Read about some of our international, creative and varied brand and product successes.

1 Western Orthodontic Venture Expansion to Japan

Client Problem

How to bring a cutting edge premium priced orthodontic device that is ideal for Japanese patients to Japan. The challenge consisted in the product still being under development and awaiting regulatory approval but the client wanted major usage and feedback from Japanese doctors and patients. This one was complicated so the client called in Sweet Spot to develop a bold plan and navigate the process.

Swtspt Solution

We started with market research, candidate distribution partner research, regulatory approval due diligence and then created a multi-optioned business plan. Next we researched and found a way that medical doctors can legally direct import this class of medical device without the client having finished securing regulatory approval for Japan.

As we cleared obstacles, we also researched and developed relationships with KOL (Key Opinion Leaders) doctors in Japan. As the product was still in beta phase, we worked between a select few doctors and the client engineering team to resolve problems and develop a stable platform.

Once development challenges were resolved, we rolled out the full Japanese market launch. We continued to strategically develop relationships with key Japanese doctors who spoke about the device and treatment at seminars and conferences, producing numerous new doctor customers. Our strategy and work resulted in substantial sales, making Japan the number one global market for our clients product.

Swtspt Results

• Successfully found and implemented little known legal process to allow legal private import of the clients products and grow the business while still in the regulatory approval process.

• Built and nurtured relationships with Japanese target market and key influencer doctors, established a top-tier brand mind share.

• Our work resulted in a multi-million dollar revenue stream for the client.

2 Traditional Kyoto Textile Company

Client Problem

An exclusive, legacy textile company doing well for centuries in Kyoto, serving the top Buddhist temples and shrines, even the Imperial Household, with the finest silk and gold brocade and priest robes and temple altar decorations. But the current 9th generation proprietor wanted to develop a new business, the likes of which the world had not yet seen and expand to the world. They didn’t know where to start so called Sweet Spot in to lead the way. We made the strategic calculation that the European luxury and high-fashion markets were the place to start.

Swtspt Solution

In preparation for entering the Global market, we took a long look at the traditional Japanese weaving techniques of the brand. We reimagined them with modern and unique materials to create a one-of-a-kind new textiles collection even the most exclusive European fashion houses called a new kind of ‘exotic’ yet suitable for everyday life. The collection was branded as ‘Handcrafted in Kyoto’.

Once this new textile collection was ready, we analyzed the brand strengths and decided on pricing. We launched an effort to connect with overseas partners in the ultra-high-end luxury brand sphere (fashion, automotive, yachts, business jets and architectural interiors). We worked with the client to create an appropriate brand name, logo and website targeted at overseas partners.

Swtspt Results

• Researched and developed a new textiles collection and promotional collateral such as a beautifully designed sample catalog, B2B website, print media and a new brand name, logo and brand identity.

• Secured partnerships with ultra-high-end luxury brands in the fashion and motor industries and developed customized textiles based on new collection with their design team.

• Reinvented the traditional textile brand to be both special and useable for the commercial luxury industry.

• Created a new level of prestige among the clients peers in Kyoto and of course an enviable new global revenue stream for our client.

3 Traditional Kyoto Bedding and Cushion Brand

Client Problem

A 120-year-old company producing premium quality handcrafted cushions and bedding who wanted to introduce and sell products to affluent Westerners but lacked the commercial knowledge, budget and Western touch for a successful overseas campaign. Fortunately the client met Sweet Spot and had their business transformed.

Swtspt Solution

Working with the client, swtspt led the client to select key designs and motifs that would be most appealing to the Western market, even creating new, one of a kind designs.

From there, we designed and delivered an international marketing campaign consisting of traditional press releases, direct mail and social media. We also integrated a blogging platform and wrote numerous blog articles to help build the clients online presence and brand story.

We reached out to up-and-coming designers and interior architecture influencers for additional posts on their social media. Many visited the clients showroom when they came to Kyoto.

Once brand awareness and search ranking was achieved we created an overseas facing online store. We also created promotional materials and promoted to interior galleries in Europe, North America, the Middle East and SE Asia.

Swtspt Results

• Brand expanded globally including the implementation of an online store

• Overseas sales grew by 400x in the first full year of working with swtspt from a combination of overseas visitors to the Kyoto showroom and retail and wholesale orders from overseas.

• Secured international media coverage including print, web media and features in interior design and travel magazines.

• Now a major shopping destination in Kyoto for overseas tourists.

4 Creative Copyright Content Licensing

Project Details

Licensed Western creative copyright content to Japanese partner and produce localized products such as artwork reproductions, stationary, clothing, etc. This resulted in a substantial new revenue stream for our Western client. Sweet Spot conducted market research to identity the top 10 potential local partners. We then contacted them and pitched the new business opportunity — creating a bit of bidding war — then negotiated on behalf of our client to close and maintain the deal.

5 Food Science Product Patent Licensing

Project Details

Licensed Western patent to Japanese partner and produced new revenue stream for client. Conducted market research to identify top 10 potential local partners to license this food sciences related patent. Pitched new business opportunity to local partners and negotiated final contract on behalf of client.