Why This Matters — Angel Investors at Shack15, March 19
This is the government-backed on-ramp for the Japanese companies you want to fund.
For angel investors and VCs exploring Japan opportunities at today's event: this program reveals the infrastructure behind Japan's SME internationalization push. METI, JETRO, and SMRJ are actively removing every barrier to export — meaning companies in this program are already vetted, motivated, and government-supported.
For cross-border investors, this is the funnel: Japan Street (catalog), JAPAN MALL (e-commerce), Amazon co-marketing, and hands-on export mentoring — all feeding into a pool of 10,000+ companies being groomed for global markets. The ones who graduate this program are ideal for the next funding conversation.
What Problems Does It Solve?
The program is explicitly designed around real concerns Japanese SMEs voice. Sound familiar?
We have zero international experience
We tried exporting before but stopped
We want European and US buyers to know our products
We lack confidence negotiating with foreign buyers
How do we approach branding for overseas?
What are the labeling and container regulations?
The 6-Step Program Flow
JETRO walks each company through a structured export journey, handling the hard parts at every stage.
1
Application & Registration
Company enrolls and is registered in JETRO's national database
2
JETRO Counseling
JETRO representatives contact the company by phone or online to confirm detailed export requirements and goals
3
Service Proposals
JETRO recommends the optimal mix of programs; SMRJ provides strategy-focused support; market intelligence provided
4
B2B Matching Registration
Products listed on e-Venue and Japan Street; JETRO directly introduces relevant foreign buyers
5
Active Participation
Trading company matchmaking, domestic & international trade fairs, cross-border e-commerce, hands-on expert support
6
Export Launch
Trade terms finalized, contracts signed, exports begin — ongoing support for product development and rebranding
Available Services
🤝
Trade Consultation
Expert advisors answer questions on export-import systems and international trade practices
🏪
Japan Street & e-Venue
B2B catalog platforms connecting Japanese suppliers with 7,000+ pre-screened global buyers
🛒
JAPAN MALL & Amazon
Direct listing on overseas e-commerce platforms including co-marketing on Amazon US/UK
🎪
Trade Fair Support
Access to multiple buyers in short timeframes via JETRO-sponsored international exhibitions
📚
Trade Practice e-Learning
30,000 companies have used these practical online courses — discounted for program participants
💰
Subsidies
Up to ¥30M for manufacturing/branding; up to ¥20M for cross-border e-commerce setup
Watch: JETRO on YouTube
JETRO publishes videos covering the ichiman export program, success stories, and market entry guides on their official YouTube channel.
Partner Organizations
- METI — Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (policy & funding)
- SMEA — Small and Medium Enterprise Agency (SME eligibility & subsidies)
- JETRO — Japan External Trade Organization (platform, matching & counseling)
- SMRJ — Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation (strategy support)
- INPIT, JICA, NEDO — IP protection, overseas R&D, and innovation startup support
- Japan Policy Finance Corporation — Overseas expansion financing
