NEWS

In today’s modern workplace, audio-visual (AV) systems are more than just a display and HDMI cable — they are essential tools for communication, collaboration, and productivity. Whether you’re outfitting a new office, relocating your headquarters, or upgrading outdated equipment, selecting the right AV integrator is critical to ensuring a seamless experience for your team and clients.

But in Japan, the AV integration landscape comes with another set of challenges and considerations. Here’s how to choose the right partner for your business.

1. Look Beyond Equipment – Focus on Experience and Expertise

Many vendors can sell you hardware. Few can design and implement a system that is reliable, intuitive, and tailored to your needs. Less can deliver it in a fully-working state and ensure it stays that way.

In Japan, regulatory requirements, building codes, and the nuances of construction timelines demand a partner who not only understands the technology but also the local environment.

What to look for:

Proven portfolio of completed projects in Japan
Certified designers and installers in-house (e.g. Crestron, Extron, Biamp, etc.)
Bilingual technical and project team with knowledge of both global standards and Japanese regulations

2. Beware of Subcontracting Chains

One of the hidden risks in Japan’s AV industry is excessive subcontracting. Some “integrators” act only as coordinators, passing off design, installation, and support to a chain of subcontractors – each providing only part of the puzzle with no single company providing the full picture, introducing delays, miscommunication, and quality control issues.

Why it matters:

You lose visibility and accountability
Post-installation support often becomes unclear or unresponsive
Critical configuration knowledge may be lost across vendors

Choose a company that performs the design, installation, and ongoing support in-house.

3. Plan for the Long-Term: Ownership of Support and Managed Services

A good AV system isn’t just about Day 1. What happens on Day 100 when something breaks? When your team grows? When your needs evolve? When your clients and partners change direction?

Your integrator should:

Offer managed services or support contracts to ensure your uptime
Provide clear escalation paths and direct contact for help when you really need it
Maintain documentation and system configuration records
Be available locally for urgent response
Understand market trends and new technologies

4. Regulatory and Construction Compliance is Non-Negotiable

Especially in office builds and renovations, your AV integrator must be licensed and compliant with Japanese construction laws (建設業法). Failure here exposes your project to legal risks, insurance voiding, and delays. Unlicensed construction is illegal!

Key questions to ask:

Is your vendor licensed for electrical and construction work?
Have you been provided with a complete and valid construction contract before starting?
Is your vendor completing required safety and compliance documentation?
Is a qualified engineer onsite during all works to ensure compliance?

5. Simplicity Drives Adoption

It’s easy to be dazzled by feature lists and “smart” functionality. But if your staff can’t figure out how to connect to a call or adjust volume, your investment goes to waste.

A strong AV integrator will:

Prioritize user-friendly interfaces
Customize systems to your team’s workflows
Provide training and documentation
Design with future changes in mind

6. Choose a Partner, Not a Vendor

Ultimately, you want more than a one-off installer — you need a technology partner who understands your goals and works with you long after handover.

At mtc, we’ve supported businesses across Japan with fully integrated, easy-to-use, and future-proof AV systems. With in-house bilingual experts, construction licenses, and a managed service approach, we don’t just install — we take ownership.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you’re opening a new office, relocating your team, or upgrading outdated systems, choosing the right AV partner can make all the difference.

At mtc, we deliver seamless, fully integrated AV solutions tailored to your business needs — with licensed in-house teams, bilingual project managers, and years of experience supporting global clients across Japan.

Let’s talk about your next project.

📞 Contact us for a free consultation or project review.