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海外仕入れ

B1 noun #8,000 most common 9 min read

海外仕入れ

kaigai shiire Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 海外仕入れ in 30 Seconds

Explanation 海外仕入れ in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to master the word 'Kaigai Shiire' yet, but it is helpful to know the two parts. 'Kaigai' means 'overseas' or 'foreign countries.' 'Shiire' comes from 'shiireru,' which means to buy things to sell in a shop. Imagine you have a small shop. You go to another country to buy toys. Then you bring them back to Japan to sell. This whole process is 'Kaigai Shiire.' At this level, just remember: Kaigai = Outside Japan, Shiire = Buying for business. You might hear this if you watch a simple video about someone starting a small business. It is a very 'grown-up' word for buying things, different from 'kaimono' (shopping for fun).

At the A2 level, you can start using 'Kaigai Shiire' in simple sentences about work. You should understand that it is a compound noun. For example, 'Kaigai shiire wa muzukashii desu' (Overseas procurement is difficult). You are learning that in Japanese, we have different words for 'buying' depending on the reason. If you buy a sandwich, it is 'kau.' If a company buys 1,000 sandwiches to sell to students, it is 'shiire.' Since 'kaigai' means 'abroad,' this word is very useful if you want to talk about international trade. You might see this word on websites like Amazon or Alibaba when looking at business sections. It is a step up from basic travel vocabulary.

At the B1 level, 'Kaigai Shiire' is a key term for professional communication. You should be able to discuss the reasons why a company chooses 'kaigai shiire' over domestic options. For instance, 'cost reduction' (kosuto sagemu) or 'unique products' (mezurashii shouhin). You will see this word in business news and intermediate textbooks. You should also be aware of the particles used with it, like 'Kaigai shiire NO tantousha' (The person in charge of overseas procurement). At this level, you start to understand that this word involves more than just buying; it involves shipping, customs, and planning. You can use it to describe your job or a business interest in more detail.

At the B2 level, you should use 'Kaigai Shiire' fluently when discussing supply chains and economic trends. You should understand the risks associated with it, such as 'kawase hendou' (currency fluctuation) and 'yousou chien' (shipping delays). You might use it in a debate about the pros and cons of globalism. For example, 'Kaigai shiire ni tayori sugiru no wa risuku ga aru' (Relying too much on overseas procurement is risky). You are expected to know related terms like 'choutatsu' (procurement) and 'zaiko kanri' (inventory management). Your ability to use this word correctly shows that you understand the nuances of the Japanese business landscape beyond a surface level.

At the C1 level, 'Kaigai Shiire' is a foundational concept upon which you build complex arguments about international trade policy and corporate strategy. You should be able to analyze how 'kaigai shiire' strategies change in response to geopolitical shifts or changes in Japanese consumption tax. You will encounter this word in high-level economic journals and corporate annual reports. You should be comfortable discussing 'Kaigai shiire no saitekika' (Optimization of overseas procurement) and how it integrates with 'D2C' (Direct to Consumer) models. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a category of business operation that you can dissect and critique in a professional Japanese environment.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of 'Kaigai Shiire' and all its legal and financial implications. You can navigate complex contracts involving 'kaigai shiire,' understand the intricacies of 'Incoterms' in a Japanese context, and lead negotiations with foreign suppliers on behalf of a Japanese entity. You understand the historical evolution of 'kaigai shiire' in Japan, from the post-war trading houses to the modern digital era. You can use the term with precision in academic writing or when giving keynote speeches on global logistics. The word is part of your professional identity, and you can explain its nuances to both Japanese natives and other non-native speakers with absolute clarity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

海外仕入れ in 30 Seconds

Refers specifically to business-related procurement from foreign countries.
Used in retail, manufacturing, and e-commerce contexts for inventory.
Differs from personal shopping (kaimono) and general importing (yunyuu).
Involves logistics, currency exchange, and international trade regulations.

The term 海外仕入れ (Kaigai Shiire) is a cornerstone of Japanese business vocabulary, specifically within the realms of retail, manufacturing, and e-commerce. At its most fundamental level, it refers to the process of procuring goods, raw materials, or products from foreign markets to be sold or used within Japan. Unlike the general word for importing, 輸入 (yunyuu), which is a broad economic and logistical term, 仕入れ (shiire) specifically implies the intent to trade or utilize the items for business profit. When you add 海外 (kaigai - overseas) to it, you are describing a complex professional activity that involves navigating international trade laws, currency fluctuations, and cross-cultural negotiations.

Business Context: In a corporate setting, this word is used during procurement meetings and financial reporting. For instance, a buyer for a Japanese department store might say they are going on a trip for 'kaigai shiire' to find new fashion brands in Paris or Milan. It suggests a professional level of selection and inventory management.

