Looking beyond our core business—the reason why a funeral service company has ventured into exporting Oita's specialty products.Dai Funeral Services Group HD Co., Ltd.

Could you tell us what led you to introduce STANDAGE's automated trading service this time?

Our company has been providing funeral services in Oita Prefecture for over 55 years, working closely with the local community. The number of deaths is expected to peak around 2035, after which it is projected to level off. Recognizing the need to create a new pillar for our group's business, we have decided to expand our three products—kabosu citrus products, Oita Wagyu beef, and pufferfish—overseas, leveraging the connections we have cultivated through our long-standing community activities. Our group's philosophy is not just about our own company's growth, but about revitalizing the entire region.

Towards overseas expansionThe trigger for starting to moveWhat becameIn October 2024Held in TokyoOverseas businessSEXPOThis is participation.At the time, STANDAGEMr.'s seminarI attended the lecture on tradeThat is what I thinkIt was more than I expectedAlways hardI feel the level is low.ThatAlso, local specialtiesThe initiatives we will be handlingAs we proceedOnce again, STANDAGE'sI remembered that,Other servicesWe compared and examined them.The decision to implement it was made above.We did. ServiceEnrichment of contentIn addition, the person in chargeThe personalities and passion of various peopleIntention was the deciding factor.I feel that way..

What exactly did it entail?

STANDAGE has provided us with a wide range of support, from revising our sales materials to researching target markets and approaching overseas buyers. They have also assisted us with research on export regulations regarding pufferfish milt and sharing information about wagyu beef buyers. Most recently, they proposed that we exhibit at Food Japan, a food trade show to be held in Singapore in October 2026, and we are currently making preparations for that.

What impressed me most was that STANDAGE's staff traveled all the way to Oita to sign the contract. We were able to communicate with them while they actually tasted the product, and I could directly feel their understanding of the product and their enthusiasm for it. Their willingness to value face-to-face interaction despite the distance between Tokyo and Oita was very reassuring and built my trust in them.

What effects have you seen since implementing it?

Before implementation, we had little understanding of trade itself, and we were constantly in a state of "not knowing where to begin." As we worked with STANDAGE, we felt that the fog was gradually clearing. The biggest change is that we've gained a clearer roadmap for how to proceed with each product, how to narrow down target markets, and how to utilize trade shows.

In terms of qualitative results, we have received inquiries from overseas buyers regarding Wagyu beef, and negotiations are progressing. Furthermore, we are steadily expanding our scope of efforts, such as becoming able to research and utilize subsidies on our own. While we are still in the early stages of achieving sales figures, the fact that we have gained a realistic understanding of exports is a significant step forward for our company.

What kind of support do you expect from Omakase Trading in the future?

Our immediate goal is to secure transactions for each of the three products—kabosu citrus, wagyu beef, and pufferfish. We plan to steadily build up our business, starting with Singapore and Hong Kong, one deal at a time.

Once our current three products are on track, we'd like to expand into other Oita products such as kabosu-flavored yellowtail, seaweed, and shiitake mushrooms. In the future, we aim to internalize our trading business, and we want to absorb know-how from STANDAGE to achieve that. Once we start seeing the numbers, we should be able to naturally draw up a roadmap for the future.

Comment from Mr. Kawano of Dai Funeral Services Group HD Co., Ltd.

I would especially recommend "Omakase Trading" to farmers and producers who are so focused on production that they don't have the resources to develop new sales channels. Many producers are stuck with only JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) as an option and are struggling under harsh conditions. I believe that considering export as an option could change that situation.

Although we ourselves are still only halfway there, we were able to move from a state of "not knowing where to start" to taking concrete action. With STANDAGE's support, the seemingly high hurdle of international trade has become a realistic possibility. I would like to encourage local companies and producers to consult with them at least once.