What is the checklist to launch on Amazon Japan?
Amazon Japan is the third-largest Amazon marketplace and rewards patience with product quality and translation. Non-negotiables: proper Japanese translation (not machine), PSE and PSC certifications where applicable, JCT (Japanese consumption tax) registration, and a local return address (Amazon or a 3PL).
The non-negotiable prep
Native-speaker translation and localization. PSE, PSC, or other required certifications for your category. JCT registration if you exceed the threshold. Local return address through Amazon or a 3PL.
What to expect
Slower ramp than the US: expect 6 to 12 months. Higher customer standards on quality and packaging. Stronger repeat behavior once trust is built.
Frequently asked questions
Is Amazon Japan in yen only?
Yes. Payouts convert to your home currency; use Amazon Currency Converter or a lower-fee provider.
Do I need PSE for electronics?
Yes for most electrical products. Certification through a Japanese lab is required.
Is Nova live in Japan?
Yes. Nova supports 21 Amazon marketplaces including Japan.
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Amazon Australia launch checklist
Amazon AU launch requires ABN (Australian Business Number) or ARN registration, GST registration if annual sales exceed AUD 75,000, and Australian consumer law compliance. FBA is available with fulfilment centres in Sydney and Melbourne. Realistic launch timeline is 6 to 10 weeks including tax and compliance setup.
Is translation enough for new Amazon marketplaces?
No. Translation converts words; localization adapts meaning. On Amazon, localization means native-speaker copy, culturally relevant lifestyle imagery, region-specific compliance claims, and pricing that reflects local price expectations. Sellers who ship machine translations rarely rank or convert.
Which Amazon marketplaces does Nova support?
Nova supports all 21 Amazon marketplaces: US, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Sweden, Poland, Belgium, Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India, Japan, Australia, and Singapore. SKU-level profit, PPC, inventory, and reporting work identically across each marketplace once connected via SP-API.
How do Amazon currency conversion fees work?
When you sell in a non-USD marketplace and disburse to a USD bank account, Amazon converts currency at its own rate, which is roughly 2% to 3% worse than the mid-market rate. Alternatives like Wise, Payoneer, or WorldFirst multi-currency accounts typically save 1% to 2% per payout by letting you disburse in local currency and convert separately.
Should I expand to Amazon EU?
Amazon EU is worth expanding into once you have a stable, profitable US business (100+ orders/day per SKU) and 6+ months of forecastable demand. EU adds five marketplaces (UK, DE, FR, IT, ES) but introduces VAT registration, EPR obligations, EU Responsible Person, and labelling requirements that take 2 to 4 months to set up correctly.