円安の影響で、海外仕入れのコストが大幅に上昇している。 (Due to the weak yen, the cost of overseas procurement is rising significantly.)

The nuance of 'shiire' is critical. In Japanese, 'kau' (to buy) is what a consumer does. 'Shiire' is what a business owner does. Therefore, 'Kaigai Shiire' evokes images of wholesale markets, bulk shipping containers, and customs clearance. It is frequently discussed in the context of 'Sedori' (reselling) where individual entrepreneurs buy products from platforms like Amazon US or Alibaba to sell on Mercari or Yahoo Auctions in Japan. This democratization of global trade has made the term common even outside of large corporations.

Logistical Nuance: The process typically involves sourcing (選定), negotiation (交渉), ordering (発注), and finally the 'shiire' itself, which is the point where the goods are officially entered into the company's books as assets.

彼は海外仕入れの担当者として、月に一度は中国へ出張する。 (As the person in charge of overseas procurement, he travels to China once a month.)

In the modern digital age, 'Kaigai Shiire' doesn't always require physical travel. 'Net Shiire' (online procurement) is a massive sub-category. However, the term still carries the weight of responsibility regarding quality control (品質管理) and the risk of 'furyouhin' (defective goods) which is often higher when dealing with suppliers thousands of miles away. Understanding this word is essential for anyone looking to enter the Japanese business world or engage in e-commerce involving Japanese markets.

Using 海外仕入れ correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical function as a compound noun. It can stand alone as the subject or object of a sentence, or it can be turned into a suru-verb (海外仕入れする), though the latter is slightly more informal or jargon-heavy. Usually, it is paired with verbs like 行う (okonau - to perform), 担当する (tantou suru - to be in charge of), or 強化する (kyouka suru - to strengthen/increase).

The 'No' Particle Connection: You will very often see 'Kaigai Shiire' followed by 'no' to modify another noun. Examples include 'Kaigai shiire no shouhin' (Products procured from overseas) or 'Kaigai shiire no rutu' (Overseas procurement routes).

当社は、ヨーロッパからの海外仕入れに特化しています。 (Our company specializes in overseas procurement from Europe.)

When discussing the logistics, the word is often linked to 'kaiteki' (optimization). Companies strive for 'Kaigai shiire no saitekika' (Optimization of overseas procurement) to reduce lead times and shipping costs. In a sentence, you might describe the difficulty of the task: 'Kaigai shiire wa, kawase hendou no risuku ga aru' (Overseas procurement carries the risk of exchange rate fluctuations). This highlights that the word isn't just about the act of buying, but the entire business strategy surrounding it.

新規事業として、東南アジアでの海外仕入れを検討している。 (As a new business venture, we are considering overseas procurement in Southeast Asia.)

Furthermore, in the context of accounting, 'kaigai shiire daka' (amount of overseas procurement) is a specific line item. If you are writing a business report, you would use this term to distinguish foreign purchases from 'kokunai shiire' (domestic procurement). The contrast between 'kaigai' and 'kokunai' is a very common way to structure discussions about supply chains in Japanese. Always ensure that the context remains professional; using 'shiire' for personal shopping (like buying a souvenir) would sound like you are planning to sell your souvenir for a profit, which might lead to confusion!

You are most likely to encounter 海外仕入れ in environments where commerce is the primary focus. If you walk into the corporate headquarters of a company like Uniqlo, Nitori, or any major trading house (shousha), this word will be part of the daily jargon. It is heard in elevators, during morning briefings, and in negotiations with logistics partners. It represents the lifeblood of the Japanese retail economy, which relies heavily on importing goods from manufacturing hubs like China, Vietnam, and Thailand.

The 'Sedori' Community: In recent years, the word has exploded in popularity on Japanese social media, specifically YouTube and Twitter (X). Influencers who teach 'side hustles' (fukugyou) often create content titled 'How to start Kaigai Shiire from your smartphone.' Here, the word takes on a more entrepreneurial, 'get-rich-quick' or 'be-your-own-boss' vibe.

「今回の海外仕入れ、何か面白い商品は見つかりましたか？」 (Did you find any interesting products during this overseas procurement trip?)

Television news programs, especially those focusing on the economy like 'World Business Satellite' (WBS) on TV Tokyo, frequently use this term when discussing inflation. When the price of imported beef or electronics goes up, the reporters explain that the 'Kaigai shiire kakaku' (overseas procurement price) has risen due to shipping delays or fuel surcharges. It is a standard term for economic journalists.

In the fashion industry, 'Kaigai Shiire' is often associated with prestige. A boutique that does its own 'Kaigai Shiire' is seen as more curated and unique compared to one that only buys from domestic wholesalers. You might see this written on the 'About Us' page of a high-end select shop's website: 'We travel the world for Kaigai Shiire to bring you the finest materials.' In this context, it serves as a mark of quality and dedication to the craft of sourcing.

