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How Japanese Companies Actually Decide Who to Work With

Hosted by Shiko Leung

In this video

What you'll learn

See the real filter

Understand why good work alone may not lead to a Japanese partnership.

Know what partners screen for

Learn the trust, delivery, fit, and risk signals behind a yes.

Make your work easier to SAY YES to

Present your portfolio with clearer relevance, proof, and next steps.

Why this topic matters

Many international creatives assume that good work, enthusiasm, and a portfolio link are enough to start a conversation. In practice, Japanese companies often need more context before recommending an unfamiliar partner internally. This free lesson explains the trust, delivery, fit, and risk signals they look for—and how to present your work so collaboration feels easier to consider.

You'll learn from

Shiko Leung

Founder, Aurora Studio. Shipped Project Numazu — worked with Numazu City, 4Gamer

I’m the founder of Aurora Studio, a Hong Kong indie studio with no prior Japan publishing track record. We released a Japanese bus simulation map and DLC through Aerosoft on Steam, earned official support from Numazu City Hall, secured hololive’s Juufuutei Raden PR, received 4Gamer coverage, and exhibited at Tokyo Game Show and SIGGRAPH ASIA.

I’ve written proposals that earned serious conversations—and experienced rejection after publisher review. This course breaks down the evidence, positioning, proposal structure, and cultural details that help Japanese companies, agencies, media outlets, and local governments take overseas creators seriously.

The goal is not to guarantee a yes. It is to become a partner the right organization can confidently evaluate.

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How Japanese Companies Actually Decide Who to Work With
Shiko Leung
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