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Introducing Mikan: A Bridge Between Japan and Europe

On June 1, 2026, Amesankoh, a Japanese company led by CEO Keishi Omura, officially launched Mikan, a unique cross-border e-commerce platform aimed at bringing exceptional Japanese products and culture to Europe. This initiative not only allows Japanese artisans and small businesses to showcase their unique offerings but also caters to the growing European demand for authentic Japanese goods.

Concept of Mikan

Mikan is developed around the concept of delivering “the finest Japanese products to Europe.” The platform highlights a diverse selection of items from various regions of Japan, including chopsticks, crafts, miscellaneous goods, and sweets. Future expansion plans include adding matcha, Japanese tea, gold leaf products, and local specialties to the repertoire.

The name Mikan, meaning “incomplete” in Japanese, symbolizes a commitment to continuous growth and aims to serve as a bridge connecting Japan and Europe.

Background for Launch

Japan is home to many world-renowned products and cultural elements. However, many small and medium-sized enterprises face significant hurdles when attempting to enter international markets. The costs associated with developing an e-commerce site, including anywhere from 500,000 to 3,000,000 JPY, along with expenses related to product photography, translation, advertising, logistics, customer service, and market research, can be immense. Additionally, participating in international trade fairs often requires similar monetary investment.

This has led to a situation where many companies have valuable products but lack the resources or knowledge to explore foreign markets. Conversely, there is an increasing interest in Japanese products and culture in Europe, but many unique items remain undiscovered.

In response, Amesankoh aimed to create an environment where a collective platform would reduce the necessity for each company to invest heavily in building their own overseas sales infrastructure. Mikan is designed to streamline the process from product discovery in Japan to providing market insights and sales support abroad.

Key Features of Mikan

1. Sharing Stories, Not Just Products

A distinctive feature of Mikan is its commitment to delivering not just products but their accompanying stories. Each item is presented on a dedicated page that includes:

• - The creator’s aspirations
• - Background on the product’s development
• - Local history and culture
• - Attention to manufacturing processes
• - The inherent value embedded within each item

Mikan believes that the stories behind products are as important as the products themselves and are fundamental to Japan’s allure.

2. Dual Operations Across Japan and Europe

Mikan is managed through key locations in both Japan and Germany, ensuring seamless connectivity between the two regions. The Japanese team focuses on discovering enticing products and collaborating with producers while the European side works on market needs assessment, sales channel development, and marketing initiatives.

This dual approach allows Mikan to deliver products that resonate with local preferences, leveraging insights from both ends.

3. Curated Selection of Products

Quality is the North Star for Mikan; it's not merely about increasing the product count. Each item is carefully selected based on its story, cultural significance, and the passion of its producer.

4. Comprehensive Support for Overseas Expansion

For companies interested in international expansion but unsure where to start, Mikan offers supportive resources to facilitate entry into European markets, creating an environment that encourages more businesses to take the plunge.

Call for Business Participation

Mikan is currently seeking companies looking to expand into the European market. Particularly welcome are products like:

• - Matcha and Japanese tea
• - Food and beverages
• - Traditional crafts
• - Local specialties
• - Household goods
• - Gifts

Even those without prior experience in overseas ventures are encouraged to reach out.

Leadership Insights

Keishi Omura, CEO, Amesankoh

“I believe that many outstanding Japanese products remain unknown on the global stage. Through discussions with businesses, I’ve heard numerous comments reflecting a desire to sell internationally but feeling overwhelmed by the hurdles. Conversely, there are many people abroad who are eager to explore Japanese products and culture. At Mikan, my goal is to bridge that gap.”

Shinzō Hata, Executive Director

“Having traveled to over 40 countries, I’ve gained a renewed appreciation for Japan’s charm while abroad. At Mikan, we don’t just want to introduce great products to the world; we want to share the culture, history, and passion behind them, making us a vital connector between European audiences and Japanese businesses.”

About Amesankoh

Company Name: Amesankoh Co., Ltd.
Business: Management and business development consulting, support for business between Japan and Europe, cross-border e-commerce, development of overseas sales channels.
Website: Amesankoh
Mikan Official Site: Mikan

Contact details for inquiries regarding vendor participation, media interviews, and collaboration opportunities are also provided on the Mikan website.