04 - Search partners & distributors in Japan
Partner & distributor search in Japan, find the right business allies
In Japan, success often depends on the strength of your local partners. Finding the right distributor, agent, importer, or trading company is one of the most critical steps when entering the Japanese market. It’s also one of the most challenging, especially without local knowledge, contacts and language fluency.
With over 30 years of experience in Japan-related business, we help foreign companies identify, evaluate, and connect with reliable Japanese partners that align with their product, brand, and market goals.
Why partner selection matters
Japan’s business landscape is built on long-term relationships, trust, and mutual commitment. Choosing the wrong partner can delay your market entry, damage your reputation, or result in lost time and revenue.
The right partner, on the other hand, can:
guide you through local compliance and customs
strengthen your brand credibility
provide access to retail, B2B, or e-commerce sales channels
act as a long-term ally in building your Japan footprint
But finding them requires more than Google searches and trade show walk-ins. It requires knowledge of who’s behind the scenes, how Japanese companies make decisions, and what truly motivates them to partner. Japan Trade Advisor would be very happy to assist you on finding the right setup for the Japanese market, including being part of the long-term setup ourselves.
What’s included in the partner search service
identification of suitable partner profiles based on your product, pricing, and goals
shortlisting of Japanese companies that meet key criteria
outreach and initial communication in Japanese (on your behalf)
preparation of Japanese-language materials to support engagement (translation might be outsourced depending on volume)
cultural and strategic guidance on how to approach, pitch, and negotiate
optional: support with Zoom meetings and follow-up communication
My service is focused on quality over quantity. The goal is not to give you a long list—it’s to help you build real connections with companies that are ready to do business.
Who this is for
companies ready to start selling in Japan and in need of a local distributor or importer
brands planning to exhibit at Japanese trade shows and seeking qualified meetings
businesses with previous failed partnerships looking to reboot with better guidance
export managers looking for a neutral, experienced third-party to handle outreach
Why work with us
30+ years of Japan market experience, including distributor development and evaluation
a strong network across multiple industries including building materials, food, daily goods, and industrial equipment
fluent communication in Japanese and English
practical experience in both European and Japanese business styles
a reputation for honest, clear, and strategic advice
The process
initial consultation to understand your product and goals
market and channel review to determine the ideal partner type
partner identification and shortlisting
initial outreach and communication with potential partner companies
Let’s find your ideal partner in Japan
Don’t waste time chasing the wrong leads. Let’s find and connect you with Japanese companies that truly understand your product and can help you succeed in the market.
Want to learn more about Japan, & doing business in Japan?
Don’t forget to explore our blog “Looking into the Japanese Mind.” This blog gives you essential insights into Japanese business culture, communication norms, and the decision-making style of Japanese companies. Understanding these elements will help you build trust, avoid misunderstandings, and succeed in the Japanese market. You can read the blog here: Inside the Japanese mind.
You should also take advantage of our advanced data service at JapanTradeStatistics.com. This platform provides the fastest and most precise way to analyze Japan’s import and export movements, updated directly from official Japanese trade data. With just a few clicks, you can filter thousands of HS4 codes, compare markets, and understand complex trade developments in seconds, giving you a competitive advantage that traditional spreadsheets or slow databases cannot offer. All dashboards run in Power BI, allowing you to embed live, automatically updated charts directly into your PowerPoint presentations, ensuring that your reports always contain the latest information without you ever have to update it manually.
JapanTradeStatistics.com is an invaluable tool for:
Trading companies evaluating market shifts
Journalists and analysts covering economic or geopolitical developments
Public institutions and embassies tracking bilateral trade
Exporters and importers identifying new opportunities
Consultants and researchers needing reliable, real-time data
Investors monitoring changes in the markets.
If you work with Japan, or plan to, this tool will save you hours of research while giving you insights that help you act faster, identify opportunities earlier, and make better, data-driven decisions.
Please ask for a quotation