Maru Connect Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City; CEO: Akira Niikura; hereinafter referred to as "the Company") is pleased to announce that on July 3, 2026, it was certified as an "Establishment Agency Partner" by Shopee Japan Inc. (hereinafter referred to as "Shopee Japan"), the Japanese subsidiary of Shopee, one of the largest e-commerce malls in Southeast Asia and Taiwan.

▼ Shopee "Establishment Agency" Service Details

1 Market Research: Preliminary Research

Feasibility studies, competitor research, etc.

2 Shopee Store Establishment and Product Listing

Business information, payment methods, logistics setup, product information translation (English, Traditional Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Portuguese (Brazil)), image processing (still images, videos), product registration, brand application, shop decoration, etc.

3 Sales Operations

E-commerce operation preparation, customer and logistics system construction, promotion setup, order management, etc.

4 Advertising Operations

Shopee Ads setup, monitoring, etc.

Sea Limited.

Shopee (Sea Limited)

Shopee is a group company (subsidiary) of Sea Limited (headquartered in Singapore, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)), a leading global consumer internet company. Founded in Singapore in 2015, its marketplace is now deployed in 12 countries and regions in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Latin America.

Sea | Shopee Intro

Sea | Investor Relations

According to the "Q4 and Full-Year Financial Results for FY2025" announced by Sea Limited on March 3, 2026, GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume) for FY2025 reached $127.4 billion (a 26.7% increase year-on-year), and the total number of orders was 13.9 billion (a 27.5% increase year-on-year), marking the highest GMV and total order volume in history.

Sea | Investor Relations

GMV (Gross Merchandise Volume)

Year-on-Year Change

FY2023 (ended Dec 2023)

$78.5 billion

6.8% increase

FY2024 (ended Dec 2024)

$100.5 billion

28.0% increase

FY2025 (ended Dec 2025)

$127.4 billion*

26.7% increase

FY2026 (forecast, ending Dec 2026)

---

Approx. 25% increase

*Equivalent to approximately 19,985.6 billion yen at the exchange rate of December 31, 2025 (approx. 156.87 yen/dollar).

Shopee Japan

Shopee Japan

Shopee Japan aims to make the e-commerce mall "Shopee" more convenient and user-friendly. Partner companies with a track record in supporting Shopee store establishment assist merchants with their challenges, introducing partner companies with strengths in areas such as payments, preparation for store establishment, and operations (language/translation, product listing, marketing).

Partners - Shopee Japan

Factors and Impact of the Historic Weak Yen on Businesses

Due to transactions influenced by US interest rate trends and the interest rate differential between Japan and the US, yen selling has progressed, reaching record levels of late 150s to 162 yen to the dollar, the highest since December 1986. This has severely impacted small and medium-sized enterprises, which are struggling to pass on increased import costs for raw materials and energy. On the other hand, it has created tailwinds for export-related companies (such as cross-border e-commerce) that earn revenue overseas, leading to contrasting fortunes across industries.

In cross-border e-commerce, the biggest advantage of the weak yen is the ability to lower prices in overseas markets while maintaining the quality and value of products. For example, a Japanese product priced at "11,000 yen (100 dollars)" during the era of 1 dollar = 110 yen would be priced at "approximately 69 dollars" with the weak yen at 1 dollar = 160 yen. This means overseas buyers can purchase it for nearly 30% less, dramatically lowering the barrier to purchase.

Furthermore, the weak yen has led to a surge in foreign tourists visiting Japan. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), inbound tourists (foreign visitors to Japan) in January-December 2025 reached a record high of 42.68 million (a 15.8% increase year-on-year). Cross-border e-commerce can effectively capture this "post-travel" demand, creating a pathway for repeat purchases of cosmetics, snacks, traditional crafts, apparel, etc., that visitors enjoyed during their stay in Japan, at "yen-denominated prices cheaper than buying locally" after returning home.

With the domestic market shrinking due to an aging population and declining birthrate, the greatest significance of starting cross-border e-commerce now lies in leveraging the weak yen not as a "risk" but as an "opportunity to expand sales channels to the world." Additionally, cross-border e-commerce (overseas sales) offers the benefit of consumption tax refunds.

