Helping international brands grow in Japan

What types of companies do you work with?

ABC works with international brands that want to grow in Japan and need expert support and creative solutions across consulting, import, and logistics.

Do you work with cosmetics brands entering Japan?

Yes! ABC holds the relevant Japanese cosmetics business licenses and supports the necessary compliance procedures, including testing, labeling, documentation, and product notifications, where applicable.

Do you support food and beverage imports into Japan?

Yes! We support food and beverage imports through regulatory checks, documentation, labeling, testing coordination, and guidance on applicable duties and taxes.

Can ABC help businesses already operating in Japan?

Yes! We help companies improve their existing operations by identifying inefficiencies, resolving communication challenges, supporting negotiations, refining strategies, and optimizing import and logistics processes.

Do you work with UK, European, and US brands?

Yes! We regularly work with companies from the UK, Europe, the US, and other international markets. Our multicultural team helps bridge communication and business-culture differences.

Do you support regulated product categories?

Yes. We support products requiring specific documentation, testing, labeling, or regulatory procedures. Since product classifications and requirements may differ between countries, we assess the relevant Japanese regulations before import.

How does ABC support brands entering Japan?

ABC helps international brands enter and grow in Japan by combining strategic consulting with hands-on import, logistics, and ongoing operational support. We tailor our services to each brand’s unique opportunities, challenges, and business objectives.

What is the first step to importing products into Japan?

The first step is to correctly classify the product and identify the applicable Japanese regulatory requirements. We also assess market opportunities to help determine the most suitable market-entry strategy.

Do all products need testing to be imported into Japan?

Not all products require testing before import into Japan. Depending on the product category and applicable regulations, certain products may require documentation reviews, safety checks, or laboratory testing.

Do we need Japanese labeling for our products?

Japanese labeling requirements vary depending on the product category. ABC can help prepare compliant Japanese labels and coordinate their application to products when required.

Can ABC support both import and fulfillment in Japan?

Yes. ABC provides integrated import and fulfillment support in Japan, including customs clearance, warehousing, inventory management, and nationwide B2B and B2C distribution.

Can ABC help if our Japan operation is already running?

Yes. ABC helps companies improve their existing operations in Japan by identifying challenges, optimizing processes, developing relationships with suitable local partners, and supporting sales and marketing activities.

What is Japan market consulting?

Japan market consulting helps international brands enter, establish, and grow their business in Japan through strategic planning, local market expertise, and practical execution. It covers everything from initial market assessment to implementing effective business strategies.

Can ABC help us enter Japan for the first time?

Yes. ABC supports brands entering Japan for the first time through consulting, regulatory preparation, import, and logistics services. We can also assist with market research, pop-up sales events, and other activities to evaluate market potential and develop business opportunities.

Can ABC help us fix slow growth in Japan?

Yes. ABC helps brands address slow growth in Japan by identifying operational challenges, cultural and communication differences, and opportunities to improve their market strategy and execution.

Does ABC support go-to-market planning for Japan?

Yes. ABC supports go-to-market planning in Japan, including market readiness assessments, brand positioning, sales channel development, overall strategy, and detailed import planning.

Can ABC support negotiation with Japanese partners?

Yes. ABC supports negotiations with Japanese business partners by bridging cultural and communication differences, aligning expectations, and helping both sides find mutually beneficial solutions that build strong, long-term relationships.

Is consulting separate from import and logistics services?

Yes. ABC’s consulting services can be provided independently or combined with our import and logistics services. This flexibility allows us to tailor our support to each client’s needs, from strategic advice to complete operational execution.

What is included in a Japan import service?

ABC import support typically includes product definition according to the Japanese law, compliance planning that can be completely different from the country of origin, documentation guidance that will be in Japanese, coordination of required checks and lab examinations, and support through customs and the tax handling.

Can ABC help us import cosmetics into Japan?

Yes. ABC holds a Japanese Cosmetics Manufacturing and Marketing License (化粧品製造販売業許可) and has extensive experience importing cosmetics into Japan. We support international brands with regulatory compliance, product notifications, import procedures, and coordination with relevant Japanese authorities, helping them bring their cosmetic products to the Japanese market smoothly and efficiently.

Can ABC help us import food and beverages into Japan?

Yes. ABC supports the import of food and beverages into Japan, including preparation of required documentation, coordination with the relevant quarantine authorities, food import notification procedures, and laboratory testing when necessary. We help brands understand Japanese food import requirements and prepare for a smooth import process.

How do we know if our product can be imported into Japan?

ABC begins by reviewing your product category, ingredients or specifications, and applicable Japanese regulations to assess import feasibility and identify any necessary approvals, inspections, or documentation. We can also provide information about applicable import duties and taxes to help you evaluate costs and make informed business decisions before shipment.

Do we need a Japanese company to import into Japan?

Not necessarily. The requirements depend on the product category, applicable regulations, and the import arrangement. Certain products, such as cosmetics, require appropriately licensed businesses in Japan to handle specific regulatory responsibilities. ABC holds the relevant Japanese Cosmetics Manufacturing and Marketing License and can support brands with these requirements. Food imports also involve specific importer and notification requirements. For other products, overseas companies may be able to import without establishing their own Japanese company, provided the necessary customs and regulatory arrangements are in place. ABC can assess your situation and help determine a suitable import structure.

Can ABC coordinate customs clearance in Japan?

Yes. ABC coordinates customs clearance procedures for shipments arriving in Japan by air or sea. We help prepare the necessary documentation, coordinate with customs brokers and relevant authorities, and address potential compliance issues to support timely and efficient clearance.

What is included in Japan's logistics and fulfillment services?

ABC provides Japan logistics and fulfillment services for international brands, including warehousing, inventory storage, order processing, labeling, repacking, pick-and-pack fulfillment, and nationwide delivery. We also support inventory management through advanced warehouse management systems (WMS) and our English-language online platform, helping international clients monitor stock and manage shipping operations remotely.

Can ABC store our products in Japan?

Yes. ABC provides warehousing and product storage solutions in Japan tailored to your product category, inventory volumes, operational requirements, and budget. We work with different logistics arrangements to identify the most suitable storage solution for your business.

Can ABC handle labeling and repacking in Japan?

Yes. ABC supports product labeling, relabeling, packaging design, packaging production, and repacking services in Japan, depending on your product category and regulatory requirements. These services can help international brands adapt their products for the Japanese market and prepare them for distribution and retail sales.

Do you support both B2B and B2C fulfillment in Japan?

Yes. ABC supports both B2B and B2C fulfillment in Japan, including order processing, pick-and-pack operations, and nationwide shipping. We coordinate logistics solutions for deliveries to distributors, retailers, businesses, and individual consumers, with an emphasis on accuracy, efficiency, and reliable delivery.

Can you support fulfillment for marketplaces like Amazon Japan?

Yes. ABC has extensive experience supporting logistics and fulfillment for online marketplaces such as Amazon Japan and Rakuten. Our services include inventory storage, order processing, packaging, and shipping arrangements, as well as Amazon FBA preparation, labeling, and shipment to Amazon fulfillment centers. We support businesses of different sizes, tailoring our logistics solutions to their sales volumes, operational requirements, and growth objectives.

How do we monitor stock levels in Japan?

ABC provides inventory tracking and stock-level reporting based on your operational needs. Alongside our warehouse management systems (WMS), we have developed an easy-to-use English-language online platform that allows clients to check stock levels in real time, place shipping orders, and manage customer delivery addresses from anywhere in the world. Integration with existing systems may also be available, depending on technical compatibility.