Top 10+ Best Dropshipping Suppliers in Japan for Your Business

Japan’s well-established economy and high-tech infrastructure make it an ideal location for dropshipping ventures. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your existing business, finding trustworthy suppliers is essential for success. In this blog, let’s explore the top 10+ best dropshipping suppliers in Japan who can help you streamline your operations and provide quality products.

1. Introduction To Dropshipping And Japan’s e-Commerce Market

Before delving into top 10 dropshipping suppliers in Japan, let’s take a look at how dropshipping works and some highlights about Japan's online marketplace:

Dropshipping

Dropshipping is a model where an online business doesn’t store its own products. Instead, when a customer orders something, the shop sends the order and payment to the supplier, who then delivers the product directly to the buyer.
Business owners often choose dropshipping because it removes the need for warehousing and minimizes the risk of holding unsold goods. By passing the fulfillment task to suppliers, businesses can redirect their resources toward other important functions like advertising.

Japan’s e-Commerce market

Japan is currently the third-largest eCommerce market globally, and its growth is projected at a rate of 13% annually. This rapid expansion is expected to make Japan a major hub for dropshipping, with experts estimating that the market will see growth of over 10% by 2025 (Statista, 2024).

Japan is currently the third-largest eCommerce market globally

2. Why Consider Dropshipping in Japan?

The prospects of drop shipping Japan are great. Let’s explore the compelling reasons why you should consider dropshipping in Japan: 

A tech-literate demographic

Japan’s online engagement is among the highest in the world, with 78.2% of its population actively using social networks (Statista, 2024). This makes it a prime market for reaching millions of potential customers who are daily active on their favorite platforms. By working with the right dropshipping suppliers in Japan, you can offer products that cater to their specific needs and interests.

Spendable earnings

Earning an average of $33,800 annually (World Bank Group, 2024), Japanese consumers enjoy considerable spending power. This drives a significant demand for quality products, from luxury lifestyle items to cutting-edge gadgets and trendy fashion. Japanese dropshipping suppliers can meet this demand by delivering carefully selected, high-quality products.

A growing business-to-business (B2B) market

Estimated at over 420 trillion yen, the Japanese B2B market is exceptionally large, nearly 20 times greater than its consumer counterpart (Statista, 2024). This immense scale creates numerous opportunities for businesses dealing in wholesale or tailored product solutions.

Trustworthy business infrastructure and services

Japan's advanced infrastructure and welcoming business environment create an ideal ecosystem for e-commerce. Highly efficient transportation and technology systems ensure businesses can operate without disruption.

Dependable Japanese dropshipping suppliers

Dropshipping with Japan dropshipping suppliers is highly advantageous, thanks to their excellent product quality and cost-effectiveness. The free global shipping offered by many is a huge plus for international businesses, and their top-notch customer support ensures reliability. Be sure to explore what they have to offer.

The prospects of drop shipping Japan are great

3. Top 10+ Reputable Dropshipping Suppliers in Japan

Let’s discover top 10+ highly regarded dropshipping suppliers in Japan, ensuring you source products that meet the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction.

3.1. AliExpress

AliExpress is well-known for its wide product assortment and international shipping options, making it a favorite for dropshipping suppliers in Japan. The platform features millions of items in diverse categories, including fashion, electronics, home essentials, etc.

Key features: 

• Buyer protection: AliExpress provides a robust buyer protection program, ensuring refunds for eligible claims and shielding customers from fraudulent sellers.
• Customization: A wide range of sellers provides customization options, allowing you to attach stickers and tags to make your products unique.
• International shipping: Global shipping is supported by all AliExpress sellers, with deliveries proceeding smoothly if the products align with the legal standards of the recipient country.

AliExpress is renowned for its extensive product range

3.2. Printful

Printful has earned a strong reputation in the print-on-demand industry, offering everything from fashion to accessories. With its easy-to-use design tool, you can create custom products even if you don't have advanced graphic design skills.

