GPT-6.1 Sol at Light, asked 11 Oct 2026

The buyer journey is a series of linked decisions: product fit, commercial feasibility, supplier qualification, launch, and repeat orders. For Japan, establish the supply route early: supermarkets commonly transact through wholesalers, so retailer interest and permission to supply directly are separate matters. (SMRJ / J-Net21, 2020-01-14) J-Net21[中小企業ビジネス支援サイト]

:chatgpt-content-reference{index="6"}Download Japan_Food_Buyer_Journey.md

The file includes the detailed preparation guide, stakeholder map, RFQ questions, and source URLs.

The table below is a practical synthesis, rather than a fixed procedure followed by every Japanese buyer. Steps can overlap, and private-label development involves additional requirements.

For retailers, prepare the case for the shelf. For wholesalers, also prepare the case for selling and supplying the product to their customers. Kokubu explicitly describes product discovery, buyer matching, and regional market development as wholesale functions. (Kokubu, accessed 2026-10-11) kokubu.co.jp

Three details deserve attention ahead of the quotation:

• The initial information package: Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries provides the Food Communication Project business-meeting sheet to align supplier information with buyer questions. The current download lists version 3.4, updated August 4, 2026. Use it as a checklist, then follow the buyer’s own format. (MAFF, 2026-08-04) maff.go.jp
• Receiving shelf life: the traditional one-third rule is not universal. MAFF survey materials show differing deadlines, including one-half, one-third, and no agreed deadline. Confirm the exact requirement at each receiving point. (MAFF, accessed 2026-10-11) maff.go.jp
• Quality approval: having production in Japan does not establish buyer approval. For example, Topvalu’s private-label process includes factory assessment, specification agreement, product inspection and post-launch controls. That is an account-specific example, not a universal requirement for branded foods. (Topvalu, accessed 2026-10-11) イオンのプライベートブランド TOPVALU(トップバリュ)

For your existing request for quotation, I recommend establishing these five points before treating it as a launch opportunity:

1. Purpose: is the quotation for an identified listing or preliminary evaluation?
2. Route: who buys from you, pays you, and receives the goods?
3. Outstanding approvals: have the sample, specification and quality documents been accepted?
4. Commitment: are quantities forecasts or committed orders, and which stores or customers are included?
5. Dates: when are the decision, first delivery and performance review?

Then submit the quotation alongside a product sheet, quality-document index, delivery plan and proposed trial scope. This gives the buyer the information needed to move the opportunity through the next decision.