#Japan #Tokyo #JETRO #SME Expansion #Ekkyo Lab

Exploring the Keys to SME International Expansion

The upcoming event co-hosted by Ekkyo Lab and JETRO titled "What Determines the International Expansion of SMEs? - Common Success Factors from a Survey of 1,000 Companies and the Next Steps" will take place on August 28, 2026, at Meiji University. This lecture aims to provide SMEs engaged in cross-border e-commerce and international market exploration with learning and networking opportunities.

The esteemed guest speaker for this event is Professor Masayuki Okuyama from Meiji University’s Faculty of Political Science and Economics, who has extensive experience in researching and implementing SME and industrial policies.

Insights from Comprehensive Research

The lecture will utilize survey data collected from 1,259 Japanese companies that have used Amazon for their cross-border e-commerce endeavors. The goal is to statistically analyze what common traits successful companies share in their international expansion efforts.

As SMEs are increasingly looking towards international markets due to the maturity of the domestic market and the expansion of e-commerce, understanding the differences between businesses that successfully generate results and those that falter is crucial. Through robust statistical analysis, this event will delve not only into individual success stories but also explore broader traits such as corporate behavior, market understanding, practical experience, and organizational structures.

What Will Participants Gain?

This lecture will be beneficial for both companies just starting their international expansion and those who are already engaged in overseas business but may be struggling with growth. By utilizing data from 1,259 companies, attendees will explore several key points:

• - What common characteristics do successful international companies possess?
• - How do corporate behaviors and market understanding affect performance?
• - In what ways do practical experience and organizational structures relate to the success of international expansion?
• - What should companies implement as their next step in internationalization?

This event provides an opportunity for businesses to objectively reassess their current state of international expansion and gain valuable insights for future strategies.

Event Details

Lecture Information

• - Title: What Determines the International Expansion of SMEs? - Common Success Factors from a Survey of 1,000 Companies and the Next Steps
• - Date: August 28, 2026 (Friday)
• - Venue: Meiji University Liberty Tower Lecture Room: Liberty Hall (Room 1013) Networking: Liberty Tower 23rd Floor

Co-hosts

• - Ekkyo Lab (General Incorporated Association)
• - Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

Participation Fees

• - Lecture: Free
• - Networking Event: ¥15,000

(Note: Participation in the lecture alone is also possible.)

Schedule

• - 15:30: Doors open and registration
• - 16:00: Opening remarks
• - 16:10: Keynote lecture
• - 17:30: Q&A and closing announcements
• - 18:00 to 20:00: Networking event

Keynote Speaker

Professor Masayuki Okuyama

Professor of Political Science and Economics at Meiji University, Okuyama’s past roles include working with the Tokyo Regional Taxation Bureau and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, where he engaged in SME policy planning and implementation. He specializes in regional industries, SMEs, and entrepreneurship, and holds a Ph.D. in economics. He utilizes his dual experience in administrative practice and research to disseminate knowledge regarding SME policies and international business expansion.

Networking Session

Following the lecture at 18:00, a networking event will take place at the Liberty Tower 23rd Floor. This session provides an informal setting to enjoy food and drinks while exchanging ideas with other businesses involved in overseas expansion, those considering entering international markets, and experts in the field. This is a valuable opportunity not only for gaining new insights regarding international business but also for building connections and exploring potential business opportunities.

Recommended For

• - Business leaders and managers looking to start international expansion or cross-border e-commerce
• - Companies already operating internationally but facing challenges in achieving sales growth
• - Organizations and agencies that support SMEs in their international endeavors
• - Experts and professionals interested in overseas business trends

We invite you to take this opportunity to learn about the common traits of successful companies derived from the data of 1,259 businesses, and engage thoughtfully with your company's international development strategies.

Join Us

For more details and registration, please visit Event Registration. Don’t miss out on this chance to attend the lecture for free and take part in the networking event, which has a fee of ¥15,000.

About Ekkyo Lab

Ekkyo Lab is a community designed to provide practical information and networking opportunities for companies engaged in international expansion and cross-border e-commerce. Through seminars, workshops, and networking events featuring specialists and practitioners, Ekkyo Lab promotes knowledge sharing and network building for businesses venturing into overseas markets. For more information, visit our official website: Ekkyo Lab.