We Are Social launches new office in Tokyo

We Are Social, the socially-led creative agency network, has opened an office in Tokyo – the fourteenth city in which it has a physical presence globally and its sixth office in the Asia-Pacific region.

The move is part of We Are Social’s strategy to give clients on-the-ground insights and access to all major markets, as well as accelerating growth with key openings and acquisitions.

Masayuki Tono (right) takes the role of managing director at the Tokyo office, reporting to Pete Lin (left), who was recently named North Asia Regional managing director. Tono was previously an account director at the digital agency Critical Mass.

Last year, We Are Social opened offices in Hong Kong and Madrid, as well as acquiring a majority stake in Dubai-based agency Socialize.

We Are Social expanded into the Asia-Pacific region early on its history, opening a Sydney office in 2010 and Singapore in 2011. Launches in Shanghai, Beijing and Hong Kong have solidified the agency’s presence in the region. Steady growth across the region has seen the regional headcount rise to over 200 people, confirming the agency’s capability to service major regional and global clients.

The Tokyo office will work with clients including Acer, Disney and Forevermark.

Says Lin: “Japan is the second-largest economy in the region and a Tokyo office has always been a vital part of our Asia-Pacific strategy. Now that we have Masayuki, along with the right team and great founding clients, it’s the perfect time to launch. We hope our offer will be welcomed by brands in this totally unique market.”

Says Nathan McDonald, co-founder and global CEO, We Are Social: “Great socially-led marketing requires creativity and insights grounded in social behaviour and cultural context, not just technology platforms. We’re excited to bring our approach to Japan, with Masayuki and his growing team building on our existing Asia-Pacific presence.”

(Pictured L-R: Pete Lin, North Asia regional managing director, and Masayuki Tono, managing director)