Key features:

• Design tool: This platform includes a design tool where you can upload and apply your design to specific sections of the product.
• Diversity: Materials used by Printful are outsourced from various suppliers, ensuring diversity in their offerings.
• Seamless integration: Integrating Printful with your eCommerce platform is simple and efficient.

Printful has a strong reputation in the print-on-demand industry

3.3. CJDropshipping

CJDropshipping is a robust alternative to AliExpress, known for its emphasis on quality control and quicker shipping. It acts as a dropshipping supplier directory, mostly featuring Chinese vendors, making it an excellent choice for dropshipping in Japan. You can sign up, integrate the app with your store, and then add products to your store directly through the CJDropshipping dashboard.

Key features:

• Global logistics: Although sellers originate from China, they support their operations with warehouses spread across the world.
• Packaging customization: These suppliers are aware of dropshipping requirements and can create customized packaging upon your request.
• 1 on 1 support: A specific agent will be assigned to you, ensuring you always have someone to turn to for assistance.

CJDropshipping is known for its quality control

3.4. Spocket

Spocket has earned its place as a top dropshipping supplier database, offering dropshippers access to a curated group of suppliers known for their premium product offerings. 

Spocket has earned its place as a top dropshipping supplier database, offering dropshippers access to a curated group of suppliers known for their premium product offerings. It provides a variety of features that can elevate your dropshipping to Japan. 

Spocket allows you to filter suppliers by their location or shipping destinations and integrates smoothly with major eCommerce platforms such as Shopify, BigCommerce, and Squarespace. The product analysis feature displays each item's cost and market value, assisting you in calculating potential profit margins.

Key features: 

• Advanced search options: You can sort suppliers by their location or the countries they are able to ship products to.
• Ecommerce platform compatibility: Spocket supports a wide range of eCommerce platforms, including Shopify, BigCommerce, and Squarespace.
• Profit calculation: This tool gives you the product cost and its current value, making it simple to understand the profit margin you could potentially earn.

Spocket integrates smoothly with major eCommerce platforms

3.5. eWorldTrade

eWorldTrade is a leading B2B marketplace, connecting buyers and sellers while offering access to exclusive, high-quality products for niche markets in Japan. With a sorting function to organize suppliers by name, the platform provides a wide range of products, including industrial items like acrylic polymer coatings and air cylinders, that are not commonly found on standard dropshipping websites.

• Sorting options: When you have a company to focus on, you can sort them alphabetically by using the search box.
• Specialized inventory: From air core transformers to acrylic polymer coatings, this platform features industrial products that are typically absent on conventional dropshipping supplier sites.
• Buyer postings: You have the option to place a request for specific products you need, like hoodies, zinc sulfate, or inflatable furniture.

eWorldTrade offers high-quality products for niche markets in Japan

3.6. Niche Dropshipping

Niche Dropshipping focuses on white-label services, which allow you to customize your brand and create exclusivity for your products. Their free sourcing makes them an excellent partner for dropshipping to Japan. By working with them, you can elevate your dropshipping business in Japan from a basic home setup to a more advanced operation.

If you're looking to offer more than just products, Niche Dropshipping is the perfect partner for your business. The platform enables you to build a brand that inspires customer trust. Plus, it integrates effortlessly with Shopify, making it easy to manage orders, inventory, and customer engagement in one unified space.

Key features:

• Dropshipping assistance: A team of specialists at the company will help you find suitable dropshipping suppliers.
• Large order discounts: If you choose to buy in bulk, you can benefit from a better price. The company will store the products and ship them to your customers upon receiving an order.
• Tailored packaging: They offer specialized branding options, making your products appear more distinctive and professional.

Niche Dropshipping focuses on white-label services

3.7. HyperSKU

HyperSKU is a great solution for businesses focusing on expansion, offering smooth order processing and inventory control. They don’t charge subscription fees, only a commission per sale. With reliable after-sales support, HyperSKU also holds suppliers accountable for mistakes like delivering the wrong or faulty products.

