Top 12 Print on Demand Companies in Japan for Your Online Store

Imagine creating unique products Japanese shoppers love—without inventory or upfront costs. That's print-on-demand (POD).

With countless POD companies, choosing the right one is key. This guide highlights the 12 best POD suppliers in Japan for fast shipping, cultural fit, and eco-friendly options. 

Learn to avoid mistakes, tap into trends styles, and scale your sales. Ready to seize this opportunity? Let's get started.

Pros and Cons of Starting a Print-on-Demand Business in Japan

Japan's e-commerce market is booming—projected to reach $259.68 billion by 2029, with 93.9 million users. This creates huge opportunities for print-on-demand (POD) businesses, but there are challenges too. Let's break down the key pros and cons.

On the plus side, Japan's tech-savvy population loves online shopping, and its culture values unique, high-quality products. However, high living costs and strict customer expectations can make it tough for new businesses. POD helps by cutting inventory risks and letting you test designs cheaply.

Here's a quick comparison:

POD works well here because it aligns with Japan's focus on efficiency and quality. But you'll need to research local trends deeply—think anime-inspired designs or minimalist aesthetics—to stand out.

Explore Top 12 Print on Demand Companies in Japan

UP-T

UP-T is a Japanese print on demand service focused on apparel and accessories. You upload your design and select items like t-shirts, hoodies or mugs. 

Production happens in Japan, so you get fast local delivery. You only pay for what you print. It blends quality and convenience for your store. Orders ship with tracking from Tokyo.

Feature:

• Low minimum orders
• Multiple product choices
• Japanese production quality

PrintKK

PrintKK is a global print-on-demand company with a strong presence in Japan. You get access to products like t-shirts and mugs. Their platform connects easily with your online store. It's affordable and offers quality, so you can start selling without spending much upfront.

Feature:

• Custom design
• Wide item range
• Easy online ordering

Original Print.jp

Original Print.jp is a local POD service handling products from apparel to stationery. You design your item and see a live preview. They use high resolution printing to keep colors sharp. Orders start at one piece, so you can test designs easily. 

Feature:

• Live design preview
• Single item orders
• Japanese support

Printful

Printful is a global print on demand platform with a hub in Japan. You connect your store and pick items like shirts or posters. They handle warehousing, printing and shipping with no setup fees. You pay only after a sale. Their system syncs orders automatically to save you time and effort.

Feature:

• No setup cost
• Auto order sync
• Japan fulfillment

Mojoprint

Mojoprint is a Japanese printer known for offset and digital printing. You pick paper weight and finishes like matte or glossy. They support small batch printing, which fits low-volume needs. You can order postcards, brochures or stickers. Their website shows pricing up front. Shipping is fast within Japan.

Feature:

• Matte and glossy options
• Clear pricing
• Small batch support

Raksul

Raksul is a Japanese online printing marketplace with POD options. You create an account, choose a product and upload art. Their dynamic pricing gives lower costs for larger runs. You can print business cards, flyers or packaging. They connect you with local printers for quick fulfillment. 

Feature:

• Variable pricing
• Desktop and mobile access
• Multiple product types

Gelato

Gelato is a global POD platform with localized printing in Japan. You sync your store and upload products. They print locally to cut shipping time and carbon. 

Their wide production network covers items from mugs to canvases. You pay per order. Integration with popular stores makes your life simpler. Support is 24/7 online.

Feature:

• Local print hubs
• Low carbon footprint
• Easy store integration

MB Prints

MB Prints is a Japan-based POD service with local fulfillment. You upload designs and choose apparel or accessories. 

Their fast production in Japan ensures quick delivery. You pay only when orders are placed. The platform supports multiple file types, making it easy to create custom products for your store.

Feature:

• Wide range of apparel and accessories
• Fast local production
• Support for various file types
• Pay-per-order model

Prodigi

Prodigi is a global POD print network with Japan facilities. You choose products like art prints, books or wall décor. Their art quality printing matches gallery standards. 

You get live shipping updates and full tracking. You only pay production costs. Integration with Shopify and Etsy helps you sell fast. Support team answers quickly.

Feature:

• Gallery print quality
• Full order tracking
• Easy platform integration

Corner Printing

Corner Printing is a Japan-based POD provider for custom clothing and merchandise. You upload designs for t-shirts, hats, or bags. They use digital and screen printing to bring your ideas to life. You can order one piece or more. They ship overseas, and their platform makes ordering straightforward.

Feature:

• Multiple printing methods
• Low order minimum
• International shipping support

Spocket

Spocket is a dropshipping platform that links you with POD vendors in Japan. You browse items like prints or apparel. They offer fast shipping from local suppliers to your customers. You sync products to your store with one click. You pay when a sale happens. You track orders in your dashboard.

Feature:

• One click sync
• Local supplier network
• Fast order delivery

Printed Mint

Printed Mint is a US-based POD service that ships to Japan. You create designs for phone cases, stationery, and home decor. They use premium materials like wooden prints and acrylic blocks. You pay per item, with no upfront costs. Their mockup tool lets you preview products before selling. Support is available 24/7 in English.