The most frequent mistake learners make with 海外仕入れ is confusing it with the general term for importing, 輸入 (yunyuu). While all 'kaigai shiire' involves 'yunyuu', not all 'yunyuu' is 'kaigai shiire'. If a person buys a book from an American website for their own reading pleasure, that is 'yunyuu' (or more specifically 'kojin yunyuu' - personal import), but it is definitely NOT 'shiire'. Using 'shiire' for personal shopping makes you sound like a smuggler or an accidental tax evader!

Confusing 'Shiire' with 'Kaimono': Mistake: 'Yesterday I went to Hawaii and did some kaigai shiire (meaning souvenirs).' Correct: 'Yesterday I went to Hawaii and did some kaimono (shopping).' Use 'shiire' only if those souvenirs are going onto a shelf in your store tomorrow.

❌ 趣味で海外仕入れをしています。
✅ 趣味で海外のサイトから商品を買っています。

Another common error is the misuse of particles. Because 'shiire' is a noun that describes an action, beginners often forget that it needs a verb like 'suru' or 'okonau' to function in a sentence. You cannot say 'Watashi wa kaigai shiire desu' to mean 'I am procuring from overseas'; that would mean 'I am (the concept of) overseas procurement.' You must say 'Watashi wa kaigai shiire o tantou shite imasu' (I am in charge of overseas procurement).

Lastly, pay attention to the kanji. 'Shiire' (仕入れ) consists of 'Shi' (仕 - to serve/do) and 'Ire' (入れ - to put in). Some learners accidentally write 'Shiire' using only katakana or the wrong kanji. Since this is a business term, using the correct kanji is vital for maintaining a professional image in emails and documents. Incorrect kanji in a business context can lead to a lack of trust from your Japanese counterparts.

To master the vocabulary of international trade, you must be able to distinguish 海外仕入れ from its close relatives. Each word has a specific 'register' and 'scope' that changes based on the size of the company and the nature of the goods.

輸入 (Yunyuu) vs. 海外仕入れ (Kaigai Shiire): 'Yunyuu' is the umbrella term for any goods crossing the border into Japan. 'Kaigai shiire' is a subset of 'yunyuu' specifically for business inventory. If you are talking to a customs officer, use 'yunyuu'. If you are talking to your accountant, use 'shiire'.
調達 (Choutatsu) vs. 仕入れ (Shiire): 'Choutatsu' (Procurement) is a more formal, 'big-company' word. It often refers to raw materials or parts for manufacturing (e.g., 'buhin choutatsu'). 'Shiire' is more common in retail and finished goods. If you work for Toyota buying steel, it's 'choutatsu'. If you work for a toy store buying LEGO from Denmark, it's 'shiire'.

海外買い付け (Kaigai Kaiketsu) - This is a very common alternative in the fashion and antique industries. It implies a more hands-on, 'curated' selection process where the buyer physically goes to pick items.

Another related term is 個人輸入 (Kojin Yunyuu), which means 'personal import'. This is what you do when you order something for yourself from an overseas site. If your 'kaigai shiire' is very small scale, some people might mistakenly call it 'kojin yunyuu', but legally, if you intend to sell it, it is business procurement and subject to different tax laws. Understanding these boundaries is crucial for legal compliance in Japan.

Lastly, consider 並行輸入 (Heikou Yunyuu), which means 'parallel import'. This refers to procuring genuine branded goods through channels other than the official authorized distributor in Japan. 'Kaigai shiire' is often the method used to conduct 'heikou yunyuu'. Knowing these synonyms allows you to navigate the complexities of the Japanese market with much greater precision and confidence.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In the Edo period, 'shiire' was used by merchants in Osaka and Edo to describe the complex process of getting goods from rural producers to urban markets. Adding 'Kaigai' only became common as Japan opened its borders and global trade modernized.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /kaɪ.ɡaɪ ʃiː.ɪ.re/

US /kaɪ.ɡaɪ ʃi.ɪ.reɪ/

Japanese is a pitch-accent language. For 'Kaigai', the pitch starts high and drops. For 'Shiire', the pitch is relatively flat or low-high-low depending on the dialect.

Rhymes With

Kigai (hazard) Saigai (disaster) Taigai (mostly) Kiire (start-up) Teire (maintenance) Meire (rarely used) Meirei (command - partial) Heirei (rarely used)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'Shiire' as 'Sheer' (missing the final 'e').
Mispronouncing 'Kaigai' as 'Kage' (meaning shadow).
Using English 'r' sound for the 'r' in 're'. It should be a tapped 'r' like in Spanish.
Stressing the wrong syllable (Japanese syllables should have equal length).
Failing to elongate the 'i' in 'Shiire' (it is 'shi-i-re', not 'shi-re').

