We make your first step into overseas markets happen in an instant
FIRST BRIDGE LLC.
〜 All consultants are local residents 〜
From the day you take action, your overseas expansion begins.
For your first step, get the fastest local insights.
Support specialized for the first step
Our Service
"Expanding overseas is a dream," "I hope to expand to Hawaii someday"—we hear these sentiments frequently from successful business owners.
However, the reality is that expanding your business across borders presents significant, high hurdles.
As a result, you may find yourself putting it off, thinking, "I'll take the challenge someday when the opportunity arises."
That's why we offer a service specialized in helping you take that very first step.
１、Conducting "pre-market research" on-site
Local staff conduct real-time, on-the-ground research based on local intelligence. We quickly gather trend information unique to the local area, such as food and beverage, real estate, and tourism.
２、Current "Market Report" Submission
We provide swift reports on local market intelligence and forecast trends in collaboration with PR consultants and web marketers. We offer simple market reports (approx. 3 pages) free of charge.
３、On-site Inspection Tour Design and Implementation
Our local Japanese staff and consultants will introduce you to the actual conditions and sites on the ground. Entrust us with everything from ticket arrangements to airport-hotel transfers and area guides—all in one stop.
４、Introducing a powerful local network
Our company was founded by management and staff with 35 years of experience in Hawaii. We possess some of the strongest local connections in the region. Our greatest value lies in introducing and supporting key contacts across industries to essential networks.
About us
Launched from Hawaii's No. 1 PR firm
Our company was founded by executives from Hawaii's top PR firm with 35 years of proven results. All partners are industry-specialized consultants residing locally.
We have consistently executed PR and marketing initiatives by valuing our local network. This is because, like Japan, success in Hawaii cannot be achieved without trust-based relationships.
We are your dedicated business partner, leveraging 35 years of building strong, reliable partnerships to support your first steps into the Hawaiian market.
Our Team
All consultants based in Hawaii
Just tell us you're "considering" overseas business expansion, and we'll respond immediately.
We'll connect our network instantly, start your research report the same day, and support your first steps.
PR / Marketing specialist
Dave Erdman
Honolulu
Served as board member (Chairman) of the HJCC (Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
Specialized in Asian/Japanese Studies at the University of Hawaii, supporting the international expansion of the tourism industry through PR strategies well-versed in Asian markets.
NB consultation, Visa consultation, Education consultation
Tamae Yokota Erdman
Honolulu
Comprehensive support for relocation, study abroad, and visa acquisition. Providing trusted consulting services as a bridge between Japan and the U.S. Specializing in multilingual marketing.
Partner Organizations
Asia / Middle East Expansion Partner
Asia / Halal Business Consultant
Takahiro Gokita｜Malaysia
A "trading company × consulting" entrepreneur based in Malaysia. As CEO of local subsidiary "FAN JAPAN (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD.", he specializes in the halal market spanning Southeast Asia to the Middle East, providing hands-on support for Japanese companies' cross-border expansion. He handles everything from physical stores, logistics, and distribution channels to certification, including obtaining JAKIM certification and supporting local manufacturing OEM. A leading expert in "Made by Japan" strategies for Muslim consumers.
Contact
Members
CEO Masayoshi Ohashi
In my twenties, I lived by busking while hitchhiking across Japan, the United States, and Australia.
Simultaneously, I worked as an overseas instructor for Japanese martial arts (Taido), promoting its global spread.
Later, as Corporate Sales Director at an IT consulting firm in Tokyo, I delivered compliance-themed lectures to executives at over 1,000 listed companies. At the company, I spearheaded initiatives to deepen governance and embed corporate philosophy, engaging in purpose-driven management support.
Since 2017, I have been affiliated with a U.S. (Hawaii) company that joined Asia's largest PR firm. In 2019, I received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for top sales performance among Vector Group Inc.'s 3,000 employees. In Japan, I handled all aspects of market development operations, including new customer acquisition, service launches, marketing, and establishing and optimizing internal rules.
Outside of business, I serve as the representative director of a general incorporated association in the Okinawa area, leading a project to expand educational opportunities for low-income populations. In Tokyo, I also serve as an instructor for the NPO Japan Martial Arts Association, teaching 50 elementary, junior high, and high school students and fostering the next generation.
Major Awards: 2019 Vector Inc. Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.
Members
Vice President
Tamae Erdman
Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, she led the management team of Hawaii's top PR firm, boasting 35 years of proven success locally. She offers hands-on experience supporting diverse companies expanding overseas.
CLO（Chief Legal Officer ）
Masaki Miyata
Professional in English Contracts.
Leveraging experience from working at Itochu Corporation in North America, he provides reliable expertise that is both courteous and meticulous, minimizing corporate risks during overseas expansion.
Executive Officer
Hiro Maeda
Domestic Sales Director.
Coordinator for sales representatives. Leveraging the experience and network of entrepreneurs active across diverse fields, supporting the passion that fulfills business owners' dreams.