Feature:

• Premium material options
• Mockup generator
• International shipping

Read More:

• Top 12 Print on Demand Companies in Singapore for Your Business Needs
• 10 Print on Demand Companies in Hong Kong: A Complete Guide for Entrepreneurs

How to Legally Run a Side Job in Japan with a Visa

If you're planning to start a side job in Japan, especially one unrelated to your main job, it's crucial to understand the rules surrounding visa restrictions. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law.

1. Understand Your Visa Restrictions

Most work visas in Japan are tied to specific job types or industries. For instance, if you're on a visa for engineering, humanities, or international services, you're only allowed to work in those fields. 

If your side job, like starting a print on demand business, doesn't fit into these categories, you may need to apply for permission to work outside your visa's scope.

2. Does Immigration Contact Your Employer?

You might be worried whether immigration will inform your employer about your side job. 

Generally, immigration won't contact your employer, but you must follow the rules to avoid issues later. Your employer might find out during tax season, so it's important to be prepared and comply.

3. Reporting Taxes

In Japan, if you earn over ¥200,000 annually from a side job (excluding salary income), you are required to file an income tax return. Even if your side income is under this threshold, filing may still be necessary if you qualify for deductions or refunds.

If you're operating your side business regularly, you can register as a sole proprietor ("kojin jigyō-nushi") for tax purposes. This allows you to deduct business-related expenses such as a portion of your rent, utilities, office supplies, and transportation.

4. Transitioning to Full-Time Business

If you plan to grow your side business into a full-time venture in Japan, you may need to transition to a Business Manager Visa. This visa typically requires a minimum capital investment of ¥5 million or the employment of at least two full-time staff members who are Japanese nationals or permanent residents. 

While having a Japanese co-director is not mandatory, collaborating with a local partner can facilitate the company registration process, especially if you are not yet residing in Japan.

By following these steps, you can legally run a side job in Japan and grow your business while complying with immigration laws. Always check with immigration for the latest guidelines regarding your specific situation.

Use AI Tools to Create Popular Japanese-Style Designs

You can design trendy Japanese-style t-shirts, like those with cats eating ramen, using AI tools. These tools make it simple to create unique designs for your online store. Follow these steps to craft eye-catching products that sell well in Japan.

Research Trends

Start by checking what's popular on platforms like Amazon. Look for Japanese poster designs, such as vintage-style art with animals or food themes. Tools like Pretty Merch Pro Plus help you spot top top-selling t-shirts. This helps you understand what customers love, so your designs match current trends.

Print on Demand Posters (2:3) - Wall Decor - PrintKK

Use AI for Design

AI tools like Midjourney, KDP, or ChatGPT can create vintage Japanese-style designs. Enter prompts like "cat eating ramen in a retro poster style" to generate art. Each tool gives different results, so test them to find the best fit. Midjourney is great for detailed, vintage looks.

Refine Your Design

After generating an image, improve it. Use tools like dgb.lol to upscale the resolution for clear prints. Edit the design in a program like PhotoP or Photoshop. 

Crop edges and resize to 4500 x 5400 pixels for t-shirt printing. Add rough or jagged edges using Canva or free resources like Freepik to mimic a vintage poster style.

Finalize and Upload

Export your design as a PNG. Upload it to your print-on-demand platform to preview it on a t-shirt. Use dark backgrounds for better contrast. Try changing elements, like using a different animal, to make your design stand out.

Tips for Success

Experiment with styles and prompts to keep your designs fresh. Ensure your art looks good on various products, like mugs or hoodies. Check that colors pop and details are clear. This approach helps you create unique, popular designs for your store.

Unlock Success in Japan's POD Market with PrintKK

Unlocking success in Japan's Print on Demand (POD) market is easier than you might think, especially when you partner with a reliable platform like PrintKK. 

Whether you're an artist looking to showcase your designs or an entrepreneur aiming to launch your own brand, PrintKK provides all the tools you need to thrive in this growing industry.

PrintKK's global shipping network ensures that your products can reach customers around the world, including Japan. This means you can focus on creating and marketing your products without worrying about logistics. Their easy-to-use design tools make it simple to upload your artwork and start selling right away.

One of the greatest advantages of using PrintKK is the wide variety of custom products available. You can choose from:

• T Shirts
• Tote Bags
• Switch Protective Cases
• Acrylic Fridge Magnets
• Phone Cases

Print On Demand Nintendo Switch Case with Handle - PrintKK

All products are designed to meet the specific tastes and needs of your customers. These items are not only highly customizable but are also priced competitively, giving you the potential for higher profit margins.

PrintKK also stands out with free shipping on certain unique products, allowing you to offer even better value to your customers. This feature can give you an edge over competitors who charge for shipping, making your products more attractive to buyers.

With PrintKK, you can easily tap into the growing e-commerce market in Japan. By leveraging PrintKK's extensive product catalog and global shipping capabilities, you are well-positioned to succeed in Japan's competitive POD market.

Expert Tips

Japan's e-commerce market offers huge potential for your print-on-demand store. By choosing from the 12 top POD suppliers we've outlined, you can leverage fast shipping, culturally relevant designs, and eco-friendly practices to stand out. 

Avoid common pitfalls and use our scaling tips to grow efficiently. With clear steps and no upfront costs, you're ready to turn your creative ideas into profit in this $259 billion market. Start now and make your mark.