Supporting Japanese Businesses Expanding Abroad

Nowadays, it’s not unusual to expand the business abroad from Japan. According to economic research, the Japanese population gradually decreases in the next 30 years. It’s a societal issue of the falling birthrate and the aging population. In parallel, the market size will be shrink inevitably.

Stuff Engineering has built a one-stop solution service for physical product development since 1988. They have a lot of experience in this industry and earn the trust of well-known global companies.

Stuff Engineering establishes a subsidiary in the United States (San Francisco) in 2020, but the pandemic has happened. They had to wait for active marketing in 2 years. It’s 2022. I had thankfully an opportunity to develop the Stuff USA website to introduce their expertise and achievement to the United States market.

A-Lex International Marketing, LLC (A-Lex) is the authorized distributor for HARDLOCK Industry Co., Ltd. I have been presented with a fantastic opportunity to update the Hardlock Nut USA website, which was developed quite some time ago and lacks responsiveness.

Hardlock Nut is a highly regarded brand known across various industries for its exceptional functionality. Hardlock Nut (HLN) incorporates a unique structure based on the traditional Japanese wedging principle, which effectively prevents any loosening under all circumstances. This is achieved through the use of two nuts – a convex nut and a concave nut – that fit together and wedge against one another.

One of the key features of Hardlock Nut is its proofed design, ensuring superior performance. As part of this project, I have meticulously organized all the relevant information and successfully implemented it on the new website.

With the website revamp, we aim to showcase the remarkable attributes of the Hardlock Nut, highlighting its unrivaled capabilities and demonstrating how it outperforms other fastening solutions in the market. The new website will be fully responsive, offering an enhanced user experience across all devices and screen sizes.

By incorporating modern design elements, user-friendly navigation, and captivating visuals, we will ensure that the Hardlock Nut USA website stands out and leaves a lasting impression on its visitors. Our goal is to create a platform that not only educates the audience about the product’s exceptional qualities but also reflects the professionalism and reliability of A-Lex International Marketing, LLC.

Through this project, we are excited to contribute to the continued success of Hardlock Nut and reinforce its position as a leader in the industry.

Supporting Japanese Businesses Expanding Abroad

PPTI (Pipe Processing Technical Institute) is a subsidiary of a highly successful pipe bending company based in Japan, with a presence in the United States. In August, I had the opportunity to create marketing tools for the company, with a primary focus on developing a conversion-driven website. By applying a well-structured landing page approach, my goal was to establish trust and credibility through the website.

With over 60 years of experience, PPTI boasts strong skills and expertise in their field. However, a significant challenge lies in penetrating the local market in the United States. To address this, my strategy was to highlight the client’s unique benefits, including speed, competitive pricing, and uncompromising quality, particularly in the context of their next R&D project.

By effectively communicating these advantages through the website, we aimed to make a lasting impact on potential customers and establish PPTI as a reliable and sought-after partner in the industry.

Contributing to Vancouver(Canada) local Business

Chandler Fogden Lyman is a boutique entertainment law firm based in Vancouver, BC. We specialize in all areas of the film and television industry. With our extensive legal and business expertise in film, television, and digital media, we offer cost-effective solutions to some of the most talented individuals in the entertainment industry. Our team combines in-depth knowledge with practical hands-on experience in film, allowing us to effectively navigate the unique legal and business challenges faced by our clients.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with a local boutique law firm, assisting them in taking their online presence to the next level. Working with local clients who are eager to enhance their digital footprint is always an exciting endeavor.

The firm currently has an existing website that was developed some time ago, but they are ready to embrace a fresh brand identity. To start the project, I engaged in insightful conversations with the client, delving into their business vision and objectives. By understanding their goals and aspirations, I was able to expand on the concept of brand identity and develop comprehensive brand guidelines.

With a clear direction in mind, I embarked on the journey of transforming their website to reflect the newly established brand identity. My focus was not only on aesthetics but also on seamless user experiences and optimal functionality.

The process involved meticulous planning, creative exploration, and execution that captured the essence of the firm’s vision. By combining strategic design with cutting-edge web development techniques, I brought the brand guidelines to life on their new website.

The revamped website showcases the law firm’s unique personality, values, and areas of expertise, while also ensuring a user-friendly and visually captivating experience for visitors.

I take immense pride in delivering tailored solutions that align perfectly with the client’s objectives. It is a pleasure to see local businesses thrive and succeed in the digital landscape, and I am confident that the new website will contribute significantly to the firm’s growth.

