How to Find Suppliers in Japan: 6 Steps to Follow

Japan is known for producing high-quality, reliable, and often innovative products. Whether you're sourcing electronic parts, lifestyle products or artisanal goods, learning how to find suppliers in Japan can give your business a reliable supply chain and competitive edge.

Today, we’re going to cover six key steps on the path to finding reputable Japanese suppliers. We’ll walk through sourcing strategies, Japanese business culture, platforms to consider, best practices, and a list of Japanese dropshipping suppliers. We'll also discuss the Wise Business account. The global account that can help your company with all things cross-border.

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Why Businesses Source from Japan

Japanese manufacturers have a reputation for paying close attention to detail, high product quality, and a commitment to consistency. With all of these reasons in mind, businesses that prioritize quality over volume often seek out Japanese suppliers.

Japan’s exports include:

• Electronics
• Cars and automotive parts
• Cosmetics
• Green tea and matcha
• Kitchenware
• Hobbyist products

In many industries, product development and testing are more rigorous than in other markets. These extra steps offer some buyers more confidence in products sourced from Japan versus other countries.

Japan also has a strong domestic logistics network, which helps with timely shipping and reduced product damage. Many Japanese businesses have impressively efficient warehouse management and quality control systems that help minimize returns and maximize customer satisfaction.

However, finding the right suppliers and building trust takes time: it’s not a decision to make lightly.

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Step-by-Step: How to Find Japanese Suppliers

Japan’s business environment places a big emphasis on trust, quality and detail, so it’s worth taking a structured approach to sourcing.

Below are six practical steps to identify, evaluate, and build lasting partnerships with Japanese suppliers. Whether you're seeking wholesale goods or a dropshipping partner, these methods will give you a reliable foundation to start from:

Step 1: Start with Online Marketplaces

Japanese suppliers often list products on domestic and international platforms.

These platforms provide a place for businesses to check out what’s trending and find manufacturers and sellers. Even though these platforms are consumer-facing, many sellers also operate as wholesalers.

Start by checking out:

• Rakuten Ichiba
• Amazon Japan
• Yahoo! Shopping

Then, try filtering Japanese suppliers on international B2B platforms like Alibaba, Global Sources, or Made-in-China.com (where you’ll sometimes find Japanese vendors).

Regardless of the platform you choose, pay attention to metrics and indicators like response time to inquiries, reviews, and how long the supplier has been active.

For business-focused directories, use the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).¹ The Japanese government backs JETRO and offers access to export-ready suppliers sorted by category and region.¹

Step 2: Explore Government and Trade Resources

In addition to JETRO, your own country’s trade office may help you find Japanese suppliers.

For example, the U.S. Commercial Service can identify Japanese manufacturers aligned with your sourcing needs.²

Industry associations, like the Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA) or Japan Auto Parts Industries Association (JAPIA), often maintain member directories that list verified companies, too.^{3 4}

Local chambers of commerce in big cities (including Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya) sometimes publish business directories for foreign buyers and investors. These include small and medium-sized enterprises not always visible on global platforms.

Step 3: Attend Japanese Trade Shows (Or Join Virtually)

Attending trade shows in Japan is a powerful way to meet manufacturers and distributors in person.

Some of the most popular expos include:

• Tokyo International Gift Show: Features lifestyle and gift items
• Foodex Japan: One of Asia’s largest food and beverage expos
• Japan IT Week: For electronics and software vendors
• JAPAN DIY Homecenter Show: Home improvement, tools, and equipment

Use trade show websites to access lists of exhibitors and contact them directly. Then, plan to schedule meetings with specific vendors in advance.

Can’t attend in person? Fortunately, you can often find post-show directories that list exhibitors’ product lines and contact details.

Step 4: Join Online Communities and Forums

Online sourcing communities often share real-world experience on finding reliable suppliers.

Websites like Reddit’s r/dropship, r/importexport, or professional LinkedIn groups allow members to recommend specific Japanese companies or alert others about scams. You’ll also find discussions about shipping providers, language tips, and sample order experiences.

