How Edamame Japan Helped a U.S./Korean Sports-Tech Startup Build Its First Real Presence in Japan
A U.S./Korean sports-tech startup entered Japan with a strong product but almost no market foundation.
No Japanese website. No localized content. No ads. No social presence.
They knew the opportunity was large, but had no clear way to reach golfers, instructors, or indoor-golf operators in Japan.
They asked Edamame Japan to help them build their Japan entry from zero.
1. Understanding the Starting Point
When we first engaged, the company had:
- No Japan-specific website
- No landing pages for product explanations
- No paid search or LINE advertising
- Minimal visibility among golfers or simulator users
- No community presence on LINE, Instagram, or YouTube
- No structure for UGC, campaigns, or influencer leverage
- No plan for trade shows or on-the-ground research
This is a common pattern for foreign hardware/SaaS companies entering Japan: great product, but no localized foundation for demand.
2. What We Built Together
A. A Complete Japanese Website
We created the full JP website, including product explanations, comparison tables, user benefits, pricing structure, FAQ, and LPs for promotions.
The site became the core of their Japan marketing and the main conversion engine for all campaigns.
B. Paid Search & LINE Advertising
The site became the core of their Japan marketing and the main conversion engine for all campaigns.
We built all paid channels from scratch:
- High-intent Google keyword campaigns for golf simulators and launch monitors
- LINE Ads to reach golfers, instructors, and indoor-range operators
- Ongoing optimization and negative keyword filtering
- Creative testing to match Japanese browsing behavior
This generated the first consistent flow of qualified inbound leads.
C. Research & Trade Show Support
To support their expansion, we handled:
- Competitor analysis
- Market mapping of indoor golf centers
- On-site support at trade shows (booth operations, demos, lead capture)
- Post-event reporting and follow-up workflow setup
This helped the client understand the landscape and gain early visibility.
D. Social Media Operations
We set up and managed all major channels:
- Instagram posting, content planning, and growth strategy
- LINE Official Account setup and community management
- YouTube channel operations, including a video series and posting schedule
Each platform served a different audience—golf enthusiasts, instructors, managers—and the combined reach helped develop brand trust.
E. UGC & Campaign Activation
We supported multiple engagement programs:
- UGC collection campaigns
- Present campaigns for followers
- Influencer collaboration coordination
- Community replies and customer support routing
These activities created credibility faster than direct ads alone.
3. The Result
Within a short period, the company went from “zero presence” to a fully functioning Japan GTM engine:
- A localized website that clearly explained the product
- Consistent inbound leads from golfers and business operators
- Active LINE and Instagram communities
- A growing YouTube presence with locally relevant content
- Strong visibility at trade shows
- A continuous cycle of reporting, optimization, and weekly improvements
In Japan, early traction depends on both clarity and trust.
This project built both.
4. Why This Matters for Other Startups
For early-stage or growth-stage tech companies, Japan can feel inaccessible without a team on the ground.
Edamame provides the missing structure: localized content, performance ads, social channels, community engagement, trade show support, and bilingual reporting that global HQ can rely on.
If your company is preparing to enter Japan, or has entered but is struggling to gain traction, we can help you build a clear, repeatable go-to-market foundation. Please feel free to contact us.