Contributing to Vancouver(Canada) local Business

Edokko Nigiri Sushi is an authentic Japanese restaurant in Terra Nova, Richmond, specializing in Edomae-style nigiri sushi. As part of the Takeya Sushi Group, established in 2000, the restaurant has built a strong reputation for its high-quality ingredients, traditional techniques, and skilled chefs trained in Japan. With a focus on delivering an exceptional dining experience, Edokko Nigiri Sushi has become a favorite destination for sushi enthusiasts.

For this project, I developed a website that reflects the restaurant’s dedication to authenticity and craftsmanship. The design emphasizes a clean, intuitive layout, making it easy for visitors to explore the menu, learn about the restaurant’s heritage, and find essential details such as hours and location. By integrating high-quality visuals and seamless navigation, the website enhances Edokko Nigiri Sushi’s online presence, providing a digital experience as refined as its cuisine.

Discovery the new opportunities in Asia

I mainly work with clients who are located in the North US. However, I tested whether I could work with a client who is located in Asia, a different time zone. I am sure that In China, and South Korea also has a similar marketplace, like UpWork/Fiverr, but there is a language barrier for me. Therefore, I used the marketplace which is provided the service in Japan.

Alleyoop is a software development company that included scrum/agile consultation. I did not know much about the industry and service, but agile philosophy and the scrum process are very useful for many industries. Through the brand discovery process, I felt the light mode is a standard and maybe safe impression for the client’s customer, but the client chose the dark mode. The client also informed preference, the AWS website. So, I simply respected that.

Web Design Process
・Define target audience, problem and goals
・Research (client, competitor and industry)
・Brand attributes
・Persona
・Move board
・Site map (AI: Information architecture/Figma)
・Wireframe (Figma)
・Prototype (Figma)
・Development (WordPress)

Overall, I did not feel the time-zone barrier.

Datcha is a vibrant culinary destination dedicated to showcasing the bold, authentic flavors of the French Caribbean. Located in the heart of Charlottetown at Founders’ Food Hall and Market, Datcha is more than just a restaurant—it’s a movement to elevate Caribbean cuisine to a global audience. Chef Valery and his team are committed to blending tradition with innovation, creating a fast-casual dining experience that stays true to the roots of Guadeloupe while appealing to modern palates. From their signature bokits to thoughtfully crafted Caribbean bowls, every dish tells a story of cultural pride, culinary excellence, and sustainability.

I worked with Sharla at Easy Consulting Studio to develop a website that seamlessly aligned with Datcha’s brand vision. Our team refined their ideas, proposed structured plans, and implemented custom solutions to enhance functionality, usability, and mobile responsiveness. By balancing their vision with technical execution, we delivered a digital experience that effectively showcases their passion for Caribbean cuisine.

Simplii Payments, later rebranded as Dot Payments, provides credit card readers for small businesses, helping them streamline transactions. Lacking formal brand guidelines beyond colors and fonts, they needed a clean, modern website to establish their online presence quickly. With a tight deadline, they required an initial page within a week and a full seven-page site, including Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy pages.

To meet their needs, I designed a simple yet modern website using Figma, aligning with their brand’s aesthetic while ensuring functionality. The project included one design concept and a round of revisions per page to refine the user experience. By prioritizing efficiency and clarity, I delivered a site that enhanced their credibility and supported their business goals.

Contributing to Vancouver(Canada) local Business

The Vancouver Shinpo was founded in 1978 by Saeko Tsuda from Kochi Prefecture. It served as a newspaper for Nikkei residents in Vancouver, providing valuable information. While the print publication of the newspaper ceased in April 2020, the Vancouver Shinpo remains committed to delivering information online, thanks to the unwavering support of the Nikkei community over its impressive 40-year history.

Starting from January 1, 2023, the Vancouver Shinpo has entered into a partnership with Seaside Media Co., Ltd., owned by Masako Kobayashi. Together, they are dedicated to offering useful information for those living in Vancouver, BC. This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter in the legacy of the Vancouver Shinpo.

Helping Vancouver (Canada) Local Non-Profit Organizations

JDSA (Japanese Dementia Support Association/日本語認知症サポート協会) is based in Vancouver, BC and actively supports elderly Japanese people.

Dementia is a broad term for a decline in cognitive function that affects memory, thinking, and daily activities. It is caused by various brain diseases, with Alzheimer’s being the most common type. Symptoms often worsen over time, impacting communication, reasoning, and independence. While there is no cure, early diagnosis and proper care can help manage the condition.

3 Board members have a personal relationship with dementia through their family or close people. When people have symptoms of dementia, patients will be able to speak only their mother language even if patients have lived in a foreign country for a long time. The member knows how their life will be difficult in Vancouver, BC. Therefore, JDSA helps elderly people sincerely.