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The kanji are standard but 'Shiire' is a specific commercial term.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the specific kanji for 'Shi' (仕) and 'Ire' (入れ).

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward, but usage is context-specific.

Listening 3/5

Common in business news; easy to recognize once learned.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

海外 (Kaigai) 買う (Kau) 店 (Mise) 商品 (Shouhin) 仕事 (Shigoto)

Learn Next

輸入 (Yunyuu) 関税 (Kanzei) 卸売 (Oroshiuri) 為替 (Kawase) 在庫 (Zaiko)

Advanced

サプライチェーン (Supply Chain) ロジスティクス (Logistics) 調達戦略 (Procurement Strategy) 越境EC (Cross-border E-commerce) 経済安全保障 (Economic Security)

Grammar to Know

Compound Nouns (複合名詞)

海外 (Overseas) + 仕入れ (Procurement) = 海外仕入れ

Noun + する (Suru-verb formation)

海外仕入れする (To perform overseas procurement)

Particle 'no' for possession/attribute

海外仕入れの担当者 (The person in charge of overseas procurement)

Verb stem as Noun (Ren'youkei)

仕入れる (Verb) -> 仕入れ (Noun)

Causative form with Business Actions

海外仕入れを成功させる (To make overseas procurement succeed)

Examples by Level

海外仕入れは楽しいです。

Overseas procurement is fun.

Simple Subject + wa + Adjective sentence.

これは海外仕入れの商品です。

This is a product from overseas procurement.

Using 'no' to modify the noun 'shouhin'.

彼は海外仕入れに行きます。

He goes for overseas procurement.

Target + ni + ikimasu (purpose of movement).

海外仕入れを勉強します。

I study overseas procurement.

Direct object with 'wo'.

海外仕入れは安いです。

Overseas procurement is cheap.

Simple descriptive sentence.

父は海外仕入れをしています。

My father is doing overseas procurement.

Present continuous form 'shite imasu'.

アメリカで海外仕入れをします。

I do overseas procurement in America.

Location 'de' + action.

海外仕入れ、頑張って！

Good luck with the overseas procurement!

Imperative/Encouragement form.

海外仕入れの仕事は大変ですか？

Is the work of overseas procurement hard?

Question form with 'ka'.

明日、海外仕入れの会議があります。

There is a meeting about overseas procurement tomorrow.

Existential 'arimasu' for events.

私は海外仕入れに興味があります。

I am interested in overseas procurement.

Target 'ni' + kyoumi ga aru.

海外仕入れで新しい服を買いました。

I bought new clothes through overseas procurement.

Method 'de' + past tense verb.

海外仕入れのルールを知りたいです。

I want to know the rules of overseas procurement.

Verb stem + tai (desire).

彼は中国で海外仕入れを始めました。

He started overseas procurement in China.

Action + hajimemashita (started).

海外仕入れは時間がかかります。

Overseas procurement takes time.

Time duration expression.

安い海外仕入れを探しています。

I am looking for cheap overseas procurement.

Adjective + noun + search verb.

円安なので、海外仕入れを控えています。

Because the yen is weak, I am refraining from overseas procurement.

Reason 'node' + refraining 'hikaete iru'.

海外仕入れのコストを計算してください。

Please calculate the cost of overseas procurement.

Polite request 'te kudasai'.

海外仕入れルートの開拓が必要です。

It is necessary to develop overseas procurement routes.

Noun + ga hitsuyou (necessity).

海外仕入れの際に、関税に注意してください。

Please be careful about customs duties during overseas procurement.

Occasion 'no sai ni' (formal 'when').

このショップは海外仕入れにこだわっています。

This shop is particular about its overseas procurement.

Target 'ni' + kodawatte iru (be picky about).

海外仕入れを成功させるコツは何ですか？

What is the secret to making overseas procurement successful?

Causative form 'seikou saseru'.

海外仕入れの経験がある人を募集しています。

We are recruiting people who have experience in overseas procurement.

Relative clause describing 'hito'.

海外仕入れの商品は検品が重要です。

Inspection is important for products from overseas procurement.

Topic 'wa' + important 'juuyou'.

海外仕入れにおけるリスク管理を徹底する。

We will implement thorough risk management in overseas procurement.

Formal preposition 'ni okeru' (in/at).

独自の海外仕入れネットワークを構築した。

We built our own overseas procurement network.

Past tense 'kouchiku shita' (constructed).

海外仕入れの比率を下げ、国内調達を増やす。

We will lower the ratio of overseas procurement and increase domestic sourcing.

Verb stem 'sage' used as a conjunction.

海外仕入れサイトでのトラブルが増えている。

Troubles on overseas procurement sites are increasing.

Location 'de no' modifying 'toraburu'.

