TRAVESIA, Inc. connects your business idea with local product and service providers in Japan.
Our Services
What We Do
Discover hidden assets in Japan for your business.
Overseas companies do not always possess the necessary assets to explore what Japan can offer beyond the conventional matchmaking platforms. Travesia, Inc. offers a wide range of functions necessary for local operations. We find suppliers for your sourcing needs and arrange export logistics. We liaise with manufactures for your product development in Japan. We provide tailored expansion strategies to handle your business with Japan.
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We conduct meticulous research and define a workflow before reaching out to local suppliers
Each supplier has its own considerations when deciding whether to embark on a cross-border project. We recognise the importance of visualising how they can apply their expertise in collaboration with overseas businesses.
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We have experience both as an exporter and importer
Whether it involves purchasing items, acquiring assets, or developing products, local and cross-border logistics are always a factor. Our firsthand experience with Japan’s complex distribution systems and regulations helps prevent potential setbacks that you might encounter.
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We belong to a legal service firm and are familiar with the Corporate Laws
Travesia, Inc. originally started as a consulting arm of Kano Legal Office, a solicitor’s office in Osaka that handled incorporation, property registration, and inheritance matters. The firm’s services are crucial for your long-term commitment to Japan.
Best Sourcing Services: let Japan provide what you want
We do not simply serve as a buying agent. Our notion is that the product or service design of many Japanese SMEs, from the concept to the visual presentation, often only considers the local Japanese contexts, not those of other countries.
We believe, if an overseas company brings business ideas and Japanese suppliers react with exquisite skill or profound knowledge, the result will be very original.
How we handle procurement process
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01. Hearing and preliminary research without charge
We first hear about your project and provide general insights into the relevant industry. We then conduct preliminary research to verify if it is feasible. At this point, we do not charge as it is still premature to define the scope of work.
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02. Present a short list of local companies
We identify local companies that are most relevant to your needs. Upon your approval, we contact some of them and gather more information. Communication will be in Japanese, and we examine every nuance. We always share local suppliers’ quotation with our clients.
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03. Define the scope of work and terms of service
We will discuss with you how we will work together. Our proposal may be based on a monthly retainer fee—allowing us to operate as an extension of your team in Japan—or on a commission percentage applied to products shipped from Japan. In some cases, we propose a hybrid structure.
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04. Start collaboration with the local partner company
By this stage, the roles of all parties are clearly defined. We then establish the necessary working environment. The complexity of liaison and communication will depend on the local provider’s capacity to handle English. In general, discussions about aesthetics tend to be more challenging than those about technical specifications.
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05. Quality control and logistics arrangment
When communication is managed properly at each stage of the workflow, quality control becomes a straightforward process. Regarding cross-border logistics, local suppliers are sometimes unwilling to act as the exporter. In such cases, we step in and take on the exporter role.
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06. Maintain your relationship with the local partner company
Once the first round of operations is concluded, you may choose to work directly with the local partner company, or you may prefer to retain us as your local point of contact. Depending on the nature of your operations, we will support your needs.
Featured Cases
Locating suppliers alone does not make the workflow functioning automatically. We often need to convince Japanese providers to adapt their routines to cross-border operations.
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Product Development SupportBackground:
An American apparel retailer decided to launch a new sunglasses brand. In preparation, they had collaborated with designers to develop both the concept and the product design. The production of eyewear in Japan is highly concentrated in Sabae City, Fukui Prefecture. After preliminary research and then negotiations with several manufacturers, we secured a partnership with a manufacturer willing to engage in this international project.
Solutions:
Identifying and partnering with a Japanese eyewear manufacturer. Sharing the brand concept and transfer the client’s idea behind design specifications. Liaison communication over a period of four months for prototype development and production. Quality control and assurance, including visiting the manufacturer’s facility and overseeing mould-making and parts designs. Export and logistics, ensuring that the final goods are delivered according to the client's specifications.
Challenges:
Finding the right manufacturers who can meet stringent product standards is challenging as such producers are often in high demand and have limited availability. Liaison communication requires nuanced understanding of both the Japanese language and the aesthetic considerations vital to the product's design. Many craft manufacturers in Japan are reluctant to export directly due to the complexities associated with logistics and financial transactions. Our experience as an exporter enables to create a seamless pathway for our clients to bring their products from Japan to global consumers.
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Fruits Suppliers across JapanWe sourced the high quality fruits in Japan and established the supply chain for our clients in Hong Kong. We created an original brand, further enhancing the products’ values.
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Strategic Alliance Support
Background:
A local collectibles retailer operating over 20 stores primarily in Manila sought to expand their licensed Japanese IP (character merchandise) product lineup through official channels. However, many suppliers in Tokyo are small enterprises, making it difficult to even initiate conversations about overseas expansion. When discussions did progress, some suppliers needed to establish their own export operations with minimal direct cross-border experiences.
Solutions:
We compiled a target list of potential suppliers and created opportunities for direct communication through email, phone calls, and face-to-face meetings at trade exhibitions. Our ability to conduct detailed discussions about product planning and procurement in Japanese, combined with Travesia Inc.'s presence as an operational partner in Japan which allowed to offer a domestic purchase option to suppliers, accelerated negotiations considerably.
Challenges:
Japanese collectibles enjoy strong demand, making it essential for overseas buyers to convince Japanese suppliers of our side’s credibility and market potential. Some suppliers simple do not want to deal directly with overseas companies. Even suppliers interested in overseas expansion typically have limited knowledge of local distribution networks in the destination. In some countries, official distribution channels remain underdeveloped, making suppliers hesitant about market risks.
Learn how Travesia can add value to your business development
Contact us
info@travesia.jp
Namba Naka 1-10-4, Naniwa-ku,
Osaka 556-0011, Japan
+81 (0)6-6645-0145