How to Find Suppliers in Japan: Free Public Tools, Trade Shows and Factory Visits

Key points

Japan has free public tools for finding suppliers: JETRO's Japan Street catalogue, the J-GoodTech matching platform and the J-messe trade fair database. Two of them need approval or a recommendation before you can join.
Trade shows let you meet many suppliers in a few days. Search J-messe by industry to find the right one.
Many small makers reply mainly in Japanese, and some sell abroad only through trading companies. Short, clear inquiries work best.
For a visit, book appointments in advance and plan the route, especially for factories outside the big cities.

Before you start: write down what you need

Suppliers in Japan answer faster when they can see exactly what you want. Prepare a one-page summary before you contact anyone:

The product and its specifications, with photos or drawings
The quantity per order and per year
Your target price and delivery date
The country you will import into, and the certifications or labels it requires
A short introduction to your company and its website

Free public tools for finding suppliers

1. JETRO Japan Street (online catalogue for buyers)

Japan Street is a business-to-business online catalogue of Japanese products, launched by JETRO (the Japan External Trade Organization) in 2021. Buyers can join only after JETRO confirms them, and registration goes through a JETRO office outside Japan. The JETRO office in Germany says it can also help with interpreters (JETRO Germany: Japan Street). Contact the JETRO office for your country to check whether you can join.

2. J-GoodTech (business matching platform)

J-GoodTech is a business matching platform run by SME Support Japan (SMRJ), a government-affiliated agency. Members use it free of charge to find business partners and send proposals. Overseas companies need a recommendation from an overseas support organization approved by SMRJ before they can register (J-GoodTech).

3. J-messe (trade fair database)

J-messe is JETRO's database of trade fairs in Japan and around the world. You can search by industry, date and city to find shows where suppliers in your field exhibit (JETRO J-messe).

Meet suppliers at a trade show

A trade show is often the fastest way to compare many suppliers in person. Before you go:

Check the official website for visitor registration. Many business shows ask visitors to register in advance.
Make a list of exhibitors you want to see, and email them to ask for a short meeting at their booth.
Bring plenty of business cards. Exchanging cards is the usual way to start a business conversation in Japan.
Keep one or two days free after the show for factory or office visits with the suppliers you liked.

Contacting suppliers directly

Smaller makers often have no export staff, and their replies may come mainly in Japanese. Some sell abroad only through a Japanese trading company that handles export paperwork and shipping. These tips help:

Keep your first email short: who you are, what you want, the quantity and the timing.
If you can, add a Japanese version of your email. It shows that you are serious and makes a reply easier.
Ask early whether they can export directly, or whether they work with a trading company.
Ask about samples, minimum order quantity, lead time and payment terms before you talk about price in detail.

Visiting a factory or supplier

Book in advance: visits are usually by appointment. Agree on the date, time and who will attend.
Send an agenda: share your questions and materials before the visit, so the supplier can prepare the right people and samples.
Plan the route: many factories are outside Tokyo and Osaka, far from the nearest station. Check trains and taxis, or hire a car with a professional driver. Paid rides in someone's private car are illegal in Japan (see How Much Does a Private Tour Guide Cost in Japan?).
Bring an interpreter if needed: technical details and prices are easy to misunderstand. An interpreter who knows the area can also help you get there on time.

Get local help on jpwork hub

On jpwork hub, Partners in the "Business Coordinator & Guide" category can help you prepare online before you fly, accompany you to meetings and factory visits, interpret, and keep the day on schedule. You can also look for Partners who cover the area where your supplier is.

Partners publish their own plans and prices, and you can also post a request with your dates, area and budget.
Pay by card (Visa, Mastercard or American Express) in Japanese yen, then agree on the details by message.

We are a new service, so the number of Partners still varies by area and language. Posting a request is free.

See Business Coordinator & Guide

FAQ

Can I search for Japanese suppliers for free?

Yes. J-GoodTech is free for members, and J-messe is open to everyone. Japan Street and J-GoodTech need approval or a recommendation before you can join, so contact JETRO in your country first.

Do Japanese suppliers speak English?

Some do, especially companies that already export. Many small makers reply mainly in Japanese, so a Japanese version of your email or an interpreter can make a big difference.

Should I visit suppliers in person?

For a first order, a visit helps you check quality and build trust. Plan it around a trade show to meet several suppliers on one trip.

Photo: Warehouse shelves with boxes, delphinmedia / Pixabay License (Pixabay).