If I ever have to point out one country in which globalization has the greatest impact, my answer would be Japan. 

In recent years, we could obtain authentic Japanese groceries from Japanese supermarkets in Singapore. For instance, fresh Yuzu from Kochi Prefecture in Meidi-ya and J-mart, or fresh vegetables (as if plucked right out from the farm) from Ibaraki Prefecture in DON DON DONKI and Isetan. Before COVID, Japanese food festivals are also often held to let Singaporeans try different Japanese delicacies that you may not be able to find elsewhere. 

The list of how globalization has benefited Japan goes even further. But today, we bring you a short 2 minutes read on the insights of Numata Brand products. 

Source: Qoo10 and Shopee

Have you heard of Numata, Gunma prefecture in Japan? To be honest, some Japanese may not know of this city either. 

Numata city’s attractions do not play second fiddle to other big cities’ popular attractions. They include Fukiware Falls (also known as Asia’s Niagara Falls), Onsens with beautiful panoramic views, and many more. 

You can easily find delicious food products and other merchandise from Numata city online, such as this page on Qoo10. Or you can simply google “Numata City Products online” and find them available on many online stores, including Shopee too! All products from Numata found online are brought in by a company, Nippon Products Co. Pte Ltd.

Source: Numata Tourism Association

The road to the global expansion of Numata city, Gunma prefecture

Due to the ageing population in Japan, Numata city has established The Overseas Market Development Support Business Promotion Council in 2018 in order to expand sales channels overseas. 

As many local producers in Japan have never expanded their business internationally, it was a great challenge for them to consider this decision, negotiate business terms, and learned the actual steps on expanding overseas. But most of them gradually grow accustomed to it and the producers saw a great jump in online sales for their products, which act as a stimulating factor for other producers who were hesitant.

Strong support system

YiEM INTERNATIONAL is a trading company with worldwide networks that supported Numata city to export products.

YiEM’s employees visited Numata city many times to understand better what the city and the local producers value and look for. YiEM INTERNATIONAL aims to guide and help create a foundation for these producers, and thereafter being able to run their export and online business on their own.  

It seems like this is only the beginning of something big that is happening. Numata city products are increasingly popular among online shoppers in Singapore lately, and I am sure Numata city is going to get more well-known soon!