Winning OEM approval to break six months of deadlock in Japan

A supplier had strong EU sales but no foothold in Japan. Their growth was held back until Japanese OEM approval was secured.

Japanese Market Entry Challenges

The company had little knowledge of Japanese OEM quality standards, which led to project discussions being stalled for six months. On top of that, HQ was unfamiliar with the demands of Japanese audits, leaving progress at a standstill.

The Indentry Difference

Indentry converted the European documents to meet Japanese requirements (FMEA, APQP, DRBFM). Our experts won validation by meeting with OEM engineers face to face, which broke the deadlock and moved the project forward.

First Three Months
Indentry reviewed HQ documentation against Japanese standards (IATF16949, DRBFM), converting them into compliant documents. They then presented them directly to OEM engineers for validation. 

Impact

Within 12 months, OEM approval was secured. Documentation gaps were closed with DRBFM standards and trust was rebuilt through direct meetings. The project gained momentum and the path was cleared for market entry.

Why It Worked

The project was guided by one of our fractional experts, a former quality director from a Tier-1 Japanese OEM supplier, with 20+ years’ experience in DRBFM, IATF16949, and OEM negotiations.

Securing adoption for a new vehicle program in Japan

A French supplier was ready to launch but couldn’t move forward in Japan. Their European documentation didn’t meet Japanese standards, and with no local presence, the project was going nowhere.

Japanese Market Entry Challenges

The launch stalled without Japanese OEM approval. European documents were rejected by local quality teams, and HQ had no way to coordinate audits or validation on the ground.

The Indentry Difference

Indentry converted the European documents into Japan-ready formats and presented them. The team also prepared the factory for Japanese audits, clearing the way for program adoption.

First Two Years

Over two years, Indentry cleared compliance roadblocks and won validation through face-to-face sessions and product sampling with the OEM HQ in Japan. The factory was adapted to meet strict Japanese audit standards too, which kept the project on schedule.

Impact

Indentry helped secure new model adoption with a major Japanese OEM. The revised documentation built credibility with quality teams and key audit milestones were hit on time.

Why It Worked

The engagement was led by a former Tier-1 program manager with 20+ years of Japanese OEM experience, including FMEA, APQP, DRBFM, and audit preparation.

Gained a foothold in Japan by bypassing trading houses

The company aimed to expand under its own brand after 30 years of subcontracting. However, the lack of a roadmap, partners, and local expertise, meant launching in Japan was held back.

Japanese Market Entry Challenges

The company had never sold products directly in Japan and needed a clear roadmap to build presence without setting up a local entity. They also had limited knowledge of logistics, warehousing, and local partners, which put them on the backfoot.

The Indentry Difference

Indentry created a clear roadmap for direct entry into Japan and Korea, putting them in contact with vetted reliable logistics and distribution partners. Our experts also validated the strategy with leadership and local partners.

First Ten Months

Indentry held workshops with HQ leadership to clarify market entry strategy. Our experts also identified key logistics and distribution partners, and carried out site visits with the CEO. They found the ideal launch region and recruited local sales staff.

Impact

Indentry provided HQ with a roadmap they could execute right away in Japan and Korea. It helped to cut costs and bypass trading houses for greater independence. We also helped establish a sales base in Kyushu to drive direct customer growth.

Why It Worked

The project was guided by one of Indentry’s fractional experts — a former APAC strategy head with 20+ years of Japan/Korea market entry and logistics experience.

Startup achieves Japan launch with localized payment platform

A Southeast Asian fintech company wanted to bring its payment platform to Japan. The launch was too demanding to manage alone, as it required localization, compliance sign-off, and pilot testing to prove the concept.

Japanese Market Entry Challenges

The product needed to be fully adapted for Japanese users and a proof-of-concept (PoC) had to be delivered with universities and local partners. HQ lacked the people on the ground to prepare for the launch.

The Indentry Difference

Indentry brought in a fractional fintech PM with regulatory expertise to lead the project. They localized the platform for Japanese users. They also planned and ran PoC trials with universities and municipalities to prove compliance. 

First Twelve Months

In the first year, Indentry experts made sure the platform met Japanese expectations throughout. Our experts proved the model with PoC trials in Narita and refined the service to coordinate a successful full-market launch.

Impact

Indentry secured PoC validation, with compliance and readiness confirmed by academic and municipal partners. The service was launched in Japan with full compliance, while currency risk was reduced by deploying a proprietary AI engine.

Why It Worked

The project was led by a former PM from a Japanese fintech unicorn, with deep expertise in FSA compliance, product localization, and multi-stakeholder PoC execution.