Background of Cross-Border E-commerce Expansion

According to the "FY2024 Survey on the Digital Transaction Environment Development Business (Survey on Electronic Commerce)" announced by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry on August 26, 2025, the global B2C e-commerce market size in 2024 is estimated at US$6.09 trillion, with an e-commerce penetration rate of 20.1%. While the growth speed of electronic commerce sales has slightly slowed as the world transitions from the pandemic era to a new normal, it continues to grow steadily.

The market size and e-commerce penetration rate are expected to continue growing, albeit gradually, with projections reaching $8.09 trillion and a 22.9% penetration rate by 2028.

Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, "FY2024 Survey on the Digital Transaction Environment Development Business (Survey on Electronic Commerce)" Global B2C in 2024

The expansion of cross-border e-commerce is driven by a combination of four factors: technological advancements, economic changes, shifts in consumer behavior, and the development of institutional frameworks. In recent years, SNS and influencer activities have become direct triggers for purchases, ushering in an era where the process from "knowing → wanting → buying" can be completed in minutes.

1 Technological Advancements

Widespread internet and smartphone adoption allows consumers worldwide to search and purchase online.

International payment services and logistics infrastructure improvements facilitate cross-border transactions.

E-commerce platforms like Amazon and Shopee provide mechanisms for international expansion.

2 Economic Changes

Rising incomes in emerging economies such as Southeast Asia and Latin America are increasing purchasing power.

Exchange rate fluctuations, such as the weak yen, are driving overseas demand.

The COVID-19 pandemic shifted much consumption online, and the global economic shift to online has also impacted cross-border e-commerce.

3 Changes in Consumer Behavior

Increased exposure to global trends and cultures through SNS and videos is driving demand for foreign brands and products.

In cross-border e-commerce, products can sometimes be purchased more cheaply than domestically, making price comparisons easier.

Demand for differentiated gifts and limited-edition products, such as overseas-exclusive versions or regional specialties.

4 Institutional and Policy Support

Expansion of FTAs (Free Trade Agreements) and EPAs (Economic Partnership Agreements) reduces tariffs and simplifies customs procedures, lowering the cost of international trade.

Governments worldwide are promoting digital trade, developing cross-border digital transaction environments.

Support measures for SMEs, such as JETRO's cross-border e-commerce support and various subsidies, are reducing entry barriers.

Why Southeast Asia and Taiwan Now?

Southeast Asia and Taiwan are growth markets characterized by a "demographic bonus period," "advanced mobile markets," and "internationally-oriented youth," with remarkable growth in cross-border e-commerce globally. They are particularly strong in the synergy between SNS and mobile payments, where a purchasing model of "from posting to purchase" is established, a significant difference from the Japanese market.

1 Favorable Market and Demographic Structure

Population size and high proportion of young people: Southeast Asia (ASEAN) has a market size of approximately 670 million people, and Taiwan has approximately 23 million. ASEAN, in particular, has an average age of around 30, with a population accustomed to the internet and SNS forming the core of consumers.

Urbanization and rapid growth of the middle class: Urban populations and the middle class are increasing in countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Disposable income is rising, expanding demand for foreign brands and high-quality products.

Economic growth during the demographic bonus period: Southeast Asia is expected to continue its population growth until around 2040, indicating high potential as a consumer market.

2 Maturation of Digital Environment and E-commerce Infrastructure

Mobile-first countries: Smartphone penetration is high in both Southeast Asia and Taiwan, with the "smartphone = internet" paradigm being particularly strong in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Regional expansion of e-commerce platforms: Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop offer local language and currency support, creating an environment conducive to cross-border sellers.

Internationalization of payments and logistics: Mobile payment services like GrabPay, Gcash, and LINE Pay are widespread. Cross-border logistics services such as DHL, J&T, and Ninja Van are also expanding.

3 Changes in Consumer Behavior

Trust and popularity of Japanese products: In Southeast Asia and Taiwan, the image of "Japan = quality/safety" is strong, leading to stable demand for cosmetics, health foods, baby products, and home appliances.

