Minami-Kanto

39 Expanding Globally Together with Fans Worldwide: How the Bandai Namco Group Leverages Data to Drive Global Growth

• #Technology
• #DX (Digital) & SNS
• #Overseas Expansion

As Japanese content continues to expand globally, one question is once again coming into focus: how should creators and companies engage with fans around the world? Anime, games, and character merchandise are already beloved internationally, yet the ways they are received can vary greatly depending on the country or region. Simply applying strategies that succeeded in Japan does not necessarily guarantee success overseas. So how should companies approach global markets, and how can they build meaningful relationships with fans worldwide? We spoke with Koji Tezuka, Executive Officer of [Bandai Co., Ltd.](https://www.bandai.co.jp/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), part of the globally expanding [Bandai Namco Group](https://www.bandainamco.co.jp/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), which develops and distributes some of Japan’s most iconic IP content worldwide. In this interview, he shares insights on data utilization, international business expansion, and the importance of fans and talent in building a global presence.

• #Technology
• #DX (Digital) & SNS
• #Overseas Expansion

Chugoku

9 The Importance of the Capacity to Change

• #Ryotei & Restaurants
• #DX (Digital) & SNS
• #Japanese Food Culture
• #Experience
• #Overseas Expansion

Otafuku Sauce is currently engaged in efforts to communicate the appeals of konamon (flour-based) dishes in Europe, the US, and Asia, and in turn to drive exports of its sauce products. Although to date the company has developed new sales channels through face-to-face sales activities, during the COVID-19 pandemic, these methods these methods were no longer viable. “If we cannot connect with our overseas customers, we cannot survive”—this was the message from general manager of the overseas sales department Hwisung Hong and his team. In response, they sought to develop new sales channels through online cooking classes and YouTube videos, and as a result they achieved a 40% year-on-year increase in overseas sales. The secret to the team’s success was their joint work with TSS Production, a company that supports the development of overseas sales channels through content production. Through the use of media, even regional companies can connect directly with overseas retailers and consumers to open up new channels. Below we delve further into this success story.

• #Ryotei & Restaurants
• #DX (Digital) & SNS
• #Japanese Food Culture
• #Experience
• #Overseas Expansion