Hello, this is Frank.

When people hear the word “Trading Company”, many instantly think of import/export operations. But in reality, these companies also engage in domestic sales and full-spectrum business activities. That’s what defines a “Shōsha”—a Japanese trading company.

There are two major types: General Trading Companies, which deal in a wide range of products and services, and Specialized Trading Companies, which focus on specific industries. While opinions differ on which offers more satisfaction, working at a mid-sized trading company can be particularly rewarding. You get hands-on experience with everything—sales, purchasing, logistics, trade operations, and accounting—making it a great stepping stone toward entrepreneurship.

Back when I worked in the trading business, one of the hottest trends was the “Organizer Function”. This involved exporting electronics and appliances manufactured by other companies under your own brand, while also managing in-house production for both private label and OEM sales.

While selling your own brand allows for flexible marketing, owning a factory can become a financial burden. If you fall into the low-margin, high-volume trap of price wars, you may be forced to shut down production altogether.

Balancing OEM strategies for well-known global brands with building awareness for your own brand became a daily challenge—always striving to minimize risk while maximizing profit.

Japanese trading companies possess a wide range of powerful capabilities: Commercial Function (coordinating business deals), Information Gathering, Market Development, Risk Management (absorbing FX and overseas customer risks), and even Financial Functions such as trade financing.

Having so many functions means endless possibilities for business growth. That’s why people say, “Once you work at a Shōsha, it’s hard to leave.” And honestly, it’s not far from the truth.

Overseas business trips often meant waking up in a different country every day—chaotic but strangely fulfilling. That whirlwind lifestyle became a real “Ikigai”, a reason for living.

Now that I’m older, I don’t jet-set like I did in my 20s. Instead, I focus on high-quality online consulting—less quantity, more impact.

If you’re interested in my published work, feel free to check it out here.

I also offer online consulting, as well as English and Spanish lessons.
Check the links below for more details.

■ Online Lesson Information
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● Advanced Professional Courses with Frank: >Click here
● Chat-based Online Lessons with O-Hana Fantasia: >Click here

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O-Hana Fantasia. We’d be so happy if you subscribed!

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