship Development & Introductions
Facilitate introductions to relevant government and industry stakeholders, prepare teams for Japanese business protocols and communication styles, and coordinate meeting logistics and follow-up support.Cultural & Business Navigation
Brief teams on Japanese decision-making processes and realistic timelines, help interpret communications and relationship signals, and provide context on policy changes and their business implications.Specialist Referrals
Connect clients with respected firms for compliance/regulatory work, grant application and proposal writing, financial due diligence, and legal structuring at no additional charge. Our goal is client success, not service expansion into areas where others already excel.
Contact
Ready to Cross the Pacific?Japan's defense modernization represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for U.S. defense and dual-use tech startups. The question isn't whether to engage - it's how to do it right."Build Once, Sell Twice"Your DoD success is your competitive advantage in Japan.