The Short Answer
There is no single best place to buy from Japan, because the main options solve different problems. Exporter stores such as BE FORWARD and Car Junction list their own used vehicles and parts. Amayama is a catalogue for genuine new parts. Janbox buys from Japanese shops on your behalf and forwards the parcel. Japan Convoy is a wholesale marketplace where international businesses find verified Japanese sellers and negotiate directly. Pick by what you buy and how much.
The Four Ways to Buy at a Glance
| Route | Examples | Best for | How you deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exporter store | BE FORWARD, Car Junction | A used car or parts set from one exporter's stock | Pick from the exporter's own listings and order from them |
| Genuine parts catalogue | Amayama | New OEM parts found by VIN or part number | Order from the catalogue store |
| Used-parts supplier | Kaiho Sangyo | Used and recycled Japanese auto parts | Enquire with the supplier |
| Proxy and forwarding service | Janbox | Individuals buying from Japanese retailers or auctions | The service buys for you, then ships to you |
| Wholesale marketplace | Japan Convoy | Businesses buying in volume from several Japanese sellers | Message sellers or post a buyer request; agree terms directly |
These descriptions are general. Each company sets its own coverage, fees and terms, so check the current details on their own sites before you order.
Exporter Stores: BE FORWARD and Car Junction
Exporter stores list stock they hold or source themselves, and you buy from that one company. This is convenient when you want a single car or a parts order and prefer one counterparty. The trade-off is that your choice is limited to that exporter's inventory and terms.
Genuine Parts Catalogues: Amayama
A parts catalogue is the fastest route when you need a new genuine part and know the VIN or part number. It is less suited to used parts, vehicles, machinery or mixed wholesale loads.
Used-Parts Suppliers: Kaiho Sangyo
Japanese used-parts companies such as Kaiho Sangyo supply recycled and second-hand auto parts. For how used parts are graded and ordered, see our guide to sourcing used auto parts from Japan.
Proxy and Forwarding: Janbox
Proxy services such as Janbox buy from Japanese online shops and auctions for you, then consolidate and ship. They are built for individual shoppers and small parcels rather than negotiating wholesale terms with a supplier.
Wholesale Marketplace: Japan Convoy
Japan Convoy is a B2B marketplace where international buyers discover and message verified Japanese sellers directly. It covers vehicles, auto parts, electronics, machinery and other goods.
- No checkout: you agree price and payment terms with the seller yourself in in-platform messaging. Contact details stay gated until a message is sent.
- Buyer requests: if nothing listed fits, post a buyer request and sellers reply with offers.
- Optional fulfilment: after a deal is agreed, either party can ask Japan Convoy to broker quote assembly, inspection, packaging, customs and shipping coordination, for a fee.
- Compare suppliers: you can talk to several sellers at once rather than depending on one company's stock.
How to Choose
- One car or a few parts for yourself: an exporter store or proxy service is usually simplest.
- A genuine new part by VIN: a parts catalogue.
- Volume, several suppliers, machinery, electronics or mixed goods: a wholesale marketplace.
For next steps by product, read our guides to inspecting a used car from Japan, buying Japanese auto parts wholesale and shipping from Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy used cars and parts from Japan online?
There are four common routes: exporter stores that list their own stock (for example BE FORWARD and Car Junction), online catalogues of genuine new parts (for example Amayama), proxy and forwarding services that buy from Japanese shops for you (for example Janbox), and wholesale marketplaces where you message Japanese sellers directly (Japan Convoy). Which fits depends on what you buy, how much, and whether you are a business.
What is the difference between a proxy service and a wholesale marketplace?
A proxy or forwarding service buys items from Japanese retailers on your behalf and ships them to you, which suits individuals and small orders. A wholesale marketplace such as Japan Convoy connects you to the Japanese sellers themselves so you can negotiate quantities, price and terms directly, which suits businesses buying in volume.
Where do I buy genuine OEM Japanese parts?
Parts catalogue stores such as Amayama sell new genuine parts looked up by vehicle identification number or part number. If you need used, recycled or mixed parts in volume, a wholesale marketplace or a used-parts exporter such as Kaiho Sangyo may be a better fit. Check each seller's current terms and coverage on their own site.
Is Japan Convoy a store?
No. Japan Convoy is a B2B marketplace, not a checkout. You find verified Japanese sellers, message them or post a buyer request, and agree price and payment terms with them directly. Contact details stay gated until a message is sent.
Does Japan Convoy ship the goods?
Optionally. Once you and a seller agree a deal, either party can ask Japan Convoy to broker fulfilment - quote assembly, inspection, packaging, customs paperwork and shipping coordination - for a fee.
How should I choose between these options?
Buying one car or a few parts for yourself: an exporter store or proxy service is usually simplest. Buying genuine new parts by VIN: a parts catalogue. Buying in quantity, comparing several suppliers, or needing machinery, electronics or mixed goods: a wholesale marketplace. Many buyers use more than one.