FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Inquiry

Do you offer free consultations?

Of course. Initial consultations are complimentary—please feel free to contact us about marketing and customer acquisition for the Japanese market. Our team is happy to discuss your goals before any commitment.

We don't have a representative in Japan yet, but we're considering expanding into the Japanese market. What should we do?

Our staff can act as your local point of contact in Japan. As part of test marketing, we can also help you validate whether there's demand for your product or service in the Japanese market—without requiring you to establish a local entity first. Please feel free to contact us for details.

What does partnering with IGNITE entail?

We partner with production companies and design firms. Your company will handle the design, while we will take care of translation and Japanese SEO.

Meeting

Are consultations conducted online?

Yes. We mostly use Zoom or Google Meet to conduct consultations and listen to the client's objectives and concerns. Consultations will usually last between 30 minutes and 1 hour.

Are you able to attend meetings in person?

Generally, we request to have initial meetings online, but we can also visit in person. We are able to travel to the Kansai region, including Osaka, Hyogo Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture, Wakayama Prefecture, Nara Prefecture, and Shiga Prefecture, as well as to the central areas of Tokyo.

How quickly are you able to respond to requests?

Response times may vary depending on the inquiry, but we generally reply within 24 hours. We strive to provide prompt and courteous service, so please feel free to reach out with any questions.

What is the frequency of meetings per month?

We usually aim to hold meetings once a month. The frequency of meetings may vary depending on the type and content of the service, so please feel free to contact us for more information.

Estimates, Invoices

Do you accept payment based on a performance-based fee system?

Depending on the nature of your request, we can accept a performance-based fee structure. Please contact us for more details. We also offer online meetings.

Do you charge for requesting a quote?

There is no fee. We will first listen to your requests and clarify the details we can propose before providing an estimate. We hope you will review the estimated amount and breakdown to decide whether to proceed with the request. *Based on the information gathered, if we determine that there is no demand for the product or service overseas, or that it may be difficult to attract customers, we may explain this before providing an estimate.

What are the prices for your services?

Share your budget and resources with us, and we'll put together a tailored quote — designed to deliver the greatest possible value within your means.

Will invoices be in Japanese yen?

If you are a company in Japan, we will invoice you in Japanese yen.

Communication

Can we communicate in Japanese?

We mainly communicate in Japanese with Japanese clients and in English with international clients.

What are your main methods of communication?

The communication method will vary depending on the client's needs, but we generally use four different methods: Chatwork, email, Google Chat, and Zoom. We can also respond by phone, but we generally ask that you use chat.

Contract

Is there a contract period?

There's no fixed minimum contract period. We tailor both contract terms and our quote to your budget, resources, and needs, delivering the greatest possible value within your means. Please contact us to discuss the right fit for your situation.

Are there any penalties or fees if I cancel a contract within the contract period?

Cancellation fees vary depending on the content of the contract, so please check the details of the individual contract. Usually, we will settle the costs incurred up to the point of cancellation.

Do you offer trials before signing a contract?

Unfortunately, we do not offer trials. Our services are only provided after a contract has been signed. In order to provide the best support and service to our customers, we require a formal contract. After a contract has been signed, we will begin providing services promptly and provide the optimal solution to meet your needs.

What's the difference between a retainer contract and a spot engagement?

A retainer contract is built on a long-term partnership. We develop a deep understanding of your business and continuously optimize your marketing performance over time. Spot engagements, by contrast, are one-off projects (e.g., a single translation or a one-time research project) in which we deliver a specific scope without ongoing involvement.

What kind of company is best suited for a retainer contract?

Retainer contracts work best for companies that lack in-house marketing specialists, need continuous strategic reinforcement, and want both cost optimization and consistent high-quality execution. If you're scaling international operations and need an ongoing partner rather than a single project, a retainer is typically the right fit.

Is the scope of services fixed once we sign?

The scope generally follows what's defined in the signed agreement, but it isn't rigidly locked. We accommodate flexible scope expansion as your needs evolve—additional services, adjustments to deliverables, or changes in priorities can be incorporated through mutual agreement during the engagement.

Service

Do you have a multinational marketing team?

