Considering Japan,
or already there without traction?
Pivot is a Japan-based, principal-led team. We validate real demand, adapt your go-to-market, and represent you in front of Japanese customers, then tell you plainly whether to invest, adapt, or wait.
No junior hand-off. The people you meet are the people on the account.
Senior operators in each market, working in Japanese and English.
Kaori Yamashita and Garrett Leopardi. The two people you meet, and the two who do the work.
Most companies reach us at one of two points
You think Japan is a fit, but you can't prove it yet
- No reliable read on whether real demand exists
- Unsure who actually buys, or how they decide
- Distributor, subsidiary, or direct, with no basis to choose
You've entered Japan, and it isn't moving
- A distributor signed, then went quiet
- Meetings happen, nothing progresses to a decision
- No clear answer on whether the problem is fit, message, or partner
Both are answerable. Neither is answered by a market-size report.
Evidence first. Commitment second
We test the assumptions with real Japanese companies: who buys, why they would switch, and what evidence they need. Before you commit budget.
We rework positioning, materials, and route to market against what the market actually told us, not what worked in the US.
We stand in front of Japanese customers and partners on your behalf, in Japanese, and report back what was really said.
What makes us different
Named senior people on both sides of the Pacific
A Japanese national leading the Japan side and a US principal on yours. Most firms in this market are one-sided, and many never name a single member of staff.
The person who sells you is the person who does the work
No junior hand-off after the proposal. Senior operators stay on the account.
We will tell you not to go
An honest go, adjust, delay, or stop recommendation. Most providers only earn if you proceed, so "wait" is not an answer they offer.
We stand in the room
Bilingual representation in front of your actual customers. Not a report, not an introduction, not a list of contacts.
We do not pretend to be your lawyer or accountant
We identify what needs a licensed specialist in tax, legal, or certification, and coordinate it, rather than claiming competence we do not hold.
Who you will actually work with
Two named senior operators, one in each market. You will meet them on the first call and they stay on the engagement.
What we do not do
We are not a law firm, a tax practice, or a certification body, and we will not act as one. Where an engagement needs incorporation, tax filing, customs, product certification, or employment law, we identify it early and coordinate qualified specialists. We would rather tell you what sits outside our competence than take the work and learn on your budget.
Start with a straight answer
Tell us what you sell, where you are with Japan, and what you have already tried. We will give you an honest read on the opportunity, including whether now is the wrong time.