Overview
Osamu Babasaki is an international business advisor specializing in brand strategy and overseas market development. With a career spanning diplomacy, government service, private enterprise, and brand business, he provides practical advisory services across European and Asian markets.
His defining strength is going beyond strategy design to walk alongside clients through execution.
Career Foundation
Served at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Intelligence School, focusing on language education and Japan-U.S. joint training. Subsequently seconded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and posted as Consul to the Consulate General of Japan in West Berlin for four years. During this period, he built the practical foundation for international business through:
- Cross-cultural communication
- International negotiation
- Relationship-building with public institutions
Track Record in European Brand Business
After returning to the private sector, he led the Japan market entry of European luxury brands.
- Herend (Hungary)
- Moser (Czech Republic)
At their Japan exclusive distributors, he served as Trade Director and General Manager, driving brand introduction and market development through close coordination with embassies and commercial sections. His experience extends beyond importing — he has hands-on expertise in establishing brands within the Japanese market.
Business Development & IPO Track Record
At a trading company, he was involved in new business development with Toray, Teijin, and European partners. He later led an IPO project as Department Head, taking the company public on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Mothers market within three years. He subsequently served as Executive Managing Director, with a proven track record of not only crafting strategy but actually elevating enterprise value.
Fashion & International Brand Domain
At Yumi Katsura International, he served in international operations, including:
- Participation in collections in Paris, Singapore, and Bangkok
- Management of the Paris boutique
He brings real on-the-ground experience with global brands.
Founding Top Notch & Current Activities
Founded Top Notch Inc. and launched its brand business (Devon & Drew Japan) alongside its international business advisory practice. Invited by Thailand's Ministry of Commerce, he delivered a brand strategy lecture in Bangkok to approximately 60 young entrepreneurs.
His current focus areas:
- Thailand and the broader ASEAN market
- Japan market entry support
He supports companies and brands in their international expansion.
What I Deliver
Babasaki's advisory differs from conventional consulting. He designs strategy that actually moves, not strategy on paper. Specifically:
- Overseas market entry strategy design
- Brand positioning development
- Partner development (government and private)
- Small-batch execution support to minimize risk
Approach
- Read the market through the field, not just data
- Prioritize an executable first step over a perfect plan
- Put relationship-building with partners first
Strategy, execution, and relationship-building — designed as one.
Closing Message
We read the market, design the strategy, build partnerships, and execute the business.
That is Top Notch's advisory.