IGNITE has members from countries all around the world, including the United States, Europe, and Asia, with our core team based in Japan (Osaka and Tokyo). When scaling in the global market, a diverse range of ideas, skills, and experiences can be highly effective.

Digital Marketing

Do you offer suggestions or advice for improvements if there are no results after the service has been implemented?

Certainly. We will include improvement suggestions in the report and implement them.

What countries and areas do you cover?

We're based in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan, with a focus on supporting overseas companies entering the Japanese market. We welcome clients from any region—including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Southeast Asia, and Europe—who want to establish or grow their presence in Japan. Our bilingual team handles communication in English while executing campaigns optimized for Japanese consumers nationwide.

Can I use my home market's marketing strategy directly in Japan?

Generally, no. Japanese consumers have unique purchasing behaviors, information preferences, and cultural contexts that require strategy adaptation. We work with you to identify which elements of your existing strategy translate well and which need to be redesigned for Japan—from messaging tone to channel mix.

Localization & Translation

Can I check the content before it is published?

Of course. Once the translation is complete, we will send you the content for your confirmation.

Can you localize our website into Japanese for the Japanese market?

Yes, of course. We translate your website content into Japanese and handle full localization—including catchphrases tailored to Japanese consumers, cultural adaptation, and Japan-focused SEO keyword research. Deliverables are provided in Google Sheets format so your production team can implement them smoothly.

Are you able to translate brochures?

Yes, we can translate brochures. We deliver the translations in a Google Sheets or Google Docs format. If you need a brochure design for use in other countries, we will provide a separate estimate.

Can you translate documents written in English?

Certainly. While we are unable to translate specialized texts filled with technical terms, such as medical-related materials, we can generally handle standard documents and press releases intended for international audiences. For specialized documents, we may be able to accommodate requests depending on the pricing, so please feel free to contact us first.

How soon can you start a translation?

Translation can begin in as little as two weeks. However, prior preparation is required, including the provision of information from the client and completion of contract procedures.

Is it possible to request corrections after the translation?

Of course. If you have any requests for revisions after delivery, we will do our best to accommodate them.

What differentiates your translation services from those of other companies?

IGNITE's translation services achieve high-quality localization through thorough checking and revision by native translators, providing the most suitable expressions by making the most of our deep understanding of local culture and language. Additionally, we provide comprehensive support not only for translation but also for SEO measures, design and layout adjustments, as well as proofreading and editing, allowing you to complete all requests with a single company. We also handle specialized translations for specific industries, and contribute to the achievement of our clients' business goals.

What is localization?

Localization is the process of adapting a product or service for a foreign market—not just translating language, but adjusting design, messaging, and content to fit local culture and customs. For example, Japanese consumers often prefer information-rich, maximalist designs and indirect, polite messaging—quite different from the streamlined, direct style preferred in Western markets. Successful localization requires a deep understanding of your target market and users. Working with translators who know both your language and Japanese culture is essential.

What is the process leading up to the start of translation like?

First, we perform machine translation, followed by translation by a native speaker of the language. After that, we carry out localization and conduct two rounds of corrections.

What is the turnaround time for translations?

Turnaround depends on content type and volume. As a general guide, a website page (around 500–1,000 words) takes 3–5 business days, while a 5,000-word document takes 1–2 weeks. Rush turnaround is available with a surcharge—please contact us for urgent requests.

Why are your YouTube translation services necessary when you can translate titles using online translation tools?

This is a common misconception. Online translation tools often produce inaccurate Japanese that misleads viewers and damages your brand. While random English keywords in titles may boost short-term views, YouTube's algorithm prioritizes watch time and subscription rates—both drop sharply when content doesn't match viewer expectations. For lasting recognition and engagement with Japanese audiences, accurate professional translation is essential.

Why is localization necessary?

Through a refined localization, users can receive content in line with their culture and language, and feel a sense of closeness to the business and the brand. Without proper localization, some of the information you release may be difficult for locals to understand, thereby potentially missing out on international customers and business opportunities.

Advertising & Media

Are landing pages and creative design included in the advertising management fee?

There is a separate fee for creating landing pages and creative designs. We will provide an explanation in our proposal.

Can I change or add other advertising methods during the advertising process?

