Have you heard of "minne"?
"minne" (pronounced "min-nae") is the largest Japanese e-Commerce Platform for Handmade Products with over 370,000 sellers (as of Sept. 2017) . It is essentially the Japanese version of "Etsy" the world's biggest e-commerse platform for handmade products.
Platform very less known for non-Japanese market
It has very little exposure in the global online market as everything is promoted and set up, marketed for the Japanese audience.
Why Japanese sellers don't sell on Etsy
On the other hand Etsy has 1.8 million sellers around the world, not limited to Japan.
The amount of products and sellers cannot be compared to this giant e-commerce platform.
Then why don't Japanese sellers don't sell their stuff on Etsy where their products could be found by the global audience?
Why not?
This is what I think.
The Language
I assume it is because Japanese people are not comfortable with English, and Etsy is not yet available in the Japanese language. Simple as that.
Although 6 years of English is mandatory in the Japanese school system, a lot of people are not comfortable using English. Setting up stores on Etsy could be done, but when it comes to inquiries and replying messages and calls in a foreign language it could be a big challenge, especially if you are running the business by your self from production to shipments. That limits the number of Japanese sellers who make an effort to sell on Etsy. The language barrier could be the biggest reason.
Reliable Japanese Domestic Shipping services
Also, the shipping system in Japan has such high standard services with very easy shipping fee settings, with accurate time delivery for the receiver, it's super reliable. I don't think there are any other shipping services that are so careful with the package and so well serviced as Japanese consumer based shipping companies. Sellers are not yet comfortable with International shipping. At least it is another level of additional effort.
Whether it's the shipping issue, or the language barrier, they rather put their efforts and energy into their creative work. I'm sure these are some of the possible reasons that put a stop on Japanese sellers to reach out to Etsy, and "minne" will continue to prevail as the largest e-commerce platform for handmade products in Japan. Let's see how Amazon does with their handmade category that just started recently.
Window shopping
Even though these products are only available in Japan, it doesn't mean you can't look at them.
The photos say a thousands words, and I'm sure you'll be inspired if you love anything handmade! They have some pretty awesome items that I personally marvel at.
Here are a few out of many that I found! I just love browsing for ideas on "minne"!
Although the goods cannot be shipped overseas by the seller, and the service is available only in the Japanese language you can still window shop more for yourself at
minne's Handmade Market comes LIVE!
Also, if you happen to be in Tokyo around April in 2018, check out the "minne Handmade Market" coming up at Tokyo Big Site. It will be the biggest handmade market with 3,000 crafters consisting of handcrafts, food and workshops. April 27, 28, 29 in 2018. Check it out!
*Additional Info added on May 16th, 2019
There is a way to get minne products to you overseas!
This is only how I do it, but this is how I get all my Japanese online shopping shipped to North America in a breeze and budget friendly. (or where ever in the world you are!)
Because I love and need to shop a lot on Japanese online shopping sites, I started using a consumer base forwarding service called Shipjp.com
(I am absolutely not tied to their business or affiliated with them. Just a super happy customer to find their service among dozens of other Japanese forwarding services!)
Basically, as soon as you become a member they give you a Japanese address at their warehouse, and whenever something you purchased online arrives, they notify you by email.
You can consolidate your shipment however you want, and it's so easy and simple.
The best part is, they charge you absolutely no fees apart from EMS (Express Shipping Service by Japan Post) shipping fees. I will write an article next on my experiment with Shipjp's services.
For now, check them out!
Shipjp.com Forwarding Service
(Earrings from "Sorairo")
(Hand woven mittens made by atelier Lucida)
(Skydrop anklet made by hina工作室 GALLERY)
(Embroidery pouch made by la canu)
(Kiwi Eraser stamps made by BF-ako's GALLERY)
(Knitted hats made by aoi'S GALLERY)
(Warm neck warmer made byプチ・ジャルダン)
(Cute stamps made by BF-ako's GALLERY)
(Handmade earrings made by kurogoma.)
(Moon broach made by CURICOTTOLOI'S GALLERY)
(Beautiful handmade floral broaches made by kikimint)
(Handmade eraser Stamp set made by *MONKURO * eraser stamp)
(Handmade mittens by ＊Ru-lala handworks＊)
(Hairband made by hito)