海外仕入れのノウハウをマニュアル化する。

We will turn our overseas procurement know-how into a manual.

Noun + 'ka suru' (to make into/-ize).

サプライヤーとの交渉が海外仕入れの鍵だ。

Negotiation with suppliers is the key to overseas procurement.

Topic 'wa' + 'kagi da' (is the key).

海外仕入れを効率化するためにAIを導入した。

We introduced AI to make overseas procurement more efficient.

Purpose 'tame ni' + introduced 'dounyuu shita'.

海外仕入れに伴う輸送コストが課題となっている。

Shipping costs associated with overseas procurement have become an issue.

Accompanying 'ni tomonau' (associated with).

地政学的リスクを考慮し、海外仕入れ先を分散させる。

Considering geopolitical risks, we will diversify our overseas procurement sources.

Adverbial 'te-form' for reason/consideration.

海外仕入れの透明性を高めることが急務である。

Increasing the transparency of overseas procurement is an urgent matter.

Nominalized phrase 'koto' + 'kyuumu' (urgent task).

持続可能な海外仕入れ（サステナブル調達）を目指す。

We aim for sustainable overseas procurement (sustainable sourcing).

Target 'wo mezasu' (aim for).

海外仕入れにおける為替ヘッジの重要性を説く。

I will explain the importance of currency hedging in overseas procurement.

Formal verb 'toku' (to explain/preach).

海外仕入れの依存度を段階的に縮小する計画だ。

The plan is to gradually reduce the degree of dependence on overseas procurement.

Noun 'keikaku da' (it is a plan).

海外仕入れの品質基準をグローバルレベルに引き上げる。

We will raise the quality standards of overseas procurement to a global level.

Target 'ni' + 'hikiageru' (pull up/raise).

越境ECの普及により、海外仕入れのハードルが下がった。

With the spread of cross-border EC, the barriers to overseas procurement have lowered.

Cause 'ni yori' (due to).

海外仕入れにおける法規制の遵守を徹底させる。

We will ensure strict compliance with legal regulations in overseas procurement.

Causative 'shunsyu saseru' (make them comply).

海外仕入れにおけるサプライチェーンの強靭化を最優先課題に掲げる。

We prioritize the strengthening of the supply chain resilience in overseas procurement.

Highly formal 'kakageru' (to champion/hold up).

海外仕入れの抜本的な見直しが、企業の存続を左右する。

A fundamental review of overseas procurement will determine the survival of the company.

Subject 'ga' + 'sayuu suru' (to influence/determine).

為替相場の激変に翻弄される海外仕入れの現状を打破する。

We will overcome the current situation of overseas procurement being at the mercy of drastic exchange rate fluctuations.

Passive 'honrou sareru' (to be toyed with).

海外仕入れの多角化は、経済安全保障の観点からも不可欠だ。

Diversification of overseas procurement is essential from the perspective of economic security.

Perspective 'kanter kara mo' (also from the viewpoint of).

海外仕入れに伴うカーボンフットプリントの算出を義務付ける。

We will mandate the calculation of the carbon footprint associated with overseas procurement.

Target 'wo gimuzukeru' (to mandate).

海外仕入れの利益率を最大化するための戦略的提携を模索する。

We will explore strategic alliances to maximize the profit margins of overseas procurement.

Verb 'mosaku suru' (to grope for/explore).

海外仕入れにおける不公正な取引慣行を是正する。

We will correct unfair trade practices in overseas procurement.

Verb 'zesei suru' (to correct/rectify).

海外仕入れのデジタル・トランスフォーメーションを加速させる。

We will accelerate the digital transformation of overseas procurement.

Causative 'kasoku saseru' (to accelerate).

Common Collocations

海外仕入れルート

海外仕入れコスト

海外仕入れ担当

海外仕入れサイト

海外仕入れ代行

海外仕入れ価格

海外仕入れ業者

海外仕入れノウハウ

海外仕入れリスク

海外仕入れ商品

Common Phrases

海外仕入れを強化する

— To increase or improve the process of buying from abroad. Used in corporate strategies.

来期は海外仕入れをさらに強化する方針だ。

海外仕入れに踏み切る

— To take the plunge and start overseas procurement. Implies a big decision.

コスト削減のため、ついに海外仕入れに踏み切った。

海外仕入れを一本化する

— To unify or centralize overseas procurement into one channel/source.

効率化のため、海外仕入れを中国の業者に一本化した。

海外仕入れが滞る

— Overseas procurement is delayed or stalled. Used during logistics crises.

港湾ストライキにより海外仕入れが滞っている。

海外仕入れを検討中

— Currently considering starting or changing overseas procurement.

新しいカテゴリーの海外仕入れを検討中だ。

海外仕入れのパイプ

— Connections or channels for overseas procurement. Metaphorical usage.

