JETRO holds Tokai export matchmaking: 40 firms, 11 trading houses, 71 meetings
JETRO held a business-matching event in Nagoya on October 14 between makers from four Tokai prefectures and Japan-based export trading companies. Forty companies took part and held a total of 71 meetings with 11 trading houses. The report presents trading-house exports as an easy first step because talks and payment can be in Japanese and yen.
Key points
- Held in Nagoya on October 14, co-hosted with the Gifu Industry and Economy Promotion Center, for firms in Aichi, Gifu, Mie and Shizuoka
- 40 companies making ceramics, textiles, wood products, cosmetics and household goods took part, with 71 meetings with 11 domestic export trading companies
- This is the fourth straight year; it helps first-time exporters and also lets existing exporters reach new markets
Background
Domestic export trading companies have sales channels in North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and elsewhere, and carry goods overseas on behalf of makers. JETRO notes that exporting through them allows talks in Japanese and payment in yen, which lowers the barrier for first-time exporters.
Higashiyama Kaihatsu of Kasugai, Aichi, which makes hand-carved wooden cutlery, said lacquer-hardened wooden knives that can cut meat drew attention, and all samples it brought were handed over. Proposals in Europe are reportedly being considered.
What it means for shops
For small makers and workshops without the capacity to find overseas buyers themselves, exporting through a domestic trading company is a realistic option. Products such as cosmetics and household goods, where Japanese character and usage explanations add value, can be new items for traders. Businesses in other regions may want to check whether similar matchmaking events exist locally.
What shops should do
- Prepare a sheet with your product features, price, minimum order and sample availability that you can hand to a trading company
🔒 3 more action items for subscribers
Summaries are written by Seiichi Studio based on the original releases. Always check the source for the exact details.