Key features:

• WooCommerce and Shopify support: You can link the system to either WooCommerce or Shopify for easy management.
• International storage network: They operate warehouses globally, offering coverage far beyond Asia.
• Custom Label Options: You can modify your products and add personalized labels to fit your brand

HyperSKU is great  for businesses focusing on expansion

3.8. Dropified

If you're in the furniture dropshipping niche, Dropified is the platform to consider, offering a variety of home and living products. It's also a great choice for Japan-based dropshippers seeking to offer premium, high-margin items like food supplements, with the opportunity to white-label and customize them.

Running a dropshipping business is made simple with Dropified, thanks to its easy-to-use platform. The platform is particularly appealing because it comes at no cost, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced entrepreneurs.

Key features:

• Seamless Updates: The system ensures your store’s prices align automatically with supplier updates.
• China-Based Shipping: ePacket is the preferred, low-cost shipping method used by suppliers for Chinese goods.
• Business Analysis: With the platform's statistical tool, you can track and evaluate the profitability of your store.

Dropified offers a variety of home and living products

3.9. AppScenic

For dropshippers seeking authentic Western and European products, AppScenic offers a reliable platform. With its automation features, AppScenic seamlessly integrates with your dropshipping Japan store, making it ideal for reaching Japanese consumers who favor Western products.

Key features:

• eCommerce Integration: The platform allows you to integrate with eBay, Shopify, WooCommerce, and Wix for streamlined operations.
• Auto-Sync Feature: Any price changes in the system are instantly reflected in your store, eliminating the need for manual updates.
• Automated Order Fulfillment: You won’t need to place orders with your supplier manually. After a customer makes a purchase, the supplier is notified to ship the item. The system also handles the payment to the supplier, as long as the customer has already paid for the order.

AppScenic offers authentic Western and European products

3.10. Rakuten Super Logistics

Rakuten Super Logistics is a top-tier dropshipping platform in Japan, known for its robust logistics network offering reliable shipping services globally. With access to premium products, businesses can feature iconic brands like Marvel, Disney, and Sanrio, which can attract a loyal customer base and increase the store’s popularity.

Rakuten maintains up-to-date product information, ensuring that your listings stay current and precise. Their dependable and user-friendly delivery services contribute to a positive customer experience. With a mix of local and global products , Rakuten supports the development of credibility and trust for your store.

Key features:

• Rakuten Pay: Rakuten Pay is the go-to payment option for Japanese customers, combining the features of a card and an e-Wallet. Customers can load cash and convert it into Rakuten Points, which they use for online transactions. Alternatively, they can choose to use Rakuten Cash. As a merchant, you should treat Rakuten the same as Mastercard or VISA, since Rakuten cards function on these two platforms.
• Regular updates: With regular updates to product information, the platform helps you keep your listings both precise and up-to-date.

Rakuten Super Logistics offers reliable shipping services globally.

Read more: B2B Purchase Negotiation Service from Japan for International Businesses

4. 6 Steps to Start Dropshipping in Japan

As Japan's e-commerce market continues to grow, it offers incredible opportunities for entrepreneurs interested in dropshipping. With a digitally aware population and an increasing demand for premium products, Japan is a great market to enter. To help you get started, here are six key steps, from setting up your store to driving customer engagement, that will set the foundation for you for a successful dropshipping business

Step 1: Identify a profitable segment

The key to building a successful dropshipping business lies in selecting the right niche. Choose products that are popular, sought-after, and in line with your personal preferences. When doing dropshipping in Japan, consider trending items like beauty products, innovative gadgets, or distinctive fashion choices.

Understand your target market by researching the products that are trending. Choosing a profitable niche makes it easier to attract customers and stand apart in a highly competitive market.

Choose products that are popular, sought-after

Step 2: Partner with dependable dropshipping suppliers in Japan

A successful dropshipping business depends on sourcing trustworthy dropping suppliers in Japan. When choosing Japan dropshipping partners, prioritize those who guarantee quality p products, efficient shipping, and responsive customer support.

