Working with NAGASE helped us overcome large minimum order quantities for imports. We now source just-in-time, which has solved our challenges with both inventory costs and storage space.
Unlock the Japan Market with NAGASE
Amid the ongoing diversification of the global market, the Japan market hold immense potential for new business opportunities and growth. However, complex regulations, unique business practices, and supply chain challenges can act as barriers to entry for overseas suppliers. With over 190 years of experience and trust, the NAGASE Group is a powerful partner in overcoming these hurdles, providing strong support for both sourcing from and selling into the Japanese market.
NAGASE Group is proud to be ranked 4th globally in the 2025 ICIS "Top 100 Chemical Distributors." This prestigious ranking confirms our status as a world-class distribution partner, offering the paint and ink industry a reliable, secure, and robust global supply chain you can trust.
Common Challenges with sourcing or Sales in Japan Market
Procurement Managers at Paint & Ink Manufacturers
✔ Mismatched Procurement Lots
Minimum order quantities for imported goods are often too large, exceeding our needs and increasing inventory risk and costs.
✔ Communication Challenges with Overseas Suppliers
Even after starting to work with them, we feel anxiety and frustration due to language barriers and time differences, especially when issues arise.
✔ Uncertainty in Selecting Overseas Products
Having only purchased domestic products, it's difficult to judge which overseas manufacturers are reliable.
✔ Seeking to Optimize Cost, Quality, and Supply
We are looking for new suppliers who can offer better value, higher quality, and a stable supply.
International Supplier Executives & Sales Managers
✔ Barriers to Entry in the Japanese Market
Although attracted to the Japanese market, you are hesitant to enter due to challenges with unique business practices, regulations, and sales channels.
✔ Packaging Discrepancies
Your standard packaging does not match the needs of the Japanese market, causing you to miss sales opportunities.
✔ Lack of Sales Channels
You are unable to find a reliable sales partner or are experiencing issues with your existing distributor.
✔ Global Expansion of Japan-Approved Products
You want to leverage your Japanese certifications and evaluations to expand sales to other countries, but coordination is difficult.
NAGASE's Solutions
NAGASE provides comprehensive solutions designed to address the challenges listed above and guide your business to a new stage of growth.
Strong Sales Network
- Top distributor in the paint and ink market
- Handles a wide range of raw materials
- Also trades with resin manufacturers
Expertise and Technical Support
- Sales team with specialized expertise
- In-house laboratory for evaluation and sample creation
Logistics & Quality Support
- Capable of handling various import forms:
ISO containers, IBC containers, drums, flexible containers, bags, etc.
- Domestic inventory management
- Thorough compliance with laws and regulations
Global Expansion & Marketing Support
- Building partnerships both in and outside of Japan
- Proven track record of long-term business relationships
- Web marketing initiatives
Built to Deliver What’s Next
At NAGASE, we bring together deep expertise, trusted relationships, and advanced capabilities to help our customers succeed. Our strengths span human talent, technical knowledge, manufacturing excellence, and global networks—built on nearly two centuries of experience. These assets enable us to support sustainable growth and create real-world value in response to evolving societal and industry needs.
We offer more than just materials—we provide solutions. By leveraging our core functions in trading, manufacturing, and research and development, we stay closely connected to market and customer demands. Our trading networks give us access to global insights and emerging needs, while our manufacturing and R&D teams turn those insights into innovative products and practical solutions tailored to your business.
Voice of Our Partner
NAGASE's collaborations with our partners have already yielded several successful results. Here are some testimonials from our partners.
Nagase’s network unlocks opportunities we couldn’t reach alone. Their connections boost visibility, accelerate market entry, and position us for success in high-growth industries.
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Solutions Beyond Trading
From R&D to distribution, we deliver more than just trading—we offer strategic support across the value chain to fuel your business growth.
We’re Here to Help
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