ABOUT
Empowering product teams to connect directly with their customers and gain valuable insights
Japan Direct Research (株式会社ジャパン・ダイレクト・リサーチ) is a vibrant Tokyo-based company dedicated to sensory and user research. We go beyond just delivering reports; we partner with your team, empowering them to gain a deep understanding of their customers for lasting success.
I began my journey not as a researcher, but as someone who faced the challenges of understanding research.
My journey began in food product development, where I discovered that user feedback—though seemingly inconsistent at first—held valuable insights, and I learned to interpret those perceptions as meaningful signals. Sensory evaluation at Procter & Gamble and leading product evaluation at L’Oréal Japan’s Research & Innovation Center gave me a sound foundation in rigorous methodologies. With this expertise, I founded JDR to share and implement these practices for our clients.
ESOMAR APAC Best Paper Award & global finalist (2017, lead author); ESOMAR Asia Pacific Program Committee (2014, 2016). Currently a member of the Society of Sensory Professionals & Japan Marketing Academy
What we believe
Research should yield lasting benefits
Every project imparts valuable methods and skills to your team, not just findings.
Perception can be measured
With the right panel design and training, human senses can function as dependable sensors.
Culture plays a critical role in our methodologies
The way you ask questions influences the responses you receive, so we adapt our approach, not just the language.
Company Profile
| Legal Name | 株式会社ジャパン・ダイレクト・リサーチ (Japan Direct Research Ltd.) |
| Founder & CEO | Noriko Nakano |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Office | Kanda-Nishikicho 3-21, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0054, Japan |
| Services | User insights research, sensory research & panel building, cultural advisory, market exploration |
| Professional Membership | ESOMAR, Society of Sensory Professionals, Japan Marketing Academy |
| Languages | Japanese and English (briefing, fieldwork, reporting) |