Step 3: Set up your online store

The following step is to establish an online store to display your products. WooCommerce or Shopify can help you easily set up a sleek, professional store. Ensure the website is easy to navigate, works well on mobile devices, and has an eye-catching design.

Ensure you use high-quality product photos and precise descriptions to aid customers in their buying decisions. Also, remember to apply SEO techniques to your site to improve its visibility and search engine ranking.

Ensure the website is easy to navigate

Step 4: List your products

After finalizing your dropshipping suppliers in Japan and setting up your store, it’s time to import the products you wish to sell. This involves adding them to your site and filling in essential details like color, size, and materials. Be sure to set prices that are both attractive to buyers and provide a reasonable profit for you.

Step 5: Set Up shipping and payment methods

As a dropshipping business in Japan, flexibility in shipping and payment options is key. For an optimal shipping experience, pick reliable shipping methods that fit well with your customers' expectations. For payment options, it's essential to offer shipping solutions for both domestic and international deliveries. You should use widely accepted platforms like PayPal or regional payment systems that your customers know and trust. 

Step 6: Advertise

After setting up your store, it’s time to boost your visibility! Use effective digital marketing methods like paid advertisements, influencer collaborations, and social media marketing to attract visitors. Content marketing through videos and blogging can help raise awareness of your brand. 

Moreover, engage customers with discounts, promotions, and email campaigns to keep them coming back. The more actively you market, the better your chances for growing your business.

5. Challenges And Considerations: How To Do Dropshipping In Japan Successfully?

Japan is known for its sophisticated consumers, making it a promising market for dropshipping entrepreneurs. Yet, there are several hurdles that must be addressed in order to succeed in this competitive sector. Let’s take a look at the challenges of dropshipping in Japan and some practical tips to help you overcome them, ensuring the growth and success of your business in this unique marketplace.

5.1. 5 Challenges Dropshipping Businesses Must Overcome

Dropshipping businesses must face a unique set of challenges that can impact their success. Let’s delve into the 5 primary challenges that Japanese dropshipping suppliers must confront:

Strict regulations

Japan's tight regulations on imports and product safety, along with strong consumer rights protections, can create challenges for dropshippers in maintaining compliance with all necessary legal requirements.

Competition

In Japan’s competitive e-commerce environment, where both local and international businesses compete, dropshippers must craft strong marketing strategies and emphasize their unique offerings to succeed.

High expectations for product quality

Dropshippers may struggle to meet the high-quality demands of Japanese consumers, as these expectations can be difficult to fulfill, especially when sourcing products from international suppliers.

Payment and currency Issues

Dealing with payments in yen and currency conversions can present challenges, particularly when engaging with foreign suppliers. To succeed, it's necessary to provide secure, smooth payment systems for Japanese consumers.

Cultural preferences

The cultural nuances in Japan can greatly affect what products consumers are willing to buy. Having a clear understanding of these preferences is crucial when curating items that will appeal to the local market.

5.2. 3 Key Considerations When Selecting The Right Dropshipping Partner

Choosing the right dropshipping partner is a critical decision that can significantly impact the success of your online business. Here are three most important considerations when selecting a dropshipping partner:

Provide on-time shipment

Timely delivery is a major factor to consider when selecting a dropshipping supplier. Your supplier should be able to ship products within 2-3 days of receiving an order, as delays could cause customers to look for suppliers who can offer faster delivery.

Supplier's reliability track record

Supplier reliability is an important aspect of dropshipping. To ensure a smooth experience, examine their past performance, focusing on their order fulfillment consistency and the number of defects in their products.

Product excellence

Don't forget to also factor in the product pricing and quality when selecting your supplier. This will allow you to provide excellent value while ensuring that your customers receive high-quality products.

6. Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the ideal dropshipping supplier can be a game-changer for your business. By partnering with one of the top dropshipping suppliers in Japan from our list, you’ll ensure high-quality, unique Japanese products for your customers. Take the time to assess each supplier based on critical factors such as quality, shipping times, and their overall reliability to make the best choice.