Advice on working with a Japanese company

[Berabouman]

Hi, I wasn't quite sure which board to post this in, because it's not technically about working IN Japan, but I couldn't think of where else it would fit. I apologize in advance if it's off-topic or in the wrong place, and I'll delete it if it is.
I've recently started some negotiations with a Japanese company that started up in my country - I'm helping them source for contacts and generally getting them in touch with locals. So far I've met with the senior staff as well and I've let them know I wouldn't mind helping them with things. There have been a few meetings but no formal interviews as of yet.
What I'm wondering is - how should I go about broaching the subject of a job offer with them? As I understand it, the way Japanese companies do things is step-by-step, and they are very concerned with the proper procedure. With this in mind, I was thinking of letting them make the first move, but it's been a few weeks since the first meeting and nothing is forthcoming.
Things have been a bit irregular because first off, I was introduced to them as a friend, and secondly, I don't really have an "official" position - I'm mainly helping them with translation work, some admin and sourcing of contacts. They are a small operation, and so far I've been doing everything essentially for free, in the interest of goodwill (and the tacit understanding of a job offer somewhere down the line)
Should I be changing my standpoint? Am I missing something here? I have some freelance translation experience, but I'll be the first to admit I don't really know much about how a Japanese company functions, especially in terms of hiring. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Glenski]

Do you want to be an employee for that company or just a paid contractor? Depending on your answer, your wording might differ, but if you are already helping out by getting their feet in the door, you might want to consider creating a position for yourself there -- full-time direct hire or contractor.

Over an alcohol-lubricated dinner meeting, you could wangle the conversation your way with something like this:
"Say, Tanaka-san, I hope I'm not being to forward with this, but I think you are really going to need a [insert position here] for the company. That would best be filled by a local person, as I'm sure you can understand. Since I've already laid some groundwork for you, and know your needs fairly well..."

Even this is a bit aggressive, but it's probably the best way rather than waiting for them to come out and ask.

You said you have had only one meeting with them. That can't be the extent of your contact to this point, though, is it?

Being introduced as a friend? Friend to whom? In what context? People are human and will take anything free that they can get, so stop the "friend" stuff and start acting like a businessman.

First things first -- stop doing translating for free.

[Berabouman]

Thanks a lot for your advice. It really put things in perspective for me. I think I definitely need to change tactics and approach, as well as my general attitude as well.

I've only met the head of the company once, but I have met the assistant manager a few times, as well as exchanging phone calls and emails with the staff of course.

I was introduced by a friend who started working there part-time. But yes, I agree that the human relations aspect only goes so far and I should probably start acting more businesslike if I wanted to be treated that way.