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Sourcing from Japan


Udon vs Ramen vs Soba: Understanding the Differences in Japan’s Iconic Noodles
When people outside Japan think of Japanese noodles, ramen is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Its bold flavors and global popularity have made it a star. Tenpura Udon at Kanekohanosuke But Japan’s noodle culture is much richer than ramen alone. Among its many varieties, udon stands out for its simplicity, warmth, and deep connection to regional traditions. To appreciate udon fully, it helps to understand how it differs from two other famous Japanese noodles: ram
ARISA SAITO
Jan 212 min read


Kurizuki Kumamoto: A Pure Japanese Chestnut Sweet You Shouldn’t Miss
Kurizuki: A Taste of Kumamoto’s Quiet Elegance Across Japan, every region has its own distinctive food culture; shaped by local climate, ingredients, and generations of craftsmanship. Even within the world of wagashi, these sweets are far more than simple treats; they are small stories that speak of the land where they were born. In this article, I would like to introduce Kurizuki, a confection from Kumamoto that I first encountered in 2025. This sweet played a defining rol
ARISA SAITO
Jan 144 min read


Guide for U.S. Companies: Import Regulations When Sourcing Products from Japan
A practical, category-by-category overview for American buyers Introduction: Why Importing products from Japan Feels Complicated Japan is known for high-quality products, exceptional craftsmanship, and reliable manufacturing. But for many U.S. companies, sourcing from Japan feels intimidating because: Regulations differ by product category Multiple U.S. agencies may be involved (FDA, USDA, CPSC, FCC, CBP) Documentation requirements are strict Japanese suppliers often lack exp
ARISA SAITO
Jan 143 min read


Japanese Lifestyle Products: The Real Next Trend After Matcha
Matcha has taken over the world: lattes, desserts, skincare, you name it. But Japan has so much more to offer than just its famous green tea powder. If you look a little closer, there are small, beautifully crafted items that quietly shape everyday life in Japan. And I believe these are the next things global audiences will fall in love with. Today, I’m sharing four Japanese items I’m personally excited about. They’re practical, lightweight, culturally rich, and surprisingly
ARISA SAITO
Jan 74 min read


Why You Should Source Directly from Japan: Better Margins, Authenticity, and Quality
Japanese products already have strong demand in the World, especially in the US and Europe. From matcha and snacks to stationery, kitchenware, and beauty items, consumers consistently associate Japan with quality, design, and trust. But here’s the problem: sourcing Japanese products inside the U.S. and Europe is expensive, unreliable, and often not truly “Japanese.” If you want better margins, guaranteed authenticity, and access to unique products your competitors don’t have,
ARISA SAITO
Jan 73 min read


Importing from Japan: The Cultural and Practical Barriers No One Talks About
Japan is admired worldwide for its craftsmanship, product quality, and attention to detail. For overseas companies, importing Japanese products can be a powerful way to differentiate their assortment and offer something truly unique. But once companies begin the process, they quickly discover something unexpected: Importing from Japan is not straightforward. Not because the products are hard to find. But because the information, communication style, and business culture behin
ARISA SAITO
Jan 43 min read
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