Japanese SEO, English speaking SEO services in Japan

3 Key Features of Japanese SEO

1. Keyword Variation and Writing System Complexity

Japanese uses three writing systems—kanji, hiragana, and katakana—which can lead to various ways to represent a keyword.

For example, "sushi" can be written as:
スシ (katakana)
すし (hiragana)
寿司 (kanji)
鮨 (variation of kanji)

SEO strategies must account for these variations. Optimizing content may involve targeting different versions of a keyword to capture all possible searches.

2. Search Behavior and Long-Tail Keywords

Japanese users often prefer long, descriptive queries over short ones. For instance, instead of searching "best sushi," we might search "東京の安くて美味しい寿司屋" ("cheap and delicious sushi restaurant in Tokyo").

Content needs to be optimized for long-tail keywords that closely match these specific user intents, emphasizing detailed and location-specific information.

3. Local Content and Trust Signals

Japanese users tend to trust local and authoritative sources more than general content. Websites with strong local relevance, such as government pages or established companies, rank higher. User trust is influenced by formal tone and high-quality content.

Also in Japan, people often use the word "recommendation" in search queries, such as "おすすめの寿司屋" (recommended sushi restaurant). This reflects a cultural preference for trusted, curated advice. They also rely heavily on user reviews, ranking lists, and word-of-mouth platforms like Tabelog or Google Reviews. Japanese users value detailed experiences and social proof, so sites offering reviews, testimonials, and high authority rank well for recommendation-based searches.

These features make Japanese SEO both linguistically and culturally distinct, requiring tailored strategies for effective optimization in the Japanese market.

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