The office is expected to open in Tokyo in the New Year via an equity stake in an undisclosed agency.
Volvo and another as yet unrevealed global brand, thought to be a confectionery company, are expected to be Nitro Japan’s first clients.
Volvo and another as yet unrevealed global brand, thought to be a confectionery company, are expected to be Nitro Japan’s first clients.
Among Nitro’s current clients in Asia are Kraft, Mars, Nestlé, Schmackos, Tourism Queensland, Virgin Blue and Volvo. Nitro global chairman and chief executive Chris Clarke declined to comment.
Nitro is highly regarded internationally as a strategic agency. “The more companies like this that come to Japan, the better,” said Jonny Shaw, head of Naked Communications in Japan, noting that increased competition from independent players would serve to increase the quality of the offering from international agencies of all scales.
“People shy away from Japan,” Shaw said, pointing to language, weak creative reputation and incompatible working cultures as barriers. “But the opportunities are here for good people who are focused and have the desire to succeed.”
Whether Nitro is able to succeed in Japan will depend on the staff it attracts, he said.