彼はイタリアのメーカーと強い海外仕入れのパイプを持っている。

海外仕入れの窓口

— The point of contact for overseas procurement inquiries.

海外仕入れの窓口は営業二課が担当している。

海外仕入れの目利き

— An expert with a good eye for selecting quality products abroad.

海外仕入れの目利きとして業界で有名だ。

海外仕入れの実績

— A track record or history of successful overseas procurement.

当社は30年の海外仕入れの実績があります。

海外仕入れを委託する

— To outsource overseas procurement to another company.

専門の商社に海外仕入れを委託することにした。

Often Confused With

海外仕入れ vs 輸入 (Yunyuu)

Yunyuu is the act of goods entering the country; Shiire is the business act of purchasing inventory.

海外仕入れ vs 買い出し (Kaidashi)

Kaidashi usually refers to going out to buy supplies/groceries, often for a specific event or short-term need, rather than professional inventory.

海外仕入れ vs 調達 (Choutatsu)

Choutatsu is broader and more formal, often used for raw materials or fundraising, whereas Shiire is specifically for retail/resale goods.

Idioms & Expressions

"安物買いの銭失い"

— To lose money by buying cheap, poor-quality items. Often cited as a risk in 'kaigai shiire'.

海外仕入れで安さだけを求めると、安物買いの銭失いになりかねない。

Common Idiom

"足で稼ぐ"

— To earn through physical effort, such as visiting many suppliers personally.

良い海外仕入れ先を見つけるには、足で稼ぐしかない。

Business Idiom

"一か八か"

— All or nothing / Sink or swim. Sometimes used when making a risky large overseas order.

この新商品を海外仕入れするのは、一か八かの賭けだ。

Casual/Informal

"看板を背負う"

— To represent the company's reputation. Important for buyers when negotiating.

会社の看板を背負って海外仕入れの交渉に臨む。

Formal/Idiomatic

"二の足を踏む"

— To hesitate or have second thoughts. Common when facing high shipping costs.

輸送費の高騰で、海外仕入れに二の足を踏んでいる。

Literary/Common

"棚からぼた餅"

— A windfall or lucky break. Finding a perfect supplier by chance.

偶然立ち寄った展示会で良い仕入れ先が見つかり、棚からぼた餅だった。

Common Idiom

"口を酸っぱくして言う"

— To say something repeatedly. Often used regarding quality control instructions to foreign suppliers.

検品の徹底を、海外の仕入れ先に口を酸っぱくして言っている。

Common Idiom

"捕らぬ狸の皮算用"

— Counting chickens before they hatch. Expecting huge profits before the goods arrive.

海外仕入れの商品が届く前に利益を計算するのは、捕らぬ狸の皮算用だ。

Common Idiom

"虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず"

— Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Used to justify the risks of international trade.

リスクはあるが、海外仕入れに挑戦する。虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ずだ。

Proverb

"郷に入っては郷に従え"

— When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Crucial for negotiating in different cultures.

海外仕入れでは、現地のビジネス慣習を尊重することが大切だ。郷に入っては郷に従えだ。

Proverb

Easily Confused

海外仕入れ vs 輸入 (Yunyuu)

Both involve getting things from abroad.

Yunyuu is a general term (e.g., Japan imports oil). Shiire is a business term (e.g., I buy clothes to sell). You can 'yunyuu' a gift, but you cannot 'shiire' a gift.

個人で使うために輸入する (Import for personal use) vs 転売のために仕入れる (Procure for resale).

海外仕入れ vs 買い付け (Kaiketsu)

Both mean buying for business.

Kaiketsu implies a more active, selective process, often involving travel. Shiire is the general accounting/business term for the whole process.

バイヤーが海外買い付けに行く (A buyer goes on a buying trip).

海外仕入れ vs 調達 (Choutatsu)

Both mean procurement.

Choutatsu is used for large-scale corporate needs (parts, materials, funds). Shiire is for retail goods or items intended for sale.

部品の海外調達 (Overseas procurement of parts).

海外仕入れ vs 購入 (Kounyuu)

Both mean 'purchase'.

Kounyuu is a general formal word for buying. Shiire is specifically for business inventory.

備品を購入する (Purchase office supplies) vs 商品を仕入れる (Procure products for sale).

海外仕入れ vs 仕出し (Shidashi)

Similar sound to 'Shiire'.

Shidashi refers to catering or providing prepared meals, completely unrelated to importing.

仕出し弁当を注文する (Order a catered bento).

Sentence Patterns

[Country] で海外仕入れをします。

アメリカで海外仕入れをします。

[Reason] ので、海外仕入れを [Action].

円安なので、海外仕入れを減らします。

海外仕入れの [Noun] は [Adjective] です。

海外仕入れの商品は質が良いです。

海外仕入れにおける [Risk/Issue] を [Verb].

