Marketing Manager, Japan

Whatnot, Inc.

Job Overview

Location

Tokyo, Japan

Job Type

Full-time

Full Job Description

📋 Description

• Build and grow Whatnot’s seller community in Japan by developing strategic relationships with influencers, creators, sellers, agencies, and key industry stakeholders.
• Own end-to-end planning and execution of large-scale marketing initiatives including online academies, digital events, and in-person (IRL) events to drive seller acquisition and marketplace liquidity.
• Manage all social media channels and content strategy to amplify brand presence, drive engagement, and attract new sellers and buyers in the Japanese market.
• Collaborate with the Go-to-Market (GTM) team to facilitate, attend, and set up booths at offline events and conferences to strengthen brand visibility and community trust.
• Design and launch standout marketing campaigns using data storytelling, cultural insights, and strategic partnerships to create viral moments that resonate with Japanese consumers.
• Leverage influencer marketing as a core performance channel to drive first-time seller and buyer acquisition, managing a curated roster of creators aligned with Whatnot’s product categories.
• Develop high-performing creative content for paid advertising and organic acquisition that scales across digital platforms while maintaining brand authenticity.
• Execute event marketing strategies that deliver measurable growth in seller supply, community engagement, and marketplace activity within Japan.
• Translate global marketing strategies into culturally relevant local initiatives that reflect Japanese consumer behavior, trends, and market dynamics.
• Use data to inform marketing decisions, optimize campaign performance, and report on key metrics tied to seller growth, engagement, and retention.
• Serve as the primary marketing lead for Japan, acting as the bridge between global strategy and local execution to ensure alignment with Whatnot’s mission of enabling passion-driven commerce.
• Stay ahead of emerging trends in livestream shopping, creator economies, and digital marketplaces to continuously evolve Whatnot’s approach in Japan.
• Partner cross-functionally with product, operations, and customer success teams to ensure marketing initiatives support broader business goals and user experience.
• Maintain deep understanding of Whatnot’s product categories (e.g., collectibles, fashion toys, TCG, live plants) to identify high-potential seller segments and tailor outreach accordingly.
• Represent Whatnot in local industry forums, media, and community events to establish the brand as a trusted leader in Japan’s emerging livestream commerce space.

🎯 Requirements

• 5–10 years of experience in consumer or category marketing within fast-paced, high-growth environments
• Proven track record of developing and executing go-to-market, brand, or consumer marketing initiatives from strategy through launch and iteration
• Experience building and managing external relationships with influencers, creators, agencies, sellers, and media partners
• Fluency in English and native-level Japanese proficiency with deep understanding of Japanese consumer behavior and market culture
• Demonstrated expertise in influencer marketing as a performance channel to drive seller and buyer acquisition
• Experience planning and executing both digital and in-person events that drive measurable growth and community engagement

🏖️ Benefits

• Flexible time off policy and company-wide holidays including spring and winter breaks
• Health insurance options including Medical, Dental, and Vision
• ¥140,000 home office setup allowance
• ¥20,750 monthly allowance for cell phone and internet
• ¥69,500 monthly allowance for wellness
• ¥14,000 monthly allowance for commuter expenses
• ¥693,000 annual allowance towards childcare
• ¥2,772,000 lifetime benefit for family planning (e.g., adoption or fertility expenses)
• 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave plus one month gradual return to work
• Pension plans

Skills & Technologies

Spring

Apache Spark

Remote

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Whatnot, Inc.

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About Whatnot, Inc.

Whatnot operates a live-stream marketplace for collectibles, sneakers, trading cards, apparel, and other hobby items. Sellers host real-time auctions and fixed-price shows while buyers bid or purchase through the mobile app. The platform combines live video, integrated payments, and authenticated shipping to reduce fraud. Founded in 2019, the company is headquartered in Los Angeles and has raised multiple venture rounds to expand categories and international markets.

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