Bridging Global Brands with Japan’s Top Distributors
Over 6,000 Online Business Negotiations!
With over 4 years of experience facilitating exclusive distribution agreements between Japanese clients and global manufacturers, our company helps you successfully close negotiations with overseas brands.
With over 4 years of experience facilitating exclusive distribution agreements between Japanese clients and global manufacturers, our company helps you successfully close negotiations with overseas brands.
3 Reasons Why Global Brands Want to Enter the Japanese Market
Large Market Size & High Purchasing Power
With Japan being the world’s third-largest economy, a stable political environment, and a growing e-commerce sector, it is an attractive market for global brands.
Additionally, due to the rise in inbound tourism, many international visitors have developed an interest in Japanese products, encouraging overseas companies to expand into Japan.
The aging population and high-income demographics also make Japan a profitable and sustainable market for premium brands.
Additionally, due to the rise in inbound tourism, many international visitors have developed an interest in Japanese products, encouraging overseas companies to expand into Japan.
The aging population and high-income demographics also make Japan a profitable and sustainable market for premium brands.
Japanese Customers Have High Standards
Success in Japan enhances a brand’s global reputation as a high-quality and reliable product.
Japanese consumers have a strong preference for quality and excellent customer service, and their high repeat purchase rate makes them ideal long-term customers.
Being established in Japan also provides a competitive advantage when expanding into other Asian markets.Diversification Beyond Western Markets.
Japanese consumers have a strong preference for quality and excellent customer service, and their high repeat purchase rate makes them ideal long-term customers.
Being established in Japan also provides a competitive advantage when expanding into other Asian markets.Diversification Beyond Western Markets.
Diversification Beyond Western Markets
With increasing political and economic uncertainties in the US and Europe, expanding into new markets has become essential for global brands.
Many industries face intense competition in Western markets, while Japan still has room for new players in various sectors.
By localizing their products and marketing strategies, overseas brands can successfully capture the demand of Japanese consumers.
Many industries face intense competition in Western markets, while Japan still has room for new players in various sectors.
By localizing their products and marketing strategies, overseas brands can successfully capture the demand of Japanese consumers.
Japan presents a unique opportunity for global brands looking for stability, profitability, and long-term success!
Major Challenges for Global Brands Entering the Japanese Market
1
Language & Cultural Barriers
Japan is an extremely attractive market, but it is also a monolingual and culturally unique country.
Unlike Western markets where English is commonly spoken, Japanese consumers predominantly use only Japanese.
Additionally, as an island nation, logistics and customs procedures can be complex, making it difficult for Western manufacturers to handle operations independently.
Unlike Western markets where English is commonly spoken, Japanese consumers predominantly use only Japanese.
Additionally, as an island nation, logistics and customs procedures can be complex, making it difficult for Western manufacturers to handle operations independently.
2
Strict Regulations & Certifications
Japan has numerous unique regulations and certifications, such as PSE, TELEC, the Food Sanitation Act, and the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act.
To legally sell products in Japan, companies must go through local certification processes, ingredient labeling adjustments, and packaging localization, in addition to standard product registration and compliance.
To legally sell products in Japan, companies must go through local certification processes, ingredient labeling adjustments, and packaging localization, in addition to standard product registration and compliance.
3
Limited Resources Due to Focus on Home Markets
For many global brands, North America and Europe remain the top priorities since these markets operate primarily in English.
As a result, many companies lack the internal resources and expertise to expand into Japan on their own.
As a result, many companies lack the internal resources and expertise to expand into Japan on their own.
4
Difficulty in Building Distribution Channels
Japan's major e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Rakuten, Yahoo! Shopping) require specialized operational knowledge to be successful.
Additionally, securing retail distribution with major chains like Bic Camera, Don Quijote, and department stores can be highly challenging without local business connections.
Additionally, securing retail distribution with major chains like Bic Camera, Don Quijote, and department stores can be highly challenging without local business connections.
These challenges make it crucial for global brands to partner with experienced distributors who can navigate the complexities of the Japanese market!
Why Should Your Brand Enter the Japanese Market Now?
