How Security SaaS Companies Can Thrive in Japan’s Booming Cybersecurity Sector 

In recent years, Japan has continued to experience significant cybersecurity incidents affecting major corporations, leading to substantial financial losses. The increasing reliance on cloud-based platforms has heightened the need for robust security measures to protect sensitive data. 

Meanwhile Japan’s cybersecurity sector has grown substantially. IMARC Group projects the market to reach USD 43.3 billion by 2033, while Statista forecasts that it will generate USD 10.27 billion in revenue by 2025, with Security Services expected to dominate the market. Similarly, Mordor Intelligence estimates the market size to be USD 2.27 billion in 2025, growing at a CAGR of 11.89% to reach USD 2.98 billion by 2030. 

Meeting Japan’s Cybersecurity Needs with SaaS Solutions

Given the exponential growth of Japan’s cybersecurity market, where can Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions companies come in? For one, subscription-based SaaS models offer cost savings compared to traditional security solutions that require significant upfront investments in hardware and software. For another, SaaS-based security applications provide advanced threat detection and prevention capabilities, meeting modern and increasingly sophisticated cyber threats head on. 

An important thing to note is that Japan is facing a significant shortage of cybersecurity professionals. Estimates indicate a shortage of more than 200,000 cybersecurity professionals by 2025. This shortage means that businesses are increasingly relying on SaaS-based security applications to supplement their in-house security teams. 

The Japanese government has implemented policies aimed at enhancing cybersecurity across various industries. Notably, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has set a goal to more than triple domestic cybersecurity industry sales in the next decade, from the current ¥900 billion ($6 billion) to ¥3 trillion, according to the Japan Times. The combination of market growth, talent shortages and government initiatives makes Japan an attractive market for overseas SaaS security providers. Some key areas where SaaS security offerings can support Japanese companies include vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, cloud vulnerability scanning, network security, data loss prevention and web and mobile application scanning. 

However, Japan is ramping up efforts to develop homegrown cybersecurity solutions. According to Nikkei, the Japanese government aims to prioritize domestic software to strengthen national security and reduce dependence on foreign technology. This shift is set to intensify competition, as local cybersecurity firms gain traction, making it harder for global brands to enter or expand in the market. To stay ahead, international cybersecurity SaaS providers must act swiftly and deciseivly—establishing strong local partnerships, demonstrating compliance with Japan’s evolving cybersecurity regulations and clearly differentiating their value proposition.

One crucial way global cybersecurity companies can engage with the Japanese market is by participating in key industry events. Conferences and expos provide direct access to key decision-makers, thought leaders and potential clients, making them a vital B2B marketing channel. Events such as CODE BLUE, one of Japan’s premier international cybersecurity conferences, offer workshops, expert-led panels and networking opportunities in Tokyo. For those who are unable to attend in person, there are also valuable online events, such as the Security Management Conference, a free virtual seminar that will cover topics such as ransomware, targeted cyber threats and corporate resilience strategies. For a comprehensive list of must-attend cybersecurity events in Japan, check out Custom Media’s blog on the top cybersecurity events in Japan for 2025.

Custom Media: Your Partner in Japan

Entering or expanding in the Japanese market presents an array of challenges due to language barriers and cultural differences, as well as strict regulations, particularly in regards to security applications. Foreign companies looking to successfully enter or expand in the market should consider partnering with local firms that possess the in-depth knowledge and expertise necessary to bridge the gap between Japan’s niche business culture and global best practices. 

And that’s where Custom Media comes in. We specialize in assisting companies adapt their messaging and products for the Japanese market. We leverage compelling narratives to resonate with customers, fostering deeper brand loyalty—something that is integral to a successful marketing campaign in Japan, where consumers are more likely to engage with brands that build trust, emphasize long-term relationships and align with their values through authentic and culturally nuanced messaging. 

Our comprehensive market entry services include content localization, awareness building, channel selection, events and field marketing strategies. Through a combination of traditional tactics such as lead generation and search ads, along with our enhanced expertise in account-based marketing (ABM), we’ve established ourselves as leaders in the field, delivering exceptional results with a blend of targeted, data-driven strategies. Our expertise has helped numerous SaaS security companies achieve impressive results in Japan.

We’re ready to help you achieve success in the Japan market, and we’re looking forward to hearing from you. Get in touch with us today!