Japan is one of the most difficult-to-penetrate markets in the world, especially with eCommerce, therefore, having a Shopify developer partner will give you a lot of advantages. Here, we provide an analysis and evaluation of top 9 the most prominent Shopify development companies in Japan with a comparison based on their experience, expertise, pricing, and support, and a detailed evaluation of the Japanese market.
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List of 10 most prominent Shopify development companies in Japan
Magenest
Magenest is a global software development company that specializes in eCommerce solutions and has worked with numerous clients worldwide. They are a founding member of Japan Digital Experience Partners (JDXP), the alliance supports and encourages businesses, organizations, and individuals in exploring and expanding operations in the Japanese technology market. They help Japanese enterprises to increase business efficiency, and improve customer experience satisfaction for organic competitive advantages. Their team of over 150 eCommerce experts specializes in strategy, design, development, and support for various industries.
In addition to Magento and Amazon Web Services, Magenest provides a range of Shopify services, including store design, app development, migration, integration, and support. With expertise in technologies and industries, Magenest also offers end-to-end services such as ERP, CRM, cloud hosting, digital marketing, and UX/UI design. Their focus on customer satisfaction and technical excellence has earned them a trusted reputation as an eCommerce development partner, with notable clients such as Heineken and Emers. They have a personalized pricing approach and offer a free consultation and detailed proposal.
WebLife Japan
Founded in 2001, WebLife Japan is a company that provides total support for the growth of businesses. They focus on simplifying the system to solve customer problems. As a top Shopify Plus partner, they help build and operate businesses of all types and scales. They were awarded Shopify Plus Partner of the year for supporting and actively participating in the largest number of businesses among thousands of Shopify partners in Japan.
WebLife Japan offers a range of Shopify services, including creating original designs, customizing and developing apps, operating and maintaining Shopify stores, and providing PR support for sales expansion. They also produce CG and web content from video to enhance brand visuals. WebLife Japan has personalized pricing and packages for each project based on customer needs and requirements. They offer a free consultation and a detailed proposal.
Scuti JSC
Scuti is an IT services company with two offices located in Tokyo and Hanoi. They offer a range of IT services, including eCommerce solutions, web and mobile app development, blockchain development, and IT consulting and outsourcing. Scuti serves a wide range of clients, from startups to large enterprises, across various industries globally.
Scuti offers eCommerce development and solutions for various platforms, including Shopify, Magento, and WooCommerce. For Shopify specifically, it provides services such as Shopify store setup, theme customization, app integration, and more. They can also help with Shopify SEO and marketing strategies.
Scuti doesn’t provide pricing information on its website, as it offers customized solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs and budget. However, they do emphasize that they offer affordable prices.
METHOD IT
METHOD IT is a company that helps international companies in Japan with IT solutions, consulting, Service-level Agreement (SLA) contracts, projects, and procurement services. Their mission is to bridge the gap for companies doing business in Japan with their native Japanese and English-speaking team. They have a reputation for providing high-quality IT solutions and consulting services to their clients, including their Shopify services.
The company’s Shopify services include Shopify store design, development, and maintenance, as well as custom app development, data migration, and Shopify Plus solutions. It also provides Shopify training and consulting services to help businesses optimize their online stores. Pricing and packages for METHOD IT’s Shopify services are personalized for each project based on customer needs and requirements. They offer a free consultation to discuss project details and provide a proposal that includes a detailed cost breakdown.
Netwise
Netwise is a full-service digital creative and marketing agency. They specialize in helping international and foreign-owned firms succeed online in Japan. Netwise offers a range of services, including digital marketing, eCommerce, and website development.
Netwise is an expert in eCommerce website development and offers services on multiple platforms, including Shopify. They can help businesses create and optimize their Shopify stores for the Japanese market.
Netwise has worked with a diverse range of clients, including international brands and foreign-owned firms. They have helped these clients succeed online in Japan and have generated significant sales and website traffic for them. Some of their notable clients include Dickies, the iconic apparel brand, and Tokyo American Club, a leading Asia’s premier private club.
Netwise does not provide pricing information on its website, as they offer customized solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs and budget. However, they emphasize that they work with clients to focus on the numbers that matter most to them, such as website traffic and online sales.