海外仕入れにおけるリスクを分析する。

海外仕入れを [Purpose] ために [Action].

海外仕入れを効率化するためにシステムを導入した。

海外仕入れの [Trend] に伴い、[Result].

海外仕入れの拡大に伴い、物流網を整備した。

海外仕入れ先の [Selection] を [Verb].

海外仕入れ先の選定を慎重に行う。

海外仕入れを基軸とした [Business Model] を [Verb].

海外仕入れを基軸としたビジネスモデルを構築する。

Word Family

Nouns

仕入れ (Shiire) - Procurement/Stocking

仕入れ先 (Shiiresaki) - Supplier/Vendor

仕入れ値 (Shiirene) - Cost price/Wholesale price

仕入れ高 (Shiiredaka) - Amount of purchases

Verbs

仕入れる (Shiireru) - To lay in stock/procure

買い付ける (Kaikeru) - To purchase/buy up (often professional)

輸入 (Yunyuu) - Import

貿易 (Boueki) - Trade

卸売 (Oroshiuri) - Wholesale

小売 (Kouri) - Retail

物流 (Butsuryuu) - Logistics

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in business, finance, and entrepreneurial circles.

Common Mistakes

Using 'Kaigai Shiire' for personal shopping. → 海外で買い物をする (Kaigai de kaimono o suru)
'Shiire' is strictly for business inventory. Using it for personal items sounds very strange.
Confusing 'Shiire' with 'Uriage' (Sales). → 仕入れ (Buying) vs 売上 (Selling)
'Shiire' is an expense/cost; 'Uriage' is the revenue you get after selling the goods.
Writing '仕入れ' as '入仕' (swapping the kanji). → 仕入れ
The order of kanji matters. 'Shi' (service) comes before 'Ire' (input).
Saying 'Kaigai shiire o kaimasu'. → 海外仕入れを行う (Perform) or 商品を仕入れる (Procure products)
'Shiire' already includes the meaning of 'buying'. Saying 'buy procurement' is redundant (tautology).
Thinking 'Kaigai Shiire' is only for physical goods. → It can also apply to materials or components.
While usually for finished goods in retail, it can refer to anything brought in for business use/resale.

Tips

Always check the Yen rate

Before committing to a 'kaigai shiire' order, always check the current exchange rate. Even a small fluctuation can wipe out your profit margins when buying in bulk.

Learn 'Shiiresaki'

The word for 'supplier' is 'shiiresaki'. In business, you don't just find products; you build relationships with your 'shiiresaki' to ensure consistent quality.

Factor in Lead Time

In 'kaigai shiire', the 'lead time' (the time from order to delivery) is much longer than domestic orders. Plan your inventory levels at least 3-6 months in advance.

Know Your HS Codes

For successful 'kaigai shiire', you need to know the HS codes for your products to calculate customs duties accurately. This prevents surprise costs at the border.

Be Clear on Specs

When doing 'kaigai shiire', language barriers can lead to mistakes. Use clear photos and detailed specification sheets to avoid receiving the wrong items.

Quality is King in Japan

Japanese customers have the highest quality standards in the world. Ensure your 'kaigai shiire' includes a strict inspection (kenpin) process before shipping.

Diversify Your Sources

Don't rely on just one country for 'kaigai shiire'. If that country has a political or natural disaster, your business will stop. Try to have multiple 'shiiresaki'.

Use Procurement Platforms

Sites like Alibaba, Global Sources, and Faire have made 'kaigai shiire' much easier for small businesses. Use their built-in protection tools.

Visit Trade Fairs

The best 'kaigai shiire' often happens at international trade fairs like the Canton Fair or CES. Meeting suppliers in person builds essential trust.

Understand Incoterms

In 'kaigai shiire' contracts, terms like FOB or CIF determine who pays for shipping and insurance. Make sure you understand these before signing anything.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a ship (Shi) coming into (ire) a Japanese port from across the sea (Kaigai). The ship is full of goods for your shop.

Visual Association

Picture a giant shipping container with a Japanese 'Shi' (仕) logo on it, floating across the ocean.

Word Web

International Stock Inventory Currency Customs Shipping Wholesale Business

Challenge

Write a 3-sentence email in Japanese to a supplier in another country asking if they can support your 'kaigai shiire' needs.

Word Origin

The term is a compound of 'Kaigai' (海外) and 'Shiire' (仕入れ). 'Kaigai' literally means 'beyond the seas'. 'Shiire' is the noun form of the verb 'shiireru'.

Original meaning: The verb 'shiireru' historically meant 'to force in' or 'to bring in' (shiru + ireru). In a commercial context, it evolved to mean bringing in goods to a warehouse for future sale.

