Koios Stride is the natural extension of that mission:
A hands-on, modular leadership model that doesn’t just advise, but actively builds.

Where our advisory services bring clarity and direction, Koios Stride delivers presence and precision, leading setup, operations, and execution locally, without the burden of full-time hires or distributors.

It’s the 360° bridge between strategy and market reality, designed for brands ready to move with confidence, but without overcommitting.

From incorporation and legal to wholesale rollout, CX training, and campaign execution, Koios Stride offers full operational support—fractionally, flexibly, and always brand-aligned.

Because entering Japan shouldn’t require guessing, gambling, or giving up control.
It should just require the right stride

Fractional Market Development refers to a flexible, part-time leadership model in which an experienced local operator leads the setup, coordination, and growth of a brand in a new market, without the brand needing to commit to full-time hires, build a local subsidiary from scratch, or rely on long-term, opaque distributor relationships.

In Japan, we believe this model will prove particularly powerful. We call it Stride, our Fractional Market Development and Management solution: a hybrid solution combining strategy, execution, and trusted local networks to give brands full control at a fraction of the cost.

Why Japan Needs a Different Approach

Entering Japan is unlike entering any other market:

• It requires deep cultural fluency and local trust networks.

• The retail and distribution systems are fragmented and opaque.

• Japanese consumers are brand-loyal but cautious, and expect excellence in service, presentation, and storytelling.

• Talent acquisition is difficult: full-time country managers are expensive, hard to vet, and time-consuming to onboard.

Many foreign brands struggle with:

• Over-relying on local distributors, who prioritize volume over brand value.

• Going too fast without understanding operational friction.

• Spending too much up front on hires, agencies, or partnerships that don’t deliver control or learning.