# Kakehashi

> Kakehashi (架け橋, "bridge") is a Sydney-based, bilingual Japan market entry and sales service for Australian producers. We find the right Japanese buyers (importers, distributors, retailers and restaurant groups), handle the relationship in Japanese, and stay on as the client's Japan team. Japanese buyers purchase directly from our clients; we do not buy, import or resell products.

- Who we help: Australian food, beverage, seafood, health, beauty and lifestyle producers.
- Team: Australian-born, with native Japanese backgrounds; fluent in English and Japanese; in Japan regularly.
- Fit: An Australian-made or Australian-grown product, the ability to supply consistently, and the patience to build a Japanese channel over 6 to 18 months.

## How it works
1. Check your fit: A free call to understand your product and goals. If it makes sense, we review demand, competitors, pricing and requirements in Japan and give you a clear recommendation.
2. Prepare for Japan: We build your Japan plan and prepare Japanese sales materials and product information, so buyers can say yes quickly.
3. Win buyers: We shortlist and approach the right importers and distributors, arrange meetings in Japan, and support you through negotiation to your first order.
4. Grow in Japan: We stay on as your Japan team: managing the relationship, reorders, new accounts and regular visits.

## Services
- Japan Readiness Check: Find out whether Japan is right for your product before you invest. Includes demand and competitor review, pricing guidance, regulatory and labelling overview, written recommendation and debrief call.
- Japan Market Entry: From plan to first order. Includes Japan go-to-market plan, Japanese sales materials, buyer shortlist and outreach, sample coordination, meetings in Japan with us alongside you, negotiation support.
- Japan Representation: Your Japan team, without the overhead. Includes ongoing buyer relationship management, reorders and new accounts, regular visits to Japan, monthly updates.
- Also available: Japan trade show support, Japan market visits, hosting Japanese buyers in Australia, Japanese marketing materials, sample programs, Japan business culture workshops for your team.

## Sectors
- [Food and produce](https://kakehashi.au/sectors/food-and-produce/): Japanese consumers and chefs value quality, safety and provenance, and Australian produce has a strong reputation for all three.
- [Wine, spirits and craft beer](https://kakehashi.au/sectors/wine-spirits-and-craft-beer/): Japan has a sophisticated drinks culture and a growing appetite for premium and craft labels.
- [Seafood, meat and dairy](https://kakehashi.au/sectors/seafood-meat-and-dairy/): Australia is a long-standing, trusted supplier of premium protein to Japan.
- [Health and beauty](https://kakehashi.au/sectors/health-and-beauty/): From supplements to skincare, Japanese buyers look for clean, effective products with a story.
- [Fashion and lifestyle](https://kakehashi.au/sectors/fashion-and-lifestyle/): Distinctive Australian design and natural materials can find a loyal audience in Japan.

## FAQ
- Do you buy or import our products? No. Japanese buyers purchase directly from you. We find and win those buyers, manage the relationship and support you throughout.
- Who do you work with? Australian food, beverage, seafood, health, beauty and lifestyle producers. We look for an Australian-made or Australian-grown product, the ability to supply consistently, and the patience to build a Japanese channel over 6 to 18 months.
- What happens on the free call? It is a 20-minute video call, on Sydney time, to understand your product and goals. If Japan makes sense, we explain how we would approach it and what the next step looks like.
- Do I need to speak Japanese? No. We handle communication in Japanese and keep you informed in English.
- Do I need to travel to Japan? It helps to visit at key moments, and we will plan and join those trips with you. Much of the work we can do on your behalf.
- How do you charge? Every engagement is tailored to your product and goals. After a free call we will send a clear written proposal.
- Do I need a Japanese importer? In most categories, yes. Someone in Japan has to bring your product in and handle the import requirements. That might be a specialist importer, a distributor, or a retailer or restaurant group that imports directly. We find the right one for your product.
- What kinds of Japanese buyers do you approach? It depends on your product. We approach importers, distributors, retailers that import directly, restaurant groups and online sellers, whichever suits your category and goals.
- Will Japanese buyers want samples? Usually, yes. Japanese buyers generally want to see, taste or test a product before they order. We coordinate samples as part of our Japan Market Entry service.
- Do I need Japanese labelling? In most categories, products sold in Japan need Japanese labelling that meets local rules, and the requirements differ by category. We cover them in the Japan Readiness Check.
- How long does it take to get into Japan? It varies by product, but building a Japanese channel usually takes 6 to 18 months. Japanese buyers value preparation and long-term commitment.
- What happens after the first order? We can stay on as your Japan team through Japan Representation: managing the buyer relationship, reorders and new accounts, with regular visits to Japan and monthly updates.
- Can government export grants help? Some export marketing activities may be eligible for government export grants. Eligibility depends on your business, so please check with your own adviser or Austrade. We are not affiliated with any government agency.
- Can you guarantee results? No one can honestly guarantee orders in a new market. What we can promise is a clear plan, Japanese-language expertise and persistent follow-up.

## Pages
- [Home](https://kakehashi.au/)
- [How it works](https://kakehashi.au/how-it-works/)
- [Services](https://kakehashi.au/services/)
- [Sectors](https://kakehashi.au/sectors/)
- [FAQ](https://kakehashi.au/faq/): questions about selling into Japan and working with us
- [About](https://kakehashi.au/about/)
- [Check your Japan fit](https://kakehashi.au/japan-fit/): a short quiz
- [Japan Export Readiness Checklist](https://kakehashi.au/checklist/): a free on-page checklist, no sign-up
- [Contact](https://kakehashi.au/contact/): book a free 20-minute call
- [日本語](https://kakehashi.au/ja/): for Japanese importers and buyers

## Optional
- [Partners](https://kakehashi.au/partners/): for business advisers, accountants and industry bodies
- [Insights](https://kakehashi.au/insights/): guides for Australian exporters
- [How to export food from Australia to Japan: a step-by-step guide](https://kakehashi.au/insights/export-food-from-australia-to-japan/): From checking your fit to shipping your first order, these are the steps most Australian food producers go through to sell in Japan.
- [What Japanese importers look for before they say yes](https://kakehashi.au/insights/what-japanese-importers-look-for/): Japanese importers are cautious for good reason. Here is what they check before taking on a new Australian supplier, and how to be ready.
- [Pricing your product for Japan: from your door to the Japanese shelf](https://kakehashi.au/insights/pricing-your-product-for-japan/): Your export price is only the start. Here is how costs and margins build up between your door and a Japanese shelf, and how to check your numbers work.
- [Japanese labelling basics for Australian food and drink brands](https://kakehashi.au/insights/japanese-labelling-basics/): Every food and drink product sold in Japan needs a Japanese label. Here is what it includes, who applies it, and the details that catch exporters out.
- [Why introductions are not orders: the follow-up that wins Japanese buyers](https://kakehashi.au/insights/why-introductions-are-not-orders/): A good first meeting in Japan rarely ends with an order. What happens afterwards is what decides whether one comes.
- [Japanese business etiquette for Australian exporters](https://kakehashi.au/insights/japanese-business-etiquette/): Japanese buyers do not expect Australians to be experts in etiquette, but they notice effort. These are the basics that make a good impression.
- [Privacy Policy](https://kakehashi.au/privacy/)

Information on this website is general in nature and is not legal, tax, financial or grant advice. Kakehashi is not affiliated with or endorsed by Austrade or any government agency.