Yes, we are able to accommodate such changes. However, we do charge a fixed fee of 20% of the total amount.

How does budgeting and payment work for paid advertising?

The budget depends on your goals, industry, and target audience. Ad spend is charged directly to your credit card, while management fees are billed separately. We'll provide a tailored recommendation after understanding your goals and resources.

PPC Advertising

Which ad platforms do you manage?

We manage campaigns across major platforms, including Google Ads, Yahoo! Japan Ads, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), LINE Ads, and X (Twitter) Ads. We'll recommend the best mix based on your target audience and goals.

SEO Marketing

Can I make changes or add SEO measures during the translation process?

Absolutely. SEO measures need to be flexible depending on the situation, so it is possible to change or add methods during the process. We will respond to your needs in the best way possible through regular progress reports and consultations.

Could you explain the operational fees associated with SEO optimization?

Operational fees vary depending on the content of the SEO measures and the contract plan. We can provide further details along with a quote.

How soon can you start implementing the SEO measures?

We can start implementing SEO on your website in as little as two weeks. However, as prior preparation is required, we will need you to provide us with information and complete the contract procedures.

Is it possible to achieve high search rankings on Google in Japan (Google.co.jp)?

While it's difficult to predict without actual implementation, achieving high rankings on Google in Japan is very achievable through effective SEO. Japan-specific SEO requires an understanding of Japanese user search behavior, language nuances (kanji/hiragana/katakana variants), and Yahoo! Japan as a secondary search platform. Please feel free to consult with us first.

SEM Marketing

What is the difference between PPC Advertising and SEM Marketing?

SEM (Search Engine Marketing) is the broader strategy that combines paid search (PPC) with organic search (SEO). At IGNITE, PPC Advertising focuses on paid campaign execution, while SEM Marketing integrates both paid and organic strategies for a holistic presence in competitive search markets.

Do you conduct A/B testing on ad creatives?

Yes. A/B testing is a core part of our SEM service. We test variations of headlines, ad copy, and CTAs to identify what resonates best with your target audience in Japan, and continuously optimize for higher conversion rates.

Social Media Marketing

What kind of content can you create for marketing in Japan?

We create content for platforms popular in Japan, including LINE (Japan's dominant messaging app), Instagram, X (Twitter), TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Content can range from social posts and ads to long-form articles and video scripts—all localized for Japanese consumers.

Content Marketing

Do you specialize in creating Japanese content?

Yes. IGNITE specializes in high-quality Japanese content created specifically for Japanese consumers, not just direct translations. Many global companies provide content in 20+ languages, but lose impact because each version lacks deep localization. By focusing on Japan with bilingual, native specialists, we create pages that resonate with Japanese audiences and drive more inquiries from your target market.

PR & Branding

Are you able to handle media inquiries after distribution?

We will provide support as needed, such as responding to inquiries from the media.

Can I see the status of media coverage after distribution?

Certainly. After distribution, we will send you a report summarizing the media coverage status.

What kinds of distribution content and purposes can you accommodate?

We work with a variety of distribution purposes, including the announcement of new products and services, corporate philosophy and vision, event announcements, campaign announcements, business performance announcements, M&A announcements, and reports on social contribution activities.

What types of businesses can you distribute for?

We can accommodate all types of industries, including IT, manufacturing, services, medical, retail, and manufacturers.

Website Design & UIUX

Could you to build a website using Webflow based on a design we have prepared?

Yes. We offer Webflow construction as a stand-alone service as well. We may review the provided data and make some adjustments if necessary.

Do you offer website development services?

Yes. We can accommodate everything from no-code development to full custom development.

Do you provide support for website management?

We can propose various options that consider customer acquisition during the design phase. We will design the optimal strategy and suggest the best promotional measures tailored to your budget.

How much does it cost to manage a Webflow account?

Prices depend on whether you use a CMS or not, and the number of pages you need. We will propose a recommended plan for you in our consultation.

How much would it cost to create a website?

We will prepare a quotation based on your specific circumstances and needs. Please contact us to set up a consultation.

Is it possible to improve our current website without a complete redesign?

Absolutely. We also offer a website analysis plan for such cases. Please contact us for more information.

