Assistance for American Businesses

The U.S.-Japan Institute has a program, known as the Japan Initiative Program, to assist American firms that wish to do business in Japan.  This program was initially developed in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Commerce Eastern Pennsylvania District Office and the District Export Council, of which the U.S.-Japan Institute's director was a member.

Although we can support a wide range of activities, we specialize in the following areas:

  • Product export

  • Marketing of professional services

  • Licensing of technology

  • Asset acquisition

  • Real estate investment

  • Building of research & development facilities

  • Recruitment of employees

The services the U.S.-Japan Institute provides for American companies include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Locating and assessing potential firms for strategic partnerships

  • Making initial contacts of potential partners to determine interest

  • Conducting market research

  • Arranging translation and secretarial services, as well as explaining cultural differences, local business practices, etc.

  • Finding temporary office space and equipment

  • Arranging preparation of presentation materials, literature, brochures, etc.

  • Recruiting and hiring of local employees

Initially, the institute conducts pre-marketing research to determine the product or service's potential through at least two experts in the relevant industry.  The cost of this initial research is included in a commitment fee of $800.  If the product/service shows potential, we assist the contracting firm in setting up a strategic business plan, implementing this plan, conducting actual negotiations, and closing the agreement with Japanese partner firms.  Any costs incurred by the Institute at this stage are to be borne by the contracting firm, subject to prior approval.

In order to fulfill these arrangements, the U.S.-Japan Institute maintains a presence in Japan ready to work on such projects through an extensive network of corporate contacts, as well as an authoritative research organization specializing in distribution of goods in the Japanese markets.  Our contacts consist of several hundred senior and middle level executives, many of whom attended USJI educational programs and/or the Wharton school.  Additionally, the Director of the U.S.-Japan Institute, Dr. Toshiaki Taga, will soon resume his duties as a member of the Department of Commerce's District Export Council (DEC).  Dr. Taga is also an associate member of the the Institute of Monetary and Fiscal Policy of the Japanese Ministry of Finance.

The Institute can also provide the above services, to a lesser extent, to Asian countries other than Japan.  We currently have capabilities to do so in Korea, China, Taiwan and Thailand.

For additional information, or to discuss how we can assist your business, please contact the Institute at (215) 386-5611/5617 or info@usji.org.