CREAM
CREAM is a digital agency based in Tokyo since 2010 that specializes in designing, developing, and adapting digital products and services for multinational brands and organizations operating across Japan and the rest of the world. The agency has a team of digital experts and business strategists who leverage technology to solve problems and bring about meaningful change.
CREAM is one of the first certified Shopify Plus partners in Japan. And as a Japan Shopify Plus Partner, CREAM is uniquely positioned to localize, build, and support eCommerce activities for businesses targeting Japanese consumers. Shopify services offered by CREAM include Shopify store design, development, maintenance, migration from other platforms to Shopify, app development & integration, and optimization for conversion rates. CREAM’s client portfolio includes multinational brands and organizations operating across Japan and the rest of the world. CREAM’s pricing and packages are not publicly available, and interested businesses are encouraged to contact the agency directly for a customized quote.
ItechVision Japan
ItechVision Japan is a full-service web and app development agency based in Japan. The company specializes in website and app design services and IMS services. They have a team of experienced developers who ensure that their clients’ projects move swiftly and are delivered on time. ItechVision Japan offers a range of Shopify development services, including the development of new websites, store integration, website migration, maintenance & support, customization, theme and plugin assistance, UI design, and CMS integration.
ItechVision Japan works with a variety of clients, including prominent names and emerging businesses. Unfortunately, there is no information available on their specific clients.
There is no information available on the pricing and packages offered by ItechVision Japan. However, interested clients can contact the company for a quote.
Non-standard World, Inc.
Non-standard World, Inc. is an eCommerce agency based in Tokyo, Japan, that specializes in Shopify. They offer a range of services to help businesses set up and optimize their online stores. The company’s focus is on providing unique and creative solutions to its clients. Non-standard World, Inc. has worked with a range of clients across different industries, including fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. Some of their notable clients include Vogue, Elle, and SoftBank. Non-standard World, Inc. offers a variety of services related to Shopify, including store design and development, theme customization, app integration, payment gateway integration, and more. They can also provide support and guidance for Shopify SEO, marketing, and conversion optimization strategies.
Non-standard World does not provide pricing information on its website, as they offer customized solutions tailored to each client’s specific needs and budget. However, they do offer free consultations to businesses that are interested in their services. Pros of working with Non-standard World include their expertise in Shopify and their focus on creative solutions. They are also based in Tokyo, which may be beneficial for businesses looking for an agency in the region. A potential con could be that they do not provide upfront pricing information, which may make it difficult for businesses to determine if their services fit within their budget. Additionally, as a specialized agency, they may not offer a wide range of services beyond Shopify.
VISEO Asia
VISEO Asia is a management and technology consulting firm established in Singapore in 2009. Their focus is on helping companies reinvent themselves by taking advantage of technological opportunities and addressing changing customer needs. VISEO Asia has expertise in eCommerce and omnichannel strategies and has been a Shopify Plus partner since 2019. VISEO Asia has worked with a range of international clients to deploy their subsidiaries throughout Asia, including Japan. Their clients come from various industries, including retail, consumer goods, and finance.
VISEO Asia offers a range of Shopify services, including store setup, theme customization, app customization, scripting and custom behaviors, international expansion, quality assurance, and back-end automation. Their methodology involves a discovery phase to understand client requirements, an implementation phase, user acceptance testing, and ongoing support and maintenance.
R6B Inc.
R6B Inc. is an EC project support company based in Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo, Japan. While the company is not a web production company, it specializes in offering EC production services using Shopify to support D2C and online stores that want to enter the Japanese market. R6B is one of the top companies in Japan in terms of market share and was awarded Shopify’s Best Agency of the Year in 2021. The company’s strength lies in offering proposals that meet current trends and providing unparalleled referral services in the industry.
R6B Inc. offers complete referral services for EC/WEB construction, which includes top-notch design services with extensive experience to launch EC projects using Shopify. The company has a wealth of achievements such as EC with monthly sales exceeding +300 million yen, cross-border EC, and B2BEC. This is also due to having a strong client portfolio in Japan. Pricing and packages for R6B’s services are not provided in the given information. Interested clients would need to contact the company directly to receive pricing and package information.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shopify Development Company in Japan
Experience and expertise
When choosing a Shopify development company in Japan, it’s essential to consider their level of experience and expertise. Look for a company that has been in the industry for a considerable amount of time and has a track record of delivering high-quality Shopify solutions. Additionally, consider their team’s level of expertise, especially in areas such as coding, design, and integration.
