Japan is facing a paradox of commerce. On the one hand, from mochi to manga, there’s more international demand for Japanese products than ever before. On the other hand, many of the shops and businesses that produce and distribute beloved Japanese goods are facing an existential threat. Japan’s rapidly declining population means an ever-shrinking customer base for companies throughout the country—especially those located in rural areas. The obvious solution to this decline is for local businesses to go global. However, successfully selling goods abroad is easier said than done. Language barriers, customs bottlenecks, and international marketing challenges are just a few of the obstacles that Japanese businesses face….