The local market
Tokyo-based agencies make up most of the Japanese shortlist. The Egg Japan and Principle lead a group covering international SEO, content, analytics and digital experience. Japanese-language search requires more than translated copy, so buyers should test an agency’s ability to handle local terminology, domestic platforms and coordination between Japan-based and global stakeholders.
The service brief
Ask every shortlisted agency to show recent enterprise seo work that resembles your site, market and internal delivery model. Confirm which recommendations the agency will implement, which require your team and how success will be measured.
The commercial comparison
The shortlist contains 0 in $, 0 in $$, 3 in $$$. Treat the bands as a starting point for scoping, not a quality scale. Use one written brief so team seniority, included work, contract length and reporting can be compared fairly.