SEO Keyword Research for Foreign Brands: When Romaji Works
Japanese SEO keyword research for foreign brands starts with understanding how people actually type queries in Japanese: a mix of kanji, kana (hiragana and katakana), and sometimes romaji. Using the wrong script can mean missing most of your potential search volume, even if the “meaning” of your keyword is technically correct. It is important to […]
MEO in Japan: A Small-Business Playbook for Map Visibility
MEO (Map Engine Optimization) in Japan is about making your business the obvious choice when someone searches Maps or does a “near me” search. This directly translates into more store visits, inquiries, and bookings your small business! What is MEO in Japan? MEO stands for Map Engine Optimization. It refers to all the tactics used to […]
MEO vs SEO for Foreign SMEs in Japan: When it Matters and When it Doesn’t
Local SEO (often called “MEO” in Japan) matters most for foreign SMEs that need to be discovered in a specific area. However, it is lower priority for companies selling location‑independent services nationwide. Japanese search behavior includes many region‑plus‑service queries (e.g., “Shibuya consulting”). Above all, deciding whether to invest in MEO depends on how “local” your […]