The following "cooperator" trade associations represent the interests of various U.S. agricultural commodity groups in the Japanese market. Through their representatives and marketing agents on the ground in Japan, these organizations develop and maintain strong relationships with key Japanese purchase decision-makers in their respective product areas. Therefore, consulting with the appropriate cooperator group is recommended as a first step for U.S. companies to identify and secure access to key buyers in Japan's retail, food service and other related distribution sectors.