Overview

McLaren Group Marketing is a Tokyo-based agency specializing in culturally fluent market research for Japan. We combine qualitative and quantitative methods with AI tools, offering flexible, end-to-end marketing solutions tailored to global brands entering or growing in Japan.

Services

At McLaren Group Marketing, we turn insight into action. Based in Tokyo, we specialize in qualitative and quantitative research tailored to the complexities of the Japanese market. Our bilingual team blends traditional techniques with AI-enhanced tools, delivering deep cultural understanding and high-impact data.

What makes us different is our end-to-end model—we don’t just deliver findings, we execute. From strategy development to campaign rollout and business development, we offer full-service or modular solutions to fit your goals.

Whether you’re a global brand launching in Japan or an SME seeking sharper insights, we help you localize, connect, and succeed. Our track record includes a range of SMEs as well as globe giants, such as;
Coca-Cola, Adidas, Google, P&G, etc.

Services include:
• Marketing Strategy Workshops
• Qualitative & Quantitative Research
• UX, Semiotics, and Desk Research
• Creative & Media Execution
• Distributor & Trade Partner Matching

Our team has over 40 years of in-market experience and a trusted network of consultants.
Flexible, collaborative, and impact-driven—we help brands avoid costly missteps and achieve real results in Japan.

About

Hi, I’m Rob—a bilingual Australian national who has lived and worked in Japan for over 15 years.
I’ve worked on both the client and agency sides with companies like Nielsen, Reckitt, and Perfetti van Melle, helping launch more than 50 products into the Japanese market across food, personal care, and retail.

At McLaren Group, I combine cultural fluency with strategic insight to help global brands and market entrants navigate Japan’s complex business landscape.
My core focus is on consumer research, market strategy, and localization for both B2C and B2B brands.

Outside of work, you’ll find me hiking, snowboarding, or discovering Tokyo’s hidden food spots with my Japanese wife and our two kids.

My goal is simple: help businesses truly understand Japanese consumers—not just what they say, but what they mean—and turn that insight into strategies that work.