Market research is—or should be—an important part of every company's business strategy. That's why, before moving forward with the manufacture or sale of a new product or service, it's best to consistently carry out either general or area-specific research based on the size and scope of your intended market. In fact, your Japan market research itself can guide you in determining the size and scope of the market you can realistically expect for your product or service—a factor critical to the development of any new or ongoing business plan.

In the area of market research companies, Japan-based companies can help you better understand your local market. You'll find quite a few market research firms in Japan, which can help your local business quickly and easily find the crucial data you need to effectively market whatever your company is selling. Market research companies in Japan can help you determine your company's potential share of the market, in Japan or elsewhere, through your choice of either online or in-person versions of the following vehicles:

1. Focus Groups;

2. Surveys;

3. Panels;

4. Studies;

5. Interviews; and

6. Data Collection.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out a few individual Japanese market research firms to get an idea of what they have to offer

By investigating several market research firms in your own region, you'll get a better idea of not only the services that market research companies in general provide, but also the specific focus of each of the local companies you'd likely deal with. Each of these firms has valuable experience with market research in Japan.

I recommend: Some individual market research firms in Japan which you can investigate are AC Nielsen BASES, TNS Japan, INTAGE, Inc., Lux Research Japan and IDC Japan, all of which have offices in Tokyo. These companies offer various strategies for meeting your company’s Japanese market intelligence needs.

Look for market research providers that do your research online for greater speed and convenience

Web-based services can prove a convenient alternative to in-person research methods, which are more time-consuming and often more costly. Many local firms provide online options along with their face-to-face services.

I recommend: Brand Institute provides online focus groups and other services, and Japan Market Intelligence (JMI) features online surveys, along with other research methods. Both companies have offices in Tokyo. Japan Kantar Research also offers web-based market research.

Browse websites that do your homework for you, providing info on various Japan market research firms

Certain websites provide a valuable service to those seeking market research firms. By presenting often-lengthy groupings of companies located in various areas, they make your job of tracking down the right local firm that much easier.

I recommend: Providers of focus groups and other research services, assembled in one convenient location by The Markets Directory and GreenBook, make your search for marketing research firms in Japan an easier one.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  As you seek the Japan market research company that will best match the needs of your business, look for a service that understands and agrees with your company's philosophy and mission statement. When you discuss your options with the firm's representative, you should soon begin to sense whether or not you'll be able to relate to and develop a rapport with this firm and therefore whether or not it will be able to adequately represent your best interests through its market research activities. If you have any doubts at all, keep looking.