Increased purchases via SNS: The trend of direct purchases from live commerce and short videos on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook is accelerating.

Travel experience directly linked to purchasing intent: "Post-travel demand" is becoming established, where local consumers who discovered Japanese products during inbound travel make repeat purchases via cross-border e-commerce after returning home, finding them "cheaper in yen than buying locally."

Shopee Sales Support Campaign (Limited Time, First 10 Companies)

Our company supports businesses struggling with issues such as "declining sales in the Japanese market," "lack of know-how in overseas sales," "lack of human resources for overseas operations," and "desire to challenge rapidly growing markets" by providing cross-border e-commerce support, consulting on preparation, setup, payment, shipping, and operations for overseas sales, and SNS management.

As of July 2026, sales are possible to seven markets: Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Brazil. Store establishment and product listing on Shopee are possible with zero initial and monthly fixed fees (0 yen).

Shopee Singapore (PC) Shopee Singapore (Mobile)

After establishing a store and listing products, Shopee fees (approximately 15-25% depending on the market, including shipping) are deducted from the order amount (including shipping), and payment is made in US dollars (USD) to "Payoneer (online payment processing platform)." Subsequently, funds can be withdrawn in Japanese yen (JPY) to a Japanese bank account (withdrawal fee of 2%).

To commemorate our certification as a Shopee Japan "Establishment Agency Partner," we are launching the "Shopee Sales Support Campaign (Limited Time, First 10 Companies)" to strengthen our support for Japanese companies' cross-border e-commerce (overseas sales). The benefits and conditions of this campaign are as follows:

▼ Benefits: "Shopee Store Establishment Feasibility Report (worth 110,000 yen/company)" and "Free Online Consultation"

Basic data for Shopee-available markets (7 countries/regions)

Preliminary verification of sales and logistics regulations, laws, and customs for each market

On-site research of similar product competitors, actual sales prices, and sales volumes

Verification of resale status, etc.

Shopee store establishment schedule and estimated costs

"Zoom Meeting (Free: 45 minutes/session)" after sending the "Shopee Store Establishment Feasibility Report"

▼ Conditions

Corporate companies considering establishing a new store on Shopee, and owners of their own brand products only (corporate resellers are not eligible).

Products will be shipped from Japan.

Plan to list 5 or more products (variations in color/size are counted as one product).

Inquiries to our company between July 6, 2026 (Mon) and September 30, 2026 (Wed).

First 10 companies (subject to screening).

*For corporate resellers, sole proprietors, and individuals, please use the following benefits.

How to Apply for Shopee Account (Mul-Connect Exclusive, with Benefits)

*Campaign details are subject to change, cancellation, or extension without prior notice.

About Maru Connect Inc.

Maru Connect Inc. (Mul-Connect Inc.) operates under the corporate vision of "Connecting the world through multilingualization (Multi-lingualize, Connect)," providing support for Japanese companies' cross-border e-commerce by offering consulting services for preparation, setup, payment, shipping, and operations for overseas sales, as well as SNS management.

【Company Overview】

Company Name: Maru Connect Inc.

Location: 2-6-11 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, 810-0041 Fukuoka Growth Next

Representative: CEO Akira Niikura

Business Activities: Cross-border e-commerce support business

Consulting on market research, strategy, marketing, etc.

Store construction, including marketplaces (establishment, operation) and proprietary e-commerce sites (construction, operation)

Store management, including order management, inventory management, and payments

Promotions such as SNS operation, influencer arrangements, ambassador management, and SEO

Date of Establishment: October 2019

HP: https://mul-connect.com

▼ Public Institutions of National and Local Governments, etc.

JETRO "New Export Nation Expert (EC/SNS Operation Field)"

JETRO "JS-Links (Service Provider List for Overseas Business)" Registered

SMRJ "SME Advisor (New Market Development)"

Global Connect Fukuoka (Fukuoka Prefecture Commerce and Industry Department Startup Promotion Division) "Overseas Expansion Support Advisor"

Fukuoka Center for Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion "Expert (Cross-border EC)"

Fukuoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry "Expert (Cross-border EC)" etc.

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: ビジネス
  • Organizations: Shopee / Sea Limited