A Japan-based business development platform connecting international opportunity with local execution
I AM YOU
We help international companies move from interest in Japan to practical market activity
We support overseas clients and partners who want to understand the Japanese market, identify opportunities, build relationships, establish local operations, and develop new revenue channels. Our work often begins with market entry consulting, but it does not stop at strategy. IMU Group (IMU) is designed to provide hands-on Japan-side support for the practical steps required to operate in Japan, including local coordination, business development, partner communication, project management, procurement, sales support, and operational execution.
In addition to advisory work, IMU helps launch and develop business lines in Japan in partnership with foreign companies. This partnership-based model allows IMU to act as a flexible local platform for international companies that need more than market advice. Rather than requiring each overseas partner to immediately establish a full local team or entity, IMU can help test, launch, manage, and grow Japan-facing business activities with practical support on the ground.
Across all of our activities, IMU’s core role is to connect international capability with Japanese market execution. We help foreign companies and entrepreneurs localise their offering, build trusted relationships, coordinate local operations, and turn business opportunities into functioning commercial activity in Japan.
Who We Are
IMU is a Japan-based consulting and business development company with a growing portfolio of operating businesses
We are a cross-border, multi-lingual (English, Japanese, Hebrew, Russian) team with experience in business development, marketing, operations, professional services, local coordination, and Japan-facing project execution. Our work is grounded in a practical understanding of how business is actually developed in Japan: through trust, clear communication, reliable local execution, and careful alignment between overseas expectations and Japanese business culture.
IMU was founded to serve as a flexible Japan-side partner for foreign companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and professional service firms. Rather than operating as a traditional consulting firm that only provides advice, IMU combines strategic guidance with hands-on support through a growing network of partners, operators, advisors, and sector specialists.
Our team brings together international perspective and local knowledge, with particular experience in the Japan-Israel business corridor, professional services, technology, property, tourism, procurement, education, and cross-border project development.
A Diversified Business Platform
Built Around Japan Market Execution
Digitalization
& DevOps Support
Through our partnership with Codama Web & Software Solutions, IMU supports businesses with practical software development and digitalization solutions.
This includes DevOps support, business process improvement, digital tools, booking systems, website-linked solutions, and technology support for companies that need affordable, practical digital infrastructure. Our focus is on helping small and medium-sized businesses modernize without unnecessary complexity.
Market Entry
& Business Development
IMU supports foreign companies and entrepreneurs seeking to enter, understand, and grow in the Japanese market.
We assist with market research, business strategy, local partner identification, client introductions, operational planning, and practical execution. Our role is to help international clients navigate Japan’s business environment and move from concept to real commercial activity.
Tourism
& Landside Operations
IMU provides Japan-side operational support for overseas travel and tourism companies.
As a landside operator, IMU helps coordinate local services, logistics, vendors, itineraries, and on-the-ground support for international tour operators bringing clients to Japan. We help overseas partners deliver a smooth, locally grounded experience in Japan.
Commercial Property Management
IMU provides commercial property management and operational support for hospitality and rental properties in Japan.
This includes support for hotels, short-stay units, rental properties, and related hospitality operations. Our work may include property coordination, guest-facing operations, vendor management, renovation planning support, and business development for income-generating property assets.
Language & Creative Arts
IMU operates education-related activities through Tree of Life Language and Creative Arts Studio.
This business line supports students and families through language learning, creative development, and cultural education. It also reflects IMU’s broader mission of connecting Japan with the world through communication, culture, and practical skills.
Procurement & Export Support
IMU supports international buyers with supply procurement and export coordination from Japan.
We assist with sourcing, supplier communication, local coordination, quality checks where appropriate, and export-related support. This business line reflects IMU’s broader role as a trusted Japan-side representative for overseas clients seeking access to Japanese products and suppliers.
Cybersecurity Promotion
Through partnership with One Line Group, IMU supports the promotion of cybersecurity solutions, research collaboration, and strategic partnerships between Japan and overseas markets.
This includes business development for cybersecurity companies, coordination with academic and research institutions, support for public-private sector engagement, and promotion of international cybersecurity expertise in Japan. IMU helps connect overseas cybersecurity capabilities with Japanese companies, institutions, and government-related stakeholders seeking trusted technology, knowledge, and strategic collaboration.
Law Firm BD
& Marketing
Through partnership with Nishlis Global Legal Marketing, IMU supports law firms and professional service providers with business development, marketing, and cross-border relationship-building in Japan and globally.
This includes strategic market positioning, client targeting, event representation, Japan-focused marketing collateral, relationship development, proposal support, and coordination with law firms, corporates, investors, and professional networks. IMU helps foreign and domestic professional service firms communicate their value clearly, build trusted relationships, and identify commercial opportunities in the Japanese market.
Meet the Team
-
Isaku (Isaac) Uchiyama
CEO & Founder
(EN, JP, HE) -
Melissa Rifkin Uchiyama
Co-Founder
Creative Director -
Yoshihito (Yoshi) Miyakawa
General Manager
Head of Finance -
Dalia Haymov
Associate
(HE, EN, JP, RU) -
Oren Stein
Associate
(HE, EN, JP) -
Casimiro Crawford
Director of Language Program