#Japan #Tokyo #Influencer Tech #BE-BANK #IP Connect One

Launch of 'IP Connect One'

In a groundbreaking initiative, Influencer Tech, based in Minato, Tokyo, has announced a partnership with BE-BANK located in Chiyoda, Tokyo, to unveil a unique platform named 'IP Connect One.' This innovative service aims to harness the influence of social media personalities alongside the power of Japanese anime intellectual property (IP) to foster unique brand development for Japanese manufacturers in the global market.

The Shift Towards D2C and P2C Models

In recent years, Japan has seen a rise in the success stories of Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) and Person-to-Consumer (P2C) models, particularly in product development driven by original equipment manufacturing (OEM). However, the collaboration of IP with product offerings has remained scarce, especially in international markets. Despite the high quality of Japanese consumer goods, many brands are struggling to provide compelling reasons for overseas consumers to purchase their products. This has created significant challenges for Japanese manufacturers aiming to explore global opportunities.

The Solution: Combining Strengths

To tackle these challenges, Influencer Tech aims to leverage its automated functionalities from the 'Weeva' platform along with a robust influencer network, while integrating the expertise of BE-BANK in the beauty and anime sectors. This collaboration will unite manufacturers and influencers, facilitating a seamless approach to blending 'Japanese IP' with product development and global sales channel development. The official launch of the new service, 'I.co,' is scheduled for August 27, 2025.

What is 'I.co'?

'I.co' capitalizes on popular anime and character IP from Japan, allowing influencers to collaborate with manufacturers of daily goods, cosmetics, and anime merchandise for product development. The platform offers comprehensive support for sales channels, including offline distribution to retail stores and anime shops nationwide, as well as online sales through platforms like TikTok Shop targeted at international customers.

A Look at Influencer Tech

Influencer Tech has been at the forefront of influencer marketing through its 'Weeva' platform, which serves a diverse array of account types, including advertisers, agencies, production companies, and influencers. The platform streamlines everything from searching and ordering to video publication, providing an end-to-end service tailored to client needs.

Understanding BE-BANK

Founded in 2016, BE-BANK specializes in supporting brand development through a network of experts in beauty, lifestyle, and anime. They assist manufacturers in crafting brand strategies and product development, leveraging their deep connections with both manufacturers and distribution companies to offer one-stop support for licensing, brand development, and sales, both domestically and internationally.

The Current Market Situation

The global content industry encompassing anime, gaming, and characters is a rapidly growing sector with immense potential for Japanese brands. As accessibility improves through digital streaming platforms, Japanese content is enjoyed across North America, South America, Asia, and Europe. However, utilizing anime IP effectively requires specialized knowledge in selecting appropriate licenses and negotiating contractual terms — a complexity that has historically limited participation in the international marketplace.

Meeting High Hurdles for Overseas Expansion

When expanding into foreign markets, Japanese companies face the necessity of signing licensing agreements tailored to each country. This procedural necessity raises the complexity of global IP product development, often relegating past successes to companies with extensive experience and resources.

A New Era of 'Oshi-Katsu' and Collaborative Development

In the current climate, where 'oshi-katsu' (supporting one's favorite) has become mainstream, there is a growing demand for innovative ideas. This landscape calls for cross-industry collaborations that unify insights from diverse sectors like anime and cosmetics for effective product development that resonates with consumers.

Value Proposition of 'I.co'

The 'I.co' platform establishes a collaborative framework for influencers and industry experts to create lifestyle products that harmoniously resonate with the essence of their preferred IP. This initiative will provide a comprehensive suite of supports, including:

• - Product planning
• - Manufacturing support
• - Assistance with IP license selection and contract negotiations
• - Strategies for retail shelf space in Japanese anime and retail stores
• - Sales strategies overseas, focusing on live commerce while targeting international users and followers
• - Complete automated management of PR and sales processes, including necessary regulatory checks.

Special Offers for Influencers

To commemorate the launch, Influencer Tech invites female influencers with a minimum of 100,000 followers on platforms like YouTube or TikTok to apply for a chance to collaborate on beauty products without any upfront costs. This unique opportunity allows influencers to engage in IP retrieval, product development, and sales.

Conclusion

'I.co' aims to reshape the interaction between Japanese manufacturers, influencers, and audiences worldwide. By blending expertise and innovative concepts, this platform promises to facilitate compelling brand development that not only resonates with consumers but also opens doors to new global markets.