Is website management possible without programming knowledge?

Certainly. After delivery, we will grant you editing rights on Webflow so that you can post content such as blog articles. Also, to prevent accidental editing, you can restrict the pages that can be edited, so please be assured that your site will not disappear if you edit it.

We are an overseas manufacturer. Is there any benefit to creating a Japanese-language website?

Yes—actually, now is the perfect opportunity. Many overseas manufacturers haven't yet invested in Japanese-language websites, so there's a clear competitive advantage in entering the market while it's still relatively underserved. A good starting point is building a foundation for information delivery in Japanese and planning long-term operations with a mid-to-long-term perspective on the Japanese market.

What is Webflow?

Webflow is a no-code tool that is gaining popularity around the world. It is a tool that allows for visual design construction and is skilled in SEO and language deployment.

What is different about your web development compared to other companies?

IGNITE's website production utilizes Webflow to deliver high-quality design without the need for coding, and we create a CMS that enables clients to manage and operate the site themselves. Furthermore, we offer high-quality translation and localization by both Japanese and native speakers, producing content optimized for the target market. We also provide comprehensive support for SEO and marketing strategies, ensuring quick and effective services.

Business Development

We are currently working with another company for international marketing. Would you be able to provide a second opinion?

Of course. Please feel free to contact us to discuss details.

What is the process leading up to the start of your service?

First, we will conduct a meeting to thoroughly understand your requests and situation. After that, we will prepare a proposal and an estimate. If you are satisfied with the content, we will proceed to finalize the contract. The service will commence after the contract is signed.

Market Research

Is it possible to request only research or production services independently?

Certainly. After understanding the purpose of your marketing efforts, we can conduct research if that's all you need, or provide production services if that's what you're looking for. If you confirm that our strategy for overseas marketing is within the scope of your products or services, and you would like to request research or production, we can offer our services on a one-off basis as well.

E-Commerce Marketing

Do you support cross-border e-commerce?

Yes. We support international brands selling into Japan via cross-border e-commerce, using Shopify as our primary platform for building Japanese-localized storefronts. We can also assist with Amazon Japan and Rakuten if you prefer those marketplaces—please contact us for details.

Influencer Marketing

How are contracts with influencers handled?

We provide full support for contracts with influencers. This include stipulations on the number and content of posts, compensation, and compliance.

How do you measure the effectiveness of campaigns that utilize influencers?

We use key metrics such as engagement rate, number of clicks, conversion rate, and reach to measure the effectiveness of campaigns. In addition, we analyze the reactions and feedback of followers to the influencer's posts.

How much preparation time is needed before starting an influencer campaign?

On average, the preparation period is about one to two months. During this time, we will select influencers, sign contracts, and create content.

What's the cost difference between Japanese influencers and influencers from our home market?

Costs vary significantly. Japanese influencers are often more cost-effective and far more impactful for reaching Japanese consumers, even if they have smaller follower counts than international influencers. Influencers from your home market may have a larger global reach, but their content typically doesn't resonate with Japanese audiences. We recommend Japanese influencers for the Japanese market and can provide specific quotes based on follower count, engagement rate, and campaign scope.

What are your prices for influencer marketing?

Prices vary depending on the number of followers and influence of the influencer, as well as the scale and duration of the campaign. We will provide a specific estimate for each individual project.

What can I do if a collaboration with an influencer isn't going well?

If a collaboration with an influencer does not go well, we will quickly propose an alternative influencer and take measures to minimize the effects.

What kind of influencers do you partner with?

We carefully select the influencers that are most suitable for your brand and products. The selection criteria include the number of followers, engagement rate, characteristics of the audience, and the reliability of the influencer.

Other

I would like to discuss collaboration.

Thank you for your interest in our services. Please contact us via the inquiry form to discuss collaboration opportunities.

We are looking to hire global talent. Are there any services available for that?

We also provide a international talent employment service. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us for details.

What are important considerations when expanding into Japan?

Two essentials: validate demand for your product or service in Japan, and partner with an agency with deep Japan-market expertise. We recommend starting small—use online channels to gauge demand before committing to a local entity. The agency matters too: many handle translation, but few specialize in the nuances of marketing to Japanese consumers.

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