Portfolio of previous work
Reviewing a company’s portfolio of previous work is crucial when selecting a Shopify development company in Japan. Look for a company that has a diverse range of projects in its portfolio and has worked with clients across various industries. This will give you an idea of their capabilities and the type of work they can deliver.
Pricing and packages
When deciding to partner with a Shopify development company in Japan, it’s important to consider their pricing and packages. You should look for a company that offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Additionally, consider the packages they offer and whether they align with your budget and project requirements.
Communication & customer support
Effective communication & customer support are essential when working with a Shopify development company in Japan. You need to look for a company that is responsive and communicates clearly throughout the project. Additionally, consider their customer support offerings, such as post-launch support and maintenance.
Customization and scalability
When selecting a Shopify development company in Japan, it’s essential to consider their ability to customize and scale your project. Look for a company that can deliver tailored solutions that align with your business needs and can scale as your business grows. Additionally, consider their ability to integrate with third-party applications and tools that you may need in the future.
Challenges of Entering the Japanese eCommerce Market
Cultural and language barriers
One of the significant challenges of entering the Japanese market is the cultural and language barriers. Japanese culture is unique, and there may be significant differences in business practices, communication styles, and consumer preferences compared to Western markets. Language barriers can also make it challenging to establish relationships with local partners, communicate effectively with customers, and navigate local regulations.
Japanese legal and regulatory compliance
Entering the Japanese market also presents legal and regulatory compliance challenges. Japan has strict regulations for foreign businesses operating in the country, and companies must comply with various laws and regulations to operate legally. It is essential to have a deep understanding of the regulatory environment and ensure compliance with all legal requirements to avoid legal issues.
Understanding consumer behavior and preferences
To be successful in the Japanese market, it is essential to understand local consumer behavior and preferences. Japanese consumers have unique tastes, preferences, and expectations, and companies must tailor their products and services to meet local market demands. Companies must invest in market research and consumer behavior analysis to develop effective marketing strategies and meet consumer demands.
Established local partnerships and networks
Japan’s business culture values strong relationships and mutual trust, which can be challenging for foreign companies to navigate. To succeed in the Japanese market, companies should invest in market research, build relationships with potential partners, find the right local partner, adapt to the local culture, and seek professional guidance. Investing time and resources in these strategies can help foreign companies establish successful partnerships and networks in Japan.
Benefits of Hiring a Shopify Development Company in Japan
Access to local expertise and cultural knowledge
Hiring a Shopify development company in Japan provides you with access to local expertise and cultural knowledge. This is particularly important if you are looking to expand your business in Japan or target Japanese consumers. A local development company understands the Japanese market and can help you tailor your Shopify solution to meet local market needs and preferences.
Fluency in Japanese and understanding of local regulations
A Shopify development company in Japan has native speakers who are fluent in Japanese and can communicate with your Japanese clients effectively. Additionally, they understand local regulations and can ensure that your Shopify solution complies with Japanese laws and regulations.
Ability to tailor Shopify solutions to the Japanese market
One of the significant benefits of hiring a Shopify development company in Japan is their ability to tailor Shopify solutions to the Japanese market. A local development company understands the cultural nuances, preferences, and trends of the Japanese market and can help you create a Shopify solution that resonates with Japanese consumers.
Established a network of local partnerships and resources
Another significant benefit of hiring a Shopify development company in Japan is its established network of local partnerships and resources. A local development company has connections to local suppliers, vendors, and service providers, which can save you time and money. They can also provide you with valuable insights into the local market and help you make informed decisions.
Conclusion
Besides providing a comprehensive analysis and evaluation of Shopify development companies in Japan, we also gave some important factors to consider when choosing a Shopify development company in Japan. You should make your decision based on their experience, expertise, pricing, and support, and it should also be established a detailed evaluation of the Japanese eCommerce market.
If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact our team of Shopify experts. Being an eCommerce powerhouse since 2015, we have more than 8+ years of providing Shopify website development services, we can assist you on your journey of entering the Japanese market.
