OsaBus Strengthens Partnerships in the Japanese Market and Visits the Latvian Embassy in Tokyo

Foto: Osabus.com | Autors: Laimdota Pleisa | 2026.03.23

Latvian passenger transport brand OsaBus has successfully completed a strategic visit to Japan, during which existing partnerships were strengthened and new ones established. The visit also included a meeting at the Latvian Embassy in Tokyo.

Why Japan, and Why in Person?

Raksts turpinās pēc reklāmas

Laimes muzejs Indrā gaida ciemos!

Pavasara sezonu muzejs atklās 1. aprīlī plkst. 17.00 ar izstāžu atklāšanu – māksla, prieks un iedvesma ikvienam apmeklētājam!

Krāslavas TIC

Japan is one of the most demanding yet most rewarding markets to operate in. The Tokyo metropolitan area is home to approximately 14 million people - nearly 24 times more than Riga with its 600,000 residents - and the population density of Tokyo's 23 central wards is 7-8 times greater than Latvia's capital. This scale shapes everything: compact vehicles and minivans dominate over large coaches, parking is scarce and expensive, and everything operates with Japanese precision. As a passenger transport brand, OsaBus sees both challenges and significant growth opportunities in this environment.

But what truly sets Japan apart from other markets is its business culture. As emphasized by the LIAA Japan Representative Office, decision-making in Japan - a process known as nemawashi - is collective and built on trust developed gradually over time. Personal meetings are an indispensable part of this process, and digital communication is simply not an equivalent to an in-person conversation.

OsaBus understood this and acted accordingly - the team travelled to Japan not only to discuss partnerships, but to build the personal relationships that Japanese partners value above any document.

At the Embassy in Tokyo: Support for Entrepreneurs

During the visit, the OsaBus team was warmly received at the Latvian Embassy in Japan. The meeting with embassy representatives provided insight into Japan's business environment and also demonstrated the readiness to stand behind entrepreneurs abroad - a valuable resource, especially in a market where trust takes years to earn.

The OsaBus team was received by Ambassador Zigmars Zilgalvis, LIAA Japan Representative Office Director Arta Nakagava, and Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission Diana Putnina.

The LIAA Japan Representative Office helps Latvian companies navigate the Japanese market - sharing experience, providing guidance on business etiquette and helping build connections. This support was significant during OsaBus's visit, as the cultural differences between Latvia and Japan are not merely a formality - they are the foundation of successful or unsuccessful collaboration.

The OsaBus Team in Tokyo

The company was represented on the visit by CEO Oskars Lusis, COO Eva Rudzite and Head of Marketing Laimdota Pleisa. The team was joined by OsaBus Japan Representative Keli Wang, who works daily with local suppliers and clients, communicates in Japanese, and understands both Japanese and European business specifics - ensuring continuous presence in the local time zone.

What Japan Teaches About Business Relationships

Japan is a country where traditional values and cutting-edge technology coexist. During the visit, the OsaBus team saw first-hand that Japanese business culture demands particular respect and patience: a business card is presented with both hands and received with genuine attention; partners communicate indirectly and thoughtfully; punctuality is not merely politeness, but an expression of respect.

These nuances are precisely what makes in-person visits to Japan not just desirable, but necessary. OsaBus's decision to travel to Japan in person - rather than sending an email or scheduling a video call - was a deliberate step that reflects the company's approach to partnerships: human, reliable and built for the long term.

About OsaBus

OsaBus is a Latvian passenger transport brand specialising in transport services for the tourism and business segments. The company's mission is to connect European tourism service providers with international markets, delivering reliable, precise and personalised solutions. The Japan visit is part of OsaBus's strategic growth in the Asian market.