MK TRADING, headquartered in Yao City, Osaka Prefecture, Japan, is a specialized import-export company focused on connecting Japanese artisanal food and beverage producers with global markets. Founded and operated under the leadership of Masami Kuwakubo, the company has positioned itself as a reliable B2B partner for authentic Japanese culinary products, particularly traditional fermented goods, regional sake, and premium snacks.
Core Business
MK TRADING operates primarily as a trading intermediary and distributor. The company focuses on:
- Exporting premium Japanese food and beverage products to overseas partners including restaurants, retailers, and specialty distributors.
- Importing selected international food items to cater to niche demands in Japan.
- Building long-term supply relationships with small- and medium-sized Japanese manufacturers who lack direct access to international distribution.
The company’s value proposition lies in its ability to offer a curated portfolio of high-quality Japanese products with transparent sourcing and customizable logistics.
Product and Service Offerings
MK TRADING offers a broad spectrum of carefully sourced Japanese items, categorized under:
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Alcoholic Beverages:
- Japanese Whisky
- Premium Sake from local breweries
- Craft Beer and Japanese Gin
-
Fermented & Condiment Products:
- Traditional Soy Sauce, Miso, Vinegar, Fish Sauce
- Sake Lees (Sake Kasu)
-
Processed Agricultural Products:
- Specialty Teas (e.g., Sencha, Matcha)
- Pickled Vegetables
- Dried Mushrooms
- Roasted Sesame Seeds
-
Marine Products:
- Dried Bonito Flakes (Katsuobushi)
- Dashi Stock
- Seaweed (Kombu, Nori)
-
Confectionery & Snacks:
- Rice Crackers (Senbei)
- Regional Chocolates and Sweet Snacks
These products are typically sourced from small-scale producers known for maintaining traditional methods and high standards of quality.
Specialisation and Core USP
MK TRADING's uniqueness lies in:
- Niche product focus on fermented and artisan goods not easily available in international markets.
- Deep regional sourcing network across Japan, including Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Hokkaido.
- Multilingual support and detailed export documentation facilitating smooth international trade.
- Customization capability for product labels, pack sizes, and private branding.
The company acts not only as a trading house but also as a cultural bridge promoting Japanese food heritage globally.
Financials
As a privately held SME, MK TRADING does not publish detailed financials. However, the following indicators highlight its scale and activity:
- Estimated annual export volume: 80–120 metric tons of processed goods.
- Partnered with over 100 regional manufacturers across Japan.
- Operates regular shipments to more than 10 countries, including the United States, Singapore, France, Vietnam, and Australia.
Shipment Data
Based on export shipment tracking from industry data sources:
- Top exported items include Japanese sake, dried bonito flakes, dashi stock ingredients, and miso paste.
- Average monthly shipment volume: 8–12 tons, typically consolidated in temperature-controlled containers.
- B2B clients include gourmet retailers, Michelin-star restaurants, and Japanese cultural product importers.
Target Market
MK TRADING’s primary customer segments include:
- Specialty importers and distributors in North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
- Upscale Japanese restaurants and izakaya chains abroad.
- Retailers of gourmet or cultural products.
- E-commerce platforms seeking boutique Japanese food and beverage offerings.
Capabilities
- Custom export documentation including FDA, EU, and Halal compliance where needed.
- Cold chain logistics coordination for sensitive fermented products.
- Private label development and language-localized packaging support.
- Food sample preparation for international food expos and tasting campaigns.
Certifications and Compliance
MK TRADING ensures:
- Products meet Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) standards.
- Coordination with producers who comply with HACCP, ISO 22000, and JAS (Japan Agricultural Standards) certifications.
- Adherence to destination-specific regulations, including FDA filings for the U.S. and EU labeling laws.
Customer Testimonials
Due to the B2B nature of its business, most feedback is private, but repeat clients across France, Singapore, and the U.S. have endorsed MK’s reliability and product quality. Long-term partnerships have been maintained for over five years with distributors in California and Paris.
Major Achievements
- Recognized as an exhibitor in FOODEX JAPAN, Asia’s largest food and beverage trade show.
- Successfully introduced over 50 new Japanese SKUs to international markets in the last three years.
- Supported the first-time export of small sake breweries from Kyoto and Tohoku regions.
- Launched a multi-lingual B2B platform on its website to streamline product selection and ordering.
MK TRADING continues to champion the global appreciation of Japanese food culture by empowering artisanal producers and ensuring their creations reach appreciative palates around the world.