Low Initial Investment | Expanding into Japan requires a local entity, office, warehouse, advertising budget, and various other resources and costs. For startups, it can be challenging to invest heavily in these expenses from the beginning. However, the distributor model offers a different approach. By partnering with a local distributor, your brand can enter the Japanese market immediately with minimal upfront investment. | |
Chinese Manufacturers and Companies Are Rapidly Entering the Japanese Market | If your brand does not expand into Japan soon, Chinese factories and companies will quickly produce similar products at lower costs and capture the market before you do. They are rapidly entering the Japanese market, taking the market share that should rightfully belong to your brand. To protect and expand your business, it is crucial to establish your presence in Japan as soon as possible. | |
Long-Term Partnerships Lead to Stable Revenue Growth | Entering the Japanese market independently can be challenging. However, by partnering with a local distributor, your company can quickly expand its wholesale customer base in Japan. As order volumes increase, you gain better leverage for price negotiations with factories while also building a strong sales track record in Japan. This strengthens your brand's credibility and long-term market presence. | |
Japanese Consumers Love International Brands | Japanese consumers have a strong preference for foreign brands. By partnering with a local distributor and executing a solid marketing strategy, your brand can successfully establish a strong and lasting presence in the Japanese market. Japan also has amazon.co.jp, so it's a perfect platform to strengthen your brand in Japan! |
Our expertise ensures smooth and successful deal closures and relationship building between you and Japanese merchants
Over 500 Companies and 6,000+ Zoom Negotiations in Just 4 Years!
We have successfully conducted business negotiations with manufacturers from North America, Europe, Asia, and around the world.
With over 800 product contracts secured and extensive experience in launching products through Makuake crowdfunding, we are equipped to negotiate with any global manufacturer.
We Are More Than Just English Interpreters!
Our team brings over 18 years of expertise in Japanese e-commerce, international trade, logistics, and a strong network of partners.
With our extensive knowledge and experience, you can confidently build a successful business partnership with us.
Ongoing Support Beyond the First Negotiation
In Japan, trust is the foundation of successful partnerships. With our extensive experience, we don’t just assist in the initial negotiation—we act as your dedicated negotiation partner throughout the year, ensuring continuous support for your business.
Process for Entering the Japanese Market
1
Initial kick-off Zoom meeting
We will conduct ZOOM business negotiations with Japanese distributors and your company. Our team will handle all aspects of the process in English, including business explanations, partnership strategies, initial order discussions, and contract finalization, ensuring a smooth and successful agreement.
2
Localizing Marketing Materials into Japanese
After finalizing the contract, the initial product order will be placed. We will obtain marketing materials from the manufacturer and begin the localization process. Product pages for Amazon and Rakuten will then be created and optimized for the Japanese market.
3
Launch Sales in Japan
As the exclusive distributor in Japan, our client will begin selling the products through Amazon, Rakuten, our own e-commerce store, and wholesale channels, expanding the brand’s presence in the Japanese market.
Who is the right fit for Japanese market?
1
Established Brands with Proven E-Commerce Success in North American and European Market
Brands that already have a stable track record on Amazon.com or European Amazon markets are perfect fit for entering to the Japanese market. We work exclusively with companies that have consistent sales, a well-established supply chain, and efficient production, ensuring a smooth transition into the Japanese market.
2
Brands Looking to Expand Market Share in Japan
If your company aims to maintain and grow sales in Western markets while partnering with a Japanese distributor to expand in Japan, this service is for you. We help brands secure a strong market share in Japan through strategic partnerships.
3
Brands Seeking a Low-Risk Entry into the Japanese Market
Expanding into a new country often requires significant upfront investment. If you are unsure about your initial sales potential in Japan, partnering with a local distributor allows you to reduce entry costs and mitigate risks. Our service enables you to sell your products B2B to a Japanese distributor, who will handle sales and marketing on your behalf.
Extensive Experience in Supporting Global Business Negotiations
4+ Years partnership support
Over four years of experience in online negotiations with global manufacturers.
6,000+ Negotiations
Conducted over 6,000 online negotiations with global manufacturers, supporting exclusive distribution agreements for crowdfunding projects and general market sales.
500+ Companies Supported
Assisted over 500 Japanese businesses in securing partnership agreements with overseas manufacturers.
Meet Our Team
Kazuma Hayashi
CEO & Founder
Kaz is the founder and CEO of ELITERS PTE. LTD., specializing in negotiations with manufacturers from North America and Europe, supporting clients from initial discussions to closing deals. With 20 years of experience in the e-commerce industry and 8 years of living abroad in Canada and Singapore, he has a strong global perspective.
