New Case Study Alert: Tanaka Optical’s Journey of Innovation

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We are excited to share our latest case study about our valued client, Tanaka Optical! Dive into the story of Tanaka Optical, where over a century of tradition meets cutting-edge innovation. Learn how they have navigated the challenges of the modern era while staying true to their core values.

In this comprehensive case study, President and CEO Damian Hall, along with Digital Engagement Manager Miho Koyama, discuss the strategic initiatives and partnerships that have propelled their growth and enhanced their customer experience.

Read the full case study to discover how Tanaka Optical has adapted to the changing landscape and continues to deliver unparalleled service.

Other News

Meta Launches Personal AI Agent “Muse” in Japan

Starting October 23 (Japan time), Meta launched its personal AI agent, “Muse” in Japan. Japan is the first market outside North America, where the service was initially launched in September this year, to gain access to Muse.

Muse is described by Meta as the world’s first personal AI agent designed to be easily accessible to everyone. With an emphasis on safety and privacy, Muse goes beyond simply answering questions: it proactively helps users achieve their goals and can take action to carry out tasks on their behalf.

▶ Meta (October 26)

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Yahoo! Shopping products can now be tagged in YouTube videos
LINE Yahoo announced on September 25 that Yahoo! Shopping has joined the YouTube Shopping affiliate program (MarkeZine, September 25). Eligible YouTube creators can tag Yahoo! Shopping products in videos and Shorts. Viewers tap the tag and land on the product page. Stores pay a base rate of 2–4% by category and can add a special rate of their own. YouTube says shopping-video watch time in Japan grew more than 50% year on year (internal data, April 2026).

For foreign brands in Japan, this puts Yahoo! Shopping on the same creator shelf as Amazon and Rakuten. Creators choose the store with the higher rate. Set a special rate on your hero SKUs before Q4.

▶ MarkeZine (September 25)

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Survey: 52.3% of Japanese respondents search with generative AI
52.3% of 9,278 respondents aged 15–69 use generative AI, including Google AI Mode, for search (AdverTimes, September 9; fielded August 7–10). The figure was 21.3% in May 2025. 58.7% say an AI recommendation led to a purchase. One survey, one vendor, but the direction is consistent with earlier waves.

For foreign brands in Japan, the AI answer is becoming a purchase touchpoint. Check how ChatGPT, Gemini, and AI Mode describe your products in Japanese before Q4.

▶ AdverTimes (September 9, 2026)

Japanese Consumers Search on Generative Engines