Empowering Japanese brands to deliver better experiences

A pinch of Saffron and a dash of Original.
The best brands help businesses and places achieve their strategic goals. They come to life in compelling experiences that inspire the delight and loyalty of customers. Saffron is thrilled to announce our partnership with local content and consulting company <a href="https://www.originalinc.jp/">Original Inc.</a> to offer brand consultancy services in Japan.
The partnership will combine Saffron’s global expertise in brand experience, innovation strategy, and design with Original’s pioneering approach to tourism and urban planning. Together, we share the ambition to empower Japanese public institutions, foundations and companies to position themselves as competitive global brands. 
Founded in 2009, Original is a content and consulting company whose unique combination of local insight and global mindset stems from their operation of Time Out Tokyo. Time Out is a trusted city guide with origins in London and a global outreach of over 240 million monthly users. By leveraging their editorial experience and user insight, Original has expanded their services beyond media into market research, analysis, and strategy consultation. Key clients include Japan Tourism Agency, Osaka Convention &amp; Tourism Bureau, Mitsubishi Estate, and Tokyu Corporation. 

“In Japan, people realise that branding is not just about logo design but when it comes to branding that communicates globally, there may not yet be enough knowledge and know-how. Japan needs to further promote its attractiveness to the world as a tourist destination, cultural powerhouse and international financial city. Together with Saffron, Original will build a new era of branding for Japan.”
HIROYUKI FUSHITANI, ORIGINAL PRESIDENT 

“We are delighted to find the right partner to open a door of opportunity together with the country we so admire and respect. Original’s vision and success in leveraging the Time Out business to offer solutions to Japan’s wider needs of tourism, culture, society, and economy matched our independent and entrepreneurial spirit well. The partnership is an exciting new chapter for us and for clients in Japan who are serious about making their brands work globally.”
JACOB BENBUNAN, SAFFRON CEO AND CO-FOUNDER 


Together, Original and Saffron will begin to offer brand consultancy services in March 2023. As part of the partnership, Saffron will locate Mao Kawakami, a Strategist and Region Representative in Tokyo as the key contact for clients in Japan.

Original Inc. and Saffron announce partnership in Japan

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