Having served as an exclusive distributor for overseas brands for seven years, Kazuma has facilitated over 6,000 negotiations and supported 500+ Japanese businesses since 2020, helping numerous overseas manufacturers enter the Japanese market successfully.
Having served as an exclusive distributor for overseas brands for seven years, Kazuma has facilitated over 6,000 negotiations and supported 500+ Japanese businesses since 2020, helping numerous overseas manufacturers enter the Japanese market successfully.
Keneeth
China & Southeast Asia Market Advisor
A Singaporean entrepreneur, Kenneth is the founder of the SWANZ brand, which has been successfully sold across Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe for many years.
With extensive experience working with local distributors in multiple markets, he brings expertise in building successful distributor relationships. Kenneth has deep knowledge in crowdfunding launches across different countries, Amazon, and Shopee sales strategies. Fluent in English and Chinese, he is highly skilled in negotiations with Chinese manufacturers.
With extensive experience working with local distributors in multiple markets, he brings expertise in building successful distributor relationships. Kenneth has deep knowledge in crowdfunding launches across different countries, Amazon, and Shopee sales strategies. Fluent in English and Chinese, he is highly skilled in negotiations with Chinese manufacturers.
Marin
Advertising & Business Meeting Interpreter
Marin is an expert in digital advertising and holds an official Meta advertising certification.
She has years of experience managing marketing campaigns and has worked as an interpreter for client-manufacturer meetings at ELITERS for over four years.
Her expertise helps facilitate long-term relationships between overseas manufacturers and Japanese clients.。
She has years of experience managing marketing campaigns and has worked as an interpreter for client-manufacturer meetings at ELITERS for over four years.
Her expertise helps facilitate long-term relationships between overseas manufacturers and Japanese clients.。
Alex
Media Creator
A Japanese-American bilingual, Alex is fluent in both Japanese and English.
He has appeared in numerous Kickstarter and Searching C crowdfunding campaign videos, and has extensive experience in product reviews and media content creation for global brands.
He has appeared in numerous Kickstarter and Searching C crowdfunding campaign videos, and has extensive experience in product reviews and media content creation for global brands.
Kevin
Project Manager
An Indonesia-based professional, Kevin has extensive experience working as a BPO staff member for major Western corporations.
He is skilled in managing remote teams and recruiting top young talent at cost-effective rates in Indonesia.
Kevin plays a crucial role in building successful project teams and ensuring smooth execution.
He is skilled in managing remote teams and recruiting top young talent at cost-effective rates in Indonesia.
Kevin plays a crucial role in building successful project teams and ensuring smooth execution.
Max
North America & Europe Alliance Advisor
Born in Germany and currently living in the United States, Max is a German-American e-commerce expert.
He has a strong background in B2B alliances, legal affairs, and M&A, with years of experience in the e-commerce industry.
Max’s insights and strategic guidance are invaluable, particularly during contract negotiations with North American manufacturers.
Fluent in English and German, he holds permanent residency in the U.S., Canada, and Germany, making him a true cross-border business specialist.
He has a strong background in B2B alliances, legal affairs, and M&A, with years of experience in the e-commerce industry.
Max’s insights and strategic guidance are invaluable, particularly during contract negotiations with North American manufacturers.
Fluent in English and German, he holds permanent residency in the U.S., Canada, and Germany, making him a true cross-border business specialist.
Successful Japan Market Expansion Cases
Who We Are
ELITERS was founded in Tokyo in 2019 and relocated its headquarters to Singapore in 2022. Our primary focus is facilitating partnerships between overseas corporations and Japanese businesses.
We have extensive experience in helping brands launch in Japan through crowdfunding platforms such as Makuake, Greenfunding, and Campfire.
There are still many global manufacturers interested in expanding into the Japanese market. Our mission is to bridge the gap between Japanese businesses and overseas manufacturers, creating successful long-term partnerships.
Contact Us
PHONE
+65-8886-0984
EMAIL
info@elitersclub.com
ADDRESS
11 TAMPINES STREET 92 #03-02 TAMPINES BIZ-HUB 528872 SINGAPORE
© 2025 ELITERS PTE.LTD ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.