PLYMOUTH Argyle is chasing major business deals in Japan – but won't be able to finalise them unless Japanese players are brought to the club next year.

The club has revealed that it is in talks with one of Japan's largest advertising firms about 'various sponsorship and advertising opportunities'.

That firm represents some of the Asian country's 'leading international companies'.

The talks follow the arrival of businessman Yasuaki Kagami as a director in April and, two months later, the appointment of Japanese footballing legend Yasuhiko Okudera as president.

Argyle said Mr Kagami has been using his Far East business contacts in a bid to set up deals.

But the club admitted the lucrative Japanese market is a tough one to crack.

Argyle chairman Paul Stapleton warned that securing sponsorship deals in Asia would be dependent on the Pilgrims landing Japanese players.

And this can't happen until at least January, after the J-League season ends and when there is an international transfer window.

But he stressed the club is already scouting top J-League stars and promising youngsters.

Manager Paul Sturrock has been watching DVDs of 'leading J-League players', and the club wants him to jet to Japan to watch potential signings in the flesh.

Argyle also revealed that Mr Okudera has had 'very constructive meetings' with the Japanese Football Association, about the Pilgrims' plans to sign young up-and-coming Japanese stars.

Mr Stapleton stressed: "Japan has attracted a lot of attention from foreign clubs, but very few have been successful there.

"It takes a long time to develop the contacts and trust required to operate in that market and that is why we are very fortunate to have Mr Okudera and Mr Kagami on board."

He said marketing deals would have to wait until at least the new year.

"Firstly, we have to get the Japanese players in and that won't be until January, at the earliest," he said.

"Even then, that will be dependent on whether the manager can find the players he wants.

"We have identified areas where we believe the club could maximise its sponsorship opportunities.

"However, as the club already has some very loyal and supportive sponsors in place for this season, it will probably be next year before we will see any tangible benefits from Japanese sponsors."

He said Mr Okudera's talks with the JFA had been 'very positive'

"The JFA are fully supportive of this initiative," he said. "They appreciate that, if their young players are to maximise their potential, they need to be exposed to different styles of football.

"It is indeed a great honour that they trust Mr Okudera and Plymouth Argyle with the development of their most promising players."

Mr Stapleton further said it was 'never really an option' to bring Japanese players to the club before January – because the Japanese season doesn't end until December and 'most Japanese players would wish to honour their contracts'.

He said any signings would be 'entirely a matter for the manager'.

He said: "From a marketing perspective and to maximise our exposure in Japan, it would be better to sign the very best players, but, at the same time, the manager has to be confident that they are good enough to play at this level and will fit into his team.

"We will bring over players only that he really wants; if not, the whole exercise is self-defeating.

"With younger players, it's not quite the same problem – there will be less expectation on them, and the manager will have time to nurture and develop them to the standard he requires."

He was unable to name any players already scouted because to do that would be disrespectful to their existing clubs.

Mr Stapleton said that despite being 5,814 miles away, Mr Kagami and former 1FC Koln star Mr Okudera had kept abreast of developments at Home Park.

"The club sends DVDs of all Argyle's games and daily clippings from The Herald and Western Morning News to Mr Kagami and Mr Okudera," Mr Stapleton said. "They also follow the club's progress on the official club website and various other internet sites."

Mr Stapleton is also in 'almost daily' contact with Tony Campbell, the businessman who brokered the deal that led to Mr Kagami's K&K Shonan Management Corporation owning a 20 per cent stake in the Pilgrims.

"Mr Kagami is hoping to come over in October and hasn't been too concerned about our start to season," said Mr Stapleton. "He very much takes the long long-term view and understands that ups and downs are part of every sport."

In June, The Herald reported that an Argyle tour of Japan in 2009 was possible.

Mr Stapleton said this would be 'a very exciting event and a great opportunity for the club'.

But he added: "It would take some time to arrange. A lot of thought and discussion will have to take place with the coaching staff with regards to the timing of the event. I

"It would have to fit in and complement the players' training schedule."