Sino-Japanese (Kango) for 'Kaigai' combined with Native Japanese (Wago) for 'Shiire'.

Cultural Context

Be aware that 'Kaigai Shiire' from certain regions may involve discussions about ethical sourcing and labor practices, which are becoming more prominent in Japanese corporate social responsibility (CSR).

In English-speaking countries, we usually just say 'importing' or 'sourcing'. The Japanese term is more specific to the 'stocking' action.

The term is frequently used in business dramas like 'Hanzawa Naoki'. E-commerce giants like Rakuten have entire sections dedicated to 'Kaigai Shiire' support. Popular YouTube channels like 'Sedori TV' focus entirely on this topic.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Retail Business

仕入れ値を抑える
新商品を仕入れる
仕入れルートの確保
在庫を抱える

E-commerce (Amazon/Mercari)

海外から買い付ける
転売目的の仕入れ
送料を計算する
関税がかかる

Manufacturing

原材料の海外仕入れ
部品調達の遅れ
現地法人を通じた仕入れ
品質保証の契約

Finance/Accounting

仕入れ債務
外貨建て仕入れ
仕入れ原価
買掛金

Logistics

コンテナ輸送
通関手続き
フォワーダーへの依頼
リードタイムの短縮

Conversation Starters

"「海外仕入れに興味があるのですが、初心者は何から始めればいいですか？」 (I'm interested in overseas procurement; what should a beginner start with?)"

"「最近の円安で、海外仕入れのコストはどう変わりましたか？」 (With the recent weak yen, how have overseas procurement costs changed?)"

"「海外仕入れで一番苦労した経験は何ですか？」 (What was your most difficult experience with overseas procurement?)"

"「おすすめの海外仕入れサイトやプラットフォームはありますか？」 (Are there any recommended overseas procurement sites or platforms?)"

"「海外仕入れと国内仕入れ、どちらが利益率が高いと思いますか？」 (Which do you think has higher profit margins, overseas or domestic procurement?)"

Journal Prompts

もし自分が自分のお店を持つなら、どの国から何を海外仕入れしたいですか？その理由も書いてください。

海外仕入れにおける「安さ」と「品質」のバランスについて、あなたの考えを述べてください。

円安が日本の海外仕入れビジネスに与える影響について、ニュースで見たことをまとめてください。

海外仕入れをする際に、言語の壁をどうやって乗り越えるべきだと思いますか？

将来、AIが海外仕入れの仕事をどのように変えるか想像して書いてください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In business accounting, the 'shiire' cost usually refers to the price of the goods themselves, but the total 'procurement cost' (仕入れ原価) includes shipping, insurance, and customs duties. When people talk about 'kaigai shiire' as a process, they definitely include the logistical challenges and costs associated with it.

No, you should use 'kaimono' (shopping) or 'kojin yunyuu' (personal import). Using 'shiire' implies you are a business owner or a reseller. If you tell a friend you are doing 'kaigai shiire,' they will likely ask you what kind of shop you are running!

'Kaigai Shiire' is most common in the retail, fashion, and consumer goods sectors. 'Kaigai Choutatsu' is a more formal term used by large corporations and factories for raw materials, machinery, or components. If you are a small business owner, 'shiire' is the more natural word.

It is primarily a noun (compound noun). However, it is very common to add 'suru' to make it a verb: 'Kaigai shiire suru' (to procure from overseas). In formal writing, it is better to use it as a noun with 'okonau' (perform) or 'tantou suru' (be in charge of).

You should say: 'Watashi wa kaigai shiire o tantou shite imasu' (私は海外仕入れを担当しています). This is a very standard and professional way to introduce your job role in a Japanese business setting.

The most common issues discussed in Japan are 'kawase risuku' (exchange rate risk), 'yousou chien' (shipping delays), 'furyouhin' (defective products), and 'tsuukan toraburu' (customs clearance trouble). Professional buyers spend a lot of time trying to mitigate these specific problems.

'Sedori' (reselling) is the business model, while 'Kaigai Shiire' is the method of getting the stock. Many people who do 'sedori' use 'kaigai shiire' from sites like eBay or Alibaba to find products that are rare or expensive in Japan.

While anyone can buy things from abroad, doing 'kaigai shiire' as a business may require specific licenses depending on the product, such as the 'Kobutsu-sho' (Secondhand Dealer License) if you are buying used goods, or health permits for food and cosmetics.

It refers to an 'Overseas Procurement Agency' service. These companies handle the negotiation, payment, and shipping from foreign countries on behalf of Japanese buyers who might not speak the foreign language or understand the local regulations.

When the yen is weak (円安), it takes more yen to buy the same amount of foreign currency. This makes the 'shiire' price higher for Japanese businesses, which often forces them to raise their prices for consumers or accept lower profits.