Shulman Advisory

Access to Japan’s Wholesale Electricity Market

Shulman Advisory provides comprehensive support to power traders and retailers in securing the necessary memberships and licenses required to trade wholesale power in Japan. Our assistance covers everything from handling paperwork to crafting effective strategies tailored to your needs.
Our Process
Mobile Process Steps
1

Japanese Entity Incorporation & Bank Account

  • End-to-end entity registration in Japan, including seals, certificates, and relevant notifications
  • One year office rental
  • Bank account setup assistance
2

METI Retailer License Application

  • Retail License application preparation & submission
This license can be used by:
• Power traders who want direct access to JEPX
• Companies establishing a Japanese presence for wholesale and retail activities
3

OCCTO Membership

  • OCCTO Membership, relevant OCCTO codes and EPPCERT application preparation & submission
OCCTO oversees Japan's electricity system by approving supply plans, coordinating regional grids, and monitoring to ensure reliability.
4

Wheeling Agreements with TSOs

  • Wheeling agreement application drafting and filing
TSOs operate transmission networks and maintain grid stability within regions.
5

JEPX Membership Application

  • JEPX membership application drafting and filing
JEPX operates the wholesale electricity market, providing a platform for day-ahead, intra-day, and non-fossil certificate (NFC) trading.
6

Supporting Services

  • Company seal management
  • First-year tax filings
  • Introductions to trusted service providers (law, recruitment, balancing, accounting)
1
Japanese Entity Incorporation & Bank Account
2
METI Retailer License Application
3
OCCTO Membership
4
Wheeling Agreements with TSOs
5
JEPX Membership Application
6
Supporting Services
Updated Process Grid

Step 1: Japanese Entity Incorporation & Bank Account

  • End-to-end entity registration in Japan, including seals, certificates, and relevant notifications
  • One year office rental
  • Bank account setup assistance

Step 2: METI Retailer License Application

  • Retail License application preparation & submission
This license can be used by:
• Power traders who want direct access to JEPX
• Companies establishing a Japanese presence for wholesale and retail activities

Step 3: OCCTO Membership

  • OCCTO Membership, relevant OCCTO codes and EPPCERT application preparation & submission
OCCTO oversees Japan's electricity system by approving supply plans, coordinating regional grids, and monitoring to ensure reliability.

Step 4: Wheeling Agreements with TSOs

  • Wheeling agreement application drafting and filing
TSOs operate transmission networks and maintain grid stability within regions.

Step 5: JEPX Membership Application

  • JEPX membership application drafting and filing
JEPX operates the wholesale electricity market, providing a platform for day-ahead, intra-day, and non-fossil certificate (NFC) trading.

Step 6: Supporting Services

  • Company seal management
  • First-year tax filings
  • Introductions to trusted service providers (law, recruitment, balancing, accounting)
Combined Energy Market Section
Overcoming the Challenges of Entering Japan's Power Market

Entering the Japanese wholesale electricity market can be daunting, especially for international companies. The process involves navigating and communicating with multiple agencies in Japanese, and managing formal, detail-heavy applications. Even small errors can lead to long delays, costing both time and opportunity.

Your Roadmap to JEPX Access

Download our comprehensive guide and get started with confidence

Why Partner with Shulman Advisory

Enter the market with confidence

Leverage our proven track record guiding international players through Japan's complex power market rules.

Communicate without barriers

Rely on our Japanese and English fluency for seamless, accurate dealings with regulators.

Save time and focus on strategy

We handle every step of documentation, filing, and follow-up so you can focus on trading.

Avoid costly delays

Be aware and prepared for the potential challenges ahead of time to go through the process as smoothly as possible.

Updated FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a retail license if I only want to trade?

In Japan, there is no separate license for power trading only. To participate in JEPX as a trader, the common and practical route is via retail market entry.

How long does the process take?

In Shulman’s experience, the process from incorporation to JEPX membership acquisition can typically take up to 13-16 months.

Do I need a Japan-based team?

Having someone in-country is valuable over the longer term, but many clients begin the process before establishing a local team. Shulman ensures you can start making progress while slowly building presence.

Have questions about entering Japan’s power market? Our team is here to guide you.

Contact Us