For overseas buyers
Buying Japanese products from producers in Japan.
If you received an email from me, this page explains what I do, what I do not do, and what you pay. I am Koki Hagiuda, and I run Japan Access Desk from Saitama, Japan. Most of my current work is in Japanese matcha, but the approach is the same for other Japanese products.
What I do
- Find producers and wholesalers in Japan that fit your request.
- Ask them, in Japanese, the questions that decide whether a conversation is worthwhile: export availability, product form and grade, price range, minimum order quantity, samples, lead time, packaging and documents.
- Report back in English, stating what was confirmed and what was not.
- Introduce you to the supplier so that you can discuss terms and order directly.
- If you would rather I keep handling the Japanese side after the introduction, that can be arranged separately.
What I do not do
- I do not hold stock, and I am not a distributor or a trading company.
- I am not a party to your contract with the supplier. Price, quality, delivery and payment are agreed between you and them.
- I do not guarantee a supplier's answer, timing or terms. Where something is unconfirmed, I say so.
What you pay
Nothing for an introduction. I am paid by the supplier, under terms we agree before the introduction is made.
If you ask for separate work beyond an introduction, such as research or ongoing coordination in Japan, I quote it and we agree the scope, fee and timing in writing before it starts.
What to send me
A short email is enough. The more of the following you include, the more precise my first questions to suppliers can be.
- The product and how you will use it. For matcha, the grade or intended use (ceremonial, culinary, food ingredient) and the form you need.
- Quantity and how often you expect to order.
- Destination country.
- Any certification you require, such as organic.
- Any producer or product you already have in mind.