Quora and industry-specific forums can also be helpful. Try searching queries like “Where can I find a Japanese wholesaler for kitchenware?” or “How to connect with Japanese toy manufacturers?” to begin.

Peer insight is also helpful when it comes to spotting red flags and avoiding mistakes others have made doing the same thing.

Step 5: Hire a Local Sourcing Agent

A sourcing agent with knowledge of the Japanese market can be an incredibly valuable asset. They offer services like language assistance, local market insight and vendor verification. This is especially helpful if you’re placing big orders, working with manufacturers in rural areas, or need custom product development.

They can take care of tasks like:

• Vetting manufacturers and inspecting their facilities
• Translating contracts and negotiation terms
• Arranging logistics, samples, and shipping
• Managing quality control and production timelines

Look for agents who are registered businesses in Japan or have a transparent track record with international clients. You can find them through LinkedIn, sourcing forums or directories like ExportHub and Kompass Japan.

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Best Practices for Working with Japanese Suppliers

Now that we’ve covered some of the critical steps to follow in the process, let’s move on to best practices for working with Japanese suppliers.

Respect Business Formality

Business culture in Japan tends to be formal and respectful. For example, you can typically expect communication to begin with titles and surnames. Sending a clear, well-written email with a formal introduction and purpose will go further than casual outreach.

Even if your contact speaks English, avoid using slang or idioms. Many Japanese companies prefer written documentation and may ask for official documents in Japanese. To avoid ambiguity or misunderstanding, consider hiring a translator for product specs or contracts.

Be Patient and Build Relationships

Japanese companies are often cautious when entering new partnerships. Unlike some sourcing environments where speed is emphasized, Japanese suppliers may take extra time to review your request, confirm capabilities, and ask detailed questions.⁵

This may feel slow at first, but it reflects a long-term orientation. This due diligence pays off: once a relationship is established, you can expect loyalty, consistent quality, and timely service.

Clarify Terms and Shipping Details

Both parties must understand the terms of sale, including payment methods, Incoterms, and shipping responsibilities. Often, Japanese suppliers prefer bank transfers or Letters of Credit over platforms like PayPal.^6,7

Some of the critical details that need to be laid out include:

• Who’s in charge of customs clearance and duties
• What shipping method is used (i.e., air, sea, express courier)
• Expected delivery timelines
• Return or refund procedures
• How defects are handled

Having these terms in writing, ideally in both languages, will reduce misunderstandings.

Request Samples and Certifications

Don’t place a bulk order until you’ve requested a sample. This way, you can verify quality and test packaging, labeling, and product functionality before making any big purchases.

Depending on the product categories you’re buying, you might also need to ask for certifications.

For example, with food, cosmetics, or electronics, you might request:

• ISO quality standards
• Ingredient safety data sheets
• Product testing reports

Japanese companies are typically compliant, but double-check what your country’s import laws require.

Popular Japanese Dropshipping Suppliers

Often, eCommerce businesses want to avoid storing inventory, and that’s where dropshipping comes in.

Here are a handful of well-known Japanese dropshipping suppliers and platforms to help make that happen:

1. EPROLO
2. Japan Trend Shop
3. ZenMarket
4. AliExpress with Japan-based Sellers
5. Printful or Printify (Ships to Japan)

Bringing Japanese Products into Your Supply Chain

You don’t need to figure everything out at once. Start with one method, whether that’s contacting suppliers through a trusted directory, attending a virtual trade show or reaching out to a sourcing agent. Each step builds momentum.

Once you learn how Japanese suppliers work and what matters in local business culture, your sourcing process will be a lot more efficient.

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Sources

1. Japan External Trade Organization -
2. U.S. Commercial Service
3. Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association (JEITA)
4. Japan Auto Parts Industries Association (JAPIA)
5. Article: Strategic Alliances and Partnerships in Japan
6. Methods of Payment In Japan
7. Letters of Credit in Japanese-United States Trade