{"id":1816,"date":"2024-12-05T14:29:39","date_gmt":"2024-12-05T14:29:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecomgrowth.show\/?post_type=podcasts&#038;p=1816"},"modified":"2024-12-19T03:28:32","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T03:28:32","slug":"expanding-to-amazon-japan","status":"publish","type":"podcasts","link":"https:\/\/ecomgrowth.show\/expanding-to-amazon-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Expanding to Amazon Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ep. 9: Expanding to Amazon Japan\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/L5kzl-3dUz8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In this episode of <em>The eCom Growth Show<\/em>, <strong>Danan Coleman<\/strong> interviews <strong>Gary Huang<\/strong>, Amazon expert and founder of the <strong>7 Figure Seller Summit<\/strong>. Gary reveals why Amazon Japan is the untapped marketplace sellers need to pay attention to and provides actionable steps to break into this market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Meet Gary: The Amazon Japan Expert<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Gary Huang has been in the eCommerce space<strong> for over a decade<\/strong>, specializing in helping sellers expand into international marketplaces. Based in <strong>Tokyo, Japan<\/strong>, Gary has firsthand experience navigating Amazon Japan\u2019s opportunities and challenges. He is the founder of the <strong>7 Figure Seller Summit<\/strong> and <strong>7 Figure Japan Mastermind<\/strong>, offering resources for sellers looking to scale globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Amazon Japan?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>4th Largest Amazon Marketplace<\/strong>: Japan has ~126 million people, double the population of the UK.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Less Competition<\/strong>: Ranked 8th globally in seller count, meaning lower saturation compared to smaller markets like France or Spain.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Logistical Advantage<\/strong>: Shorter shipping times and lower costs for products sourced from <strong>China<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Zero Tariffs<\/strong>: Unlike U.S.-China trade wars, products shipped to Japan benefit from <strong>zero tariffs<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Key Insight<\/strong>: \u201cAmazon Japan is a blue ocean opportunity. It\u2019s the fourth biggest market with far less competition than the U.S. or EU.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Overcoming Barriers to Entry: The Six Bridges<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Gary outlines <strong>six bridges<\/strong> sellers must cross to successfully launch and thrive on Amazon Japan:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong>Product Market Fit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Not all products will work in Japan. Follow these steps to validate product-market fit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use tools like <strong>Amazon\u2019s Product Opportunity Explorer<\/strong>, <strong>Helium 10<\/strong>, and <strong>Jungle Scout<\/strong> (they support Amazon Japan).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Explore <strong>amazon.co.jp<\/strong> with its built-in English translation feature to research competition and demand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leverage <strong>YouTube<\/strong> to understand cultural nuances. Example: Search \u201cJapanese kitchen size\u201d to see if your product fits. They probably don&#8217;t have space for a 128 bottle wine fridge&#8230;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Pro Tip<\/strong>: Products like yoga mats, which are oversaturated in the U.S., face far less competition in Japan.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>Localization: Japanify Your Listings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Localization is more than translation\u2014it\u2019s about adapting to Japanese cultural preferences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use <strong>native Japanese translators<\/strong> experienced in Amazon SEO. Gary recommends <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/ylt-translations.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">YLT Translations<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Adjust images and messaging to align with Japanese cultural standards. Example: In beauty products, Japanese consumers prefer pale skin tones, unlike Western markets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Include <strong>English keywords<\/strong> sparingly to resonate with local buyers (e.g., \u201cfashion brow ultra fluffy\u201d).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Key Insight<\/strong>: \u201cJapanification goes beyond words. It\u2019s about aligning with Japanese consumer preferences in images, branding, and messaging.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong>Import Compliance<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Japan has specific regulations for imports. Pay close attention to these product categories:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Supplements and Cosmetics<\/strong>: Require additional certifications unique to Japan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Medical Devices and Plastic Goods<\/strong>: Products that touch food or drinks need special compliance testing.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Recommended Partner<\/strong>: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yunige.info\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Yunige<\/a><\/strong> helps sellers navigate compliance, testing, and customs requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Pro Tip<\/strong>: Don\u2019t skip this step\u2014non-compliant products risk getting stuck at customs. Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/ecomtriage.com\/how-tariff-terminator-revolutionizes-import-duties-for-amazon-sellers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this link<\/a> for more information about customs<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Shipping Logistics and 3PLs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Japan offers faster and cheaper shipping, especially for products sourced from China:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Shipping time: <strong>7-10 days<\/strong> (China to Japan) vs. <strong>30-45 days<\/strong> (China to the U.S.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower costs: Free trade agreements with <strong>Vietnam, Thailand, India<\/strong>, and some EU countries provide <strong>zero duties<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No need to form a Japanese company\u2014you can sell as a foreign entity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Key Tip<\/strong>: Hire a local <strong>Attorney for Customs Procedures (ACP)<\/strong>, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yunige.info\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Yunige<\/a>, to simplify import logistics.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <strong>Launch Strategy: Global Review Advantage<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Amazon\u2019s <strong>Global Review System<\/strong> allows sellers to carry over their reviews:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Example: If you have <strong>700 reviews<\/strong> on a product in the U.S., you can launch in Japan with those same reviews.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lower competition in Japan means your reviews can position you as a top seller immediately.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Key Insight<\/strong>: \u201cLaunching in Japan with existing reviews is the ultimate white-hat launch strategy.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. <strong>Optimize Marketing for Japan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Amazon Japan offers all the advertising tools available in the U.S., with lower costs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>PPC Ads<\/strong>: Lower CPC compared to U.S. and EU markets.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>External Traffic<\/strong>: Leverage platforms like <strong>LINE<\/strong>, Japan\u2019s top social app, to build customer lists.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Influencer Marketing<\/strong>: Platforms like <strong>Instagram<\/strong> and <strong>Twitter (X)<\/strong> are highly popular and effective for brand promotion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Pro Tip<\/strong>: Use <strong>LINE<\/strong> insert cards to build lists and send promotions\u2014it\u2019s Japan\u2019s version of WeChat.<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bonus Opportunity: Seven Figure Japan Mastermind<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Gary invites sellers to an <strong>in-person conference<\/strong> in Tokyo:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Event<\/strong>: 7 Figure Japan Mastermind<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>When<\/strong>: March 17-18 (right after Prosper Show)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What<\/strong>: A 2-day event featuring experts on localization, compliance, and launch strategies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Details<\/strong>: Visit <strong><a href=\"#\">sevenfiguresellerjapanmastermind.com<\/a><\/strong> for more information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Takeaway: Why Sellers Should Expand to Japan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Amazon Japan offers a massive opportunity for sellers looking to scale beyond the saturated U.S. market:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Less competition<\/strong> and <strong>lower costs<\/strong> create an ideal growth environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Faster logistics and <strong>zero tariffs<\/strong> provide a profitability edge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Carrying over reviews through the <strong>Global Review System<\/strong> allows for an easier, faster launch.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Key Quote<\/strong>: \u201cIf you\u2019re not selling on Amazon Japan yet, you\u2019re leaving money on the table.\u201d<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Connect With Gary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Download the Japan Scorecard<\/strong>: Visit <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sevenfiguresellersummit.com\/growth\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">sevenfiguresellersummit.com\/growth<\/a><\/strong> to assess your product\u2019s potential in Japan.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Email Gary<\/strong>: Contact <strong><a href=\"mailto:gary@8020sourcing.com\">gary@8020sourcing.com<\/a><\/strong> for expansion guidance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Learn More<\/strong>: Join the Seven Figure Japan Mastermind at <strong><a href=\"#\">sevenfiguresellerjapanmastermind.com<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Selling on Amazon Japan is a <strong>blue ocean opportunity<\/strong> for eCommerce brands willing to overcome the language and cultural barriers. With Gary Huang\u2019s six bridges, sellers can unlock this untapped market, reduce costs, and increase profitability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Stay tuned to <em>The eCom Growth Show<\/em> for more insights from global experts like Gary Huang who are redefining success in eCommerce.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this episode of The eCom Growth Show, Danan Coleman interviews Gary Huang, Amazon expert and founder of the 7 Figure Seller Summit. Gary reveals why Amazon Japan is the untapped marketplace sellers need to pay attention to and provides actionable steps to break into this market. Meet Gary: The Amazon Japan Expert Gary Huang&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1819,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false},"class_list":["post-1816","podcasts","type-podcasts","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"taxonomy_info":[],"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/ecomgrowth.show\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/ep9yt-1024x574.png",1024,574,true],"author_info":[],"comment_info":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecomgrowth.show\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/podcasts\/1816","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecomgrowth.show\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/podcasts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecomgrowth.show\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/podcasts"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ecomgrowth.show\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1819"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ecomgrowth.show\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1816"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}