Japan market entry, without the usual risk.

We provide a fully-managed, low-risk path to test and grow your brand in Japan – including compliance, Amazon Rakuten operations and local logistics.

Test the Japanese market without setting up a local entity or signing heavy exclusive contracts. We handle regulations, Amazon and Rakuten operations, and logistics – all in one integrated package from market testing to full-scale expansion.

Target Overseas brands and manufacturers planning to enter the Japanese market
Channels Amazon Japan, Rakuten, Shopify and other EC channels
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Why Japan is attractive but extremely hard to enter

Japan is one of the most attractive e-commerce markets in the world. High purchasing power, strong online penetration – and very demanding customers. At the same time, regulations, logistics standards and platform rules make Japan one of the hardest markets to enter from overseas.

Regulation

  • Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, Act against Unjustifiable Premiums, Electrical Appliance Safety Act, Radio Act, Food Sanitation Act
  • Advertising expressions are regulated even for cross-border EC
  • Risk of account suspension or sales ban for violations

Customer expectation

  • Next-day delivery and high packaging quality are standard
  • Returns happen even when customers simply don't like the product
  • Detailed customer support in Japanese is essential

Platforms

  • Amazon Japan has strict screening and unique algorithms
  • Rakuten requires high operational effort and Japanese-style page design
  • Customer acquisition costs are extremely high with your own EC site alone

Why typical Japan entry attempts fail

Many foreign brands try Japan via cross-border shipping or by signing an exclusive distributor too early. Both approaches usually lead to poor data, low sales and long-term lock-in.

1

Cross-border only: no real market signal

  • International shipping from overseas inventory
  • Long delivery times and not Prime eligible
  • Almost no reviews accumulate
  • Conditions differ too much from normal Japan standards to serve as a valid demand test
2

Exclusive distributor too early

  • Signing exclusive contracts without market data
  • Choosing the wrong partner locks you in for years
  • Sales and customer insights don't come back to the manufacturer
3

Ignoring Japan-specific rules and operations

  • Sales suspended for neglecting Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, PSE, or technical regulations
  • Account troubles from failing to adapt to Amazon Japan and Rakuten operational rules
  • Withdrawal due to underestimating Japanese CS and returns handling workload

What we actually provide

We are not just an Amazon agency. We design and operate your entire Japan market entry path – from real-market testing to full-scale expansion, including compliance, EC operations and logistics.

Low-risk, data-driven market test

Without establishing a Japanese entity or signing a general distributor contract, conduct test sales in conditions close to actual Japanese purchasing environments and make entry decisions based on data, not intuition.

Compliance and operations handled for you

We handle regulations like the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, PSE, and technical standards together with Amazon Japan and Rakuten operations – taking on the most burdensome areas for overseas manufacturers as a complete package.

Clear path from test to full expansion

We design inventory strategy, channel expansion, and distribution model planning from the start for after you see positive test results – providing a long-term growth route that doesn't end with short-term testing.

Services

Japan Market Test Program

Conduct test sales using Amazon Japan or Rakuten without establishing a Japanese entity or signing heavy exclusive contracts. We partner with FBA and Japanese warehouses to verify with the same delivery speed and CS conditions that Japanese customers normally experience.

  • Product listing and page creation for Amazon Japan / Rakuten
  • Japanese product descriptions, images, and Q&A creation
  • Advertising operations and keyword optimization
  • Review acquisition strategies and rating monitoring
  • KPI visualization over 3-6 month test period

Compliance and Brand Setup

We establish the legal compliance and brand foundation necessary for selling in Japan.

  • Risk checks for Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, Premiums Act, Electrical Appliance Safety Act, Radio Act, etc.
  • Pre-check and improvement suggestions for product pages and advertising expressions
  • JAN code acquisition support
  • Trademark application support in Japan, brand name preliminary research
  • Amazon Brand Registry registration support
  • Japan-specific packaging display and logo usage guidelines

Scale-up and Distribution Design

Based on data obtained from testing, we design the expansion phase for the Japanese market.

  • Design of Japanese inventory placement (FBA, Rakuten warehouse, 3PL)
  • Channel expansion to Rakuten, own EC (Shopify, etc.)
  • Design of general distributor, wholesale, and partner structures according to category
  • Proposal of timing and options for Japanese entity establishment when necessary

How it works

From initial discussion to full-scale presence in Japan. A clear, step-by-step path.

0

Discovery and fit check

  • Hearing about product category, current sales scale, and target market
  • Simple diagnosis of regulatory risks and competitive environment in Japan
  • Sharing rough direction of test objectives, duration, and budget
1

Real-market test on Amazon Rakuten

  • Test listing on Amazon Japan / Rakuten
  • Recreate Japanese standard delivery experience using FBA and Japanese warehouses
  • Measure actual CVR and demand through advertising operations and review acquisition
2

Scale with local inventory and multi-channel EC

  • Expand Japanese inventory focusing on best-selling products
  • Add channels such as Rakuten and own EC
  • Maximize sales and profits through advertising and page improvements
3

Design distribution and long-term model

  • Consider general distributor or wholesale models based on category and track record
  • Organize brand position in the Japanese market
  • Design long-term revenue model and role allocation
4

Optional: Set up your own Japanese entity

  • Consider establishing a Japanese entity once sufficient sales scale and reproducibility are confirmed
  • Support smooth transition in cooperation with tax, accounting, and employment specialists

What you can expect from the test

The goal of the test is not just to make short-term sales, but to understand whether and how your brand can sustainably grow in Japan.

Understand the price range and profit structure that works in Japan

Discover which keywords and appeals generate the best response

See review gaps and evaluation points compared to major competitors

Grasp the balance of sales and profit against advertising costs

Make data-driven decisions on whether to fully enter the Japanese market

Frequently asked questions

Q

Do we need to set up a Japanese company?

No. For the initial test phase, you do not need to set up a Japanese entity. We design the structure so that you can start with minimal fixed cost and flexibility.
Q

Who is responsible for legal compliance in Japan?

We perform an initial risk check and help you design product listings and ads that align with Japanese regulations. However, final legal responsibility always stays with the manufacturer and the importing entity. If needed, we can introduce legal specialists for high-risk categories such as cosmetics, medical devices and foods.
Q

How much budget do we need for the test?

It depends on your category and target, but typically you need initial setup and listing cost, plus a minimum monthly ad budget for Amazon or Rakuten. We will propose a concrete test plan and budget range after the discovery call.
Q

Can you also help us find a distributor if the test goes well?

Yes. Based on the test results and your category, we can support you in designing an exclusive distributor model or approaching potential partners in Japan.
Q

Which categories do you work with?

We mainly work with consumer products that can be sold via Amazon Japan and Rakuten and that can comply with Japanese regulations. High-risk categories may require additional legal review.

About us

We are a Japan-based partner specialised in helping overseas brands enter and grow in the Japanese e-commerce market. With experience in web services, infrastructure and operating EC for Japanese clients, we understand both the technical and regulatory sides of doing business in Japan.

Company Information

Location
Japan
Main Focus
Japan market entry via Amazon, Rakuten and other EC channels
Languages
Japanese, English

Start your Japan market test

Considering Japan but not sure where to start? We will review your product, category and goals, and propose a realistic test plan tailored to your situation.