In December 2025, TKI Wagyu Trading LLC achieved a historic breakthrough by becoming the first company to export Japanese Wagyu beef directly from Japan to Kuwait. This momentous achievement marks a new chapter for Japanese beef in the Middle East, opening doors to new markets and showcasing Japan’s premium culinary heritage on a global stage.
The journey began more than a year and a half earlier, in March 2024, when Ayaka Mogi, General Manager of TKI, took her first step into the Kuwaiti market. Without any solid business leads or partnerships, she traveled to Kuwait with an open mind and a determination to build connections. Attending a seminar focused on local investors, Ayaka seized the opportunity to network and quickly formed an unexpected relationship with Alyasra Food Co., one of Kuwait’s largest food distributors.
Navigating a Complex Path: Challenges and Persistence
Despite this promising connection, exporting Wagyu beef from Japan to Kuwait was not straightforward. At that time, no official bilateral agreement existed between the two countries for beef imports. This lack of formal trade arrangements meant that the process was fraught with complicated regulations, paperwork, and logistical barriers.
Rather than being discouraged, Ayaka embraced the challenge. In July 2024, she met with Japan’s Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries during a visit to Dubai to highlight the potential of the Kuwaiti market. She shared her strong belief that Kuwaiti consumers would appreciate the exceptional quality of Japanese Wagyu beef and urged for support to make the exports possible.
Simultaneously, she worked closely with the Japanese Embassy in Kuwait, exploring every possible route to meet the stringent requirements for export approval. This involved detailed consultations on regulatory conditions, food safety standards, labeling, and inspection procedures.
Her relentless efforts, combined with collaborative support from government agencies and business partners, finally led to a major breakthrough in September 2025: formal approval was granted to export Japanese Wagyu beef to Kuwait.
Swift Action: Turning Approval into Reality
Once approval was secured, the TKI