With a over a decade of product expertise in Japan and a network of partners across Asia, I act as a strategic bridge for European teams. Whether you are an agency seeking a reliable research partner or a tech company navigating market entry, I provide the local insight and roadmaps needed for success in Asian markets.
I specialise in helping European companies navigate the complexity of Japan and other Asian markets, informed by my 15 years living in Tokyo doing research & product localization for the world's biggest tech companies & creative agencies.
Teams bring me in when they need clarity on customer behaviour, product-market fit, or market entry strategy in unfamiliar markets where missteps are costly.
I act as a single, strategic point of accountability, owning the strategy and deliverables while working with my network of local experts across Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and SE Asia. This ensures your project benefits from deep cultural & market insights without the friction of managing multiple international partners.
For tech companies, I can act as act as your strategic advisor in Asia, guiding your PMF strategy and GTM roadmap. For agencies, I provide white-label strategic research, acting as your internal Asia department to help you deliver outstanding results for your clients.
I act as your strategic guide to ensure your product lands with impact in Asia.
Quickly understand users, competitors and potential partners in the target market. Test assumptions and identify structural and psychological blockers before you invest.
On-the-ground testing with local users & category experts to prove demand, refine your value proposition and identify potential partners and routes to success.
A research-backed blueprint that identifies your most viable path to revenue by vetting local partners, localizing sales materials, and removing the cultural friction that causes deals to stall.
I act as your Asia research & insights lead, providing strategic research for your global projects, removing the need to juggle international vendors.
I act as an extension of your team. Based in London with 15 years of experience in Tokyo and Seoul, I provide the leadership of an agency with the speed, communication, and cost-efficiency of an independent partner. No project managers - just direct, high-level expertise in your timezone.
I leverage an AI-enhanced research stack to bypass the inefficiencies of traditional research. By using AI for transcription, thematic clustering, and cross-market pattern detection, I deliver deeper cultural synthesis in days, not weeks. This allows me to pass time and cost savings to your agency, making your global pitches more competitive and your margins healthier.
From recruitment and moderation to strategy, I handle the end-to-end execution of your Asia projects. I provide ready to present, white-label deliverables that look like they came from your own senior team, ensuring your clients get high quality Asian market intelligence without you having to manage multiple local vendors or language barriers.
I act as a single point of accountability, working with your team to ensure findings are converted into actionable product and GTM decisions.
After building a one of Tokyo's largest UX communities and acting as the Japan Country Manager for IxDF, I have access to a unique network of local experts across Asia.
You get the convenience of a UK-based partner who speaks your business language, backed by real-time intelligence from the markets that matter most to your growth.
"Maxwell is a stand-out professional, who has thorough insight into UX issues and delivers what he promises. He provided great value and we would definitely work with him again."
"This was our second time working with Maxwell and on both occasions the clients have been pleased with the results. He speaks the language, understands the culture and has a solid process from recruiting to insights. I would recommend Maxwell for those looking to conduct research in Japan. "
