B2B vehicle supply from Japan to the USA
Import cars from Japan to the USA
Source Japanese classics, performance cars, and specialist vehicles for dealership and resale programs in the United States.
Part of a business group working with Japan since 1991.
Licensed Japanese exporter and JUMVEA member.
More than 20,000 vehicles exported in 2025.
Export operations managed from Nagoya, Japan.
Built for repeat business purchasing.
Why Sumotori Auto
A Japan-side sourcing desk for US vehicle businesses
Access Japanese auctions and ready stock while Sumotori Auto handles the purchasing and export work on the ground.
Dealer-only auction access
Search vehicles and review auction data through Yokozuna, our online platform for sourcing, pricing, and analytics.
Make informed buying decisions
Use translated auction sheets, grades, photos, statistics, and condition notes before you approve a bid.
Control each purchase
Set the required specification and a maximum bid, then review the expected vehicle and logistics costs before buying.
Price the complete import
Add your broker’s current duty, port, bond, conversion, and state costs in Yokozuna before you set a resale target.
Leave Japan-side operations to us
We coordinate settlement, domestic transport, export preparation, port handling, and shipping.
Build a repeat supply program
Adjust the model mix and order volume around collector trends, specialist demand, and your sales plan.
Your team chooses the inventory and controls the resale plan while Sumotori Auto manages purchasing and export execution in Japan.
Choose a purchasing model
Buy at auction or choose ready stock
Choose one channel for a specific order or combine both when building a larger shipment.
Auction sourcing
Bid on vehicles listed by official Japanese auction houses and B2B platforms.
- Search by model, year, mileage, grade, and budget in Yokozuna
- Follow the auction schedule and place bids through your Yokozuna account
- Receive an English auction-sheet translation and request human review when needed
- Order an on-site inspection for selected vehicles where available
Choose auctions when
Regular purchasing and precise inventory requirements
Stock vehicles
Select from Sumotori Auto inventory with confirmed availability.
- Vehicle photos, condition information, and documents available before confirmation
- No auction wait or bidding risk
- Purchase price confirmed before payment
- Easy to add to an existing auction order
Choose stock when
Fast replenishment and confirmed availability
How the process works
From your buying brief to shipment from Japan
Five defined steps keep the buying brief, approval limit, condition evidence, and Japan-side status visible throughout the order.
Send your buying brief
Specify the model, chassis code, manufacture date, mileage, grade, budget, volume, US port, and preferred delivery terms.
Receive a shortlist and purchase terms
We present matching auction lots and stock vehicles with the available condition data, photos, and purchase terms.
Before approval, you receive the agreed service fee, inland transport cost, sailing estimate, and Incoterms.
Approve the bid or stock offer
You set the maximum bid or confirm a stock offer. Our team completes the purchase and settlement in Japan.
No vehicle is purchased above the limit or outside the specification you approved.
Inspect and prepare the vehicle
After purchase, we complete the agreed Japan-side inspection and export preparation.
The vehicle is deregistered, moved to the export yard or port, and prepared for the agreed shipment method.
Book the shipment and receive documents
Once your US customs broker confirms the entry basis and your team authorizes dispatch, we book the vessel, coordinate loading, and provide shipment details.
We send the shipment details and agreed Japan-side document package to the customs broker named by your team.
USA import check
Confirm the federal entry route before we bid
Appoint a US customs broker before purchase and involve a Registered Importer or Independent Commercial Importer when the proposed entry requires one. We provide Japan-side vehicle data and export documents; the importer and appointed specialists handle federal declarations, duties, compliance work, and state registration.
25-year FMVSS rule
NHTSA allows a vehicle at least 25 years old to enter without conforming to FMVSS. Age runs from the manufacture date, so retain evidence of the month and year and declare the vehicle under Box 1 on Form HS-7.
EPA’s separate 21-year provision
EPA may allow a vehicle at least 21 years old in its original unmodified configuration when the engine is identical to the one originally installed. Confirm the EPA basis and Form 3520-1 declaration before shipment.
FMVSS label or Registered Importer
A vehicle under 25 years old needs an original US FMVSS certification label or a NHTSA eligibility determination and a Registered Importer. A nonconforming entry may require a bond equal to 150% of declared value and modification after import.
Customs declarations
The importer or broker files Form HS-7 and EPA Form 3520-1 and completes the CBP entry. Sumotori Auto supplies the invoice, Japanese export certificate, bill of lading, and agreed Japan-side inspection records.
Duties and entry fees
CBP’s February 2026 tariff overview lists a 15% total tariff for automobiles from Japan. Classification, vehicle type, entry date, merchandise processing, harbor fees, and any other charges must be confirmed for the exact shipment.
State title and registration
Federal release does not guarantee a state title or road registration. Rules differ by state, and California may require additional emissions evidence and testing. Right-hand drive alone does not determine federal eligibility; confirm the intended state before purchase.
Official references: NHTSA import and certification guidance, EPA vehicle import requirements, CBP motor vehicle imports, and CBP 2026 tariff overview.
What we source
Build a focused Japanese vehicle inventory
Choose categories around collector demand, specialist resale, fleet customers, or a defined project order.
Japanese classics and specialist cars
Performance models, kei cars, 4x4s, premium vehicles, and collector editions selected around the buyer’s sourcing list.
View passenger cars from Japan Business useCommercial vehicles
Vans, utilities, people movers, and light commercial vehicles for dealership, fleet, and business demand.
View commercial vehicles from Japan Heavy segmentTrucks
Light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks selected around payload, body type, drivetrain, and operating requirements.
View trucks from Japan Specialist stockMotorcycles
Road, sport, touring, off-road, and specialist motorcycles from auction or ready stock.
View motorcycles from Japan MachineryConstruction machinery
Excavators, loaders, cranes, and specialist equipment for dealers, contractors, and project buyers.
Browse machinery from JapanCombined shipments
Combine passenger, commercial, motorcycle, and machinery purchases under one account and shipping plan.
Availability changes daily. Send your target list and planned volume to receive current auction and stock options.
FAQ
Before ordering a Japanese vehicle for the USA
Short answers on account setup, business eligibility, and shipping routes.
Send your company registration details and purchasing contact. We will verify the account, explain Yokozuna access, deposits, payment terms, and how to place the first order.
No. Sumotori Auto works with dealers, resellers, and business buyers.
Available ports and shipment methods depend on the vehicle type, carrier service, and current schedules. Share the destination and order profile; we will quote the available route from Japan.
Contact Sumotori Japan
Start cooperation with Sumotori Japan
Fill in the form and our team will contact you to discuss your request, available cooperation options and next steps.
- Business cooperation requests and project discussions
- Support for dealers, partners and business clients
- Japan-based team for sourcing, export, logistics and related services
Contact information
Contact Sumotori Japan
2 Chome-20-22 Kikui, Garden Front Kikui 4F