Frequently asked questions
How does the inquiry process work?
You submit an inquiry in English through the inquiry form. Our team reviews it, translates it into Japanese where needed, and forwards it to the most relevant Japanese manufacturers. Their responses are returned to you in English. Typical turnaround is 2-3 business days.
Is the platform a broker or a reseller?
Neither. We are an information and introduction service. Once we connect you with a manufacturer, the purchase contract is between you and the manufacturer directly. The platform does not take a cut of the transaction (Phase 1).
Can I contact manufacturers directly?
In Phase 1, direct contact is not the main path. Many Japanese manufacturers do not have English-speaking staff and prefer Japanese-language communication. The platform handles the language and business-practice gap for you. Manufacturers with documented English support are flagged on their pages.
What minimum order quantities (MOQs) should I expect?
MOQs vary widely by ingredient, manufacturer, and format. Specialty fermented ingredients may have MOQs as low as 5-20 kg; commodity ingredients typically start at larger volumes. Each ingredient page lists typical MOQ where known.
What about exports, customs, and regulatory compliance?
The platform provides orientation information only. Actual export procedures, customs documentation, and destination-market regulatory compliance are the buyer's responsibility. For orientation on Japanese-side export procedures and destination-market rules, see the companion /en/regulation/ section.
How are manufacturers selected for the platform?
Phase 1 candidates are identified from publicly available sources — official websites, JETRO directories, industry associations, and government-certified producer lists. Before publishing a manufacturer page, we send the manufacturer a pre-notification and offer them the opportunity to review the entry. Pages remain noindex until Phase 1 onboarding is complete.
Why are some ingredient names written in specific regional forms?
Several Japanese ingredients have geographical indication (GI) protection or UNESCO craft recognition. We follow the correct regional or registered designation — e.g. 'Matcha from Uji region', 'Hatcho Miso (Okazaki)', 'Okinawa Kokutō' — rather than treating these as generic descriptors.
What happens with my inquiry data?
Inquiry data is stored by the platform operator for the purpose of fulfilling your inquiry. It is shared with Japanese manufacturers only to the extent necessary to obtain a response. We do not sell your data to third parties.
Still have a question?
Send an inquiry and our team will reply.
Disclaimer
Japan Ingredient Sourcing Platform introduces overseas buyers to Japanese ingredient manufacturers. The platform is an information service only and is not a party to any purchase, supply, or manufacturing contract between buyer and seller.
Information shown — including company details, product descriptions, regions of origin, minimum order quantities, lead times, certifications, and regulatory references — is compiled primarily from publicly available sources and manufacturer websites. Specifications change without notice; buyers are expected to verify current specifications, pricing, certification status, and regulatory compliance directly with each manufacturer before placing orders or signing contracts.
The platform operator is not licensed to provide legal, regulatory, customs, tax, or professional advice. References to third-party companies, products, certifications, trademarks, and geographical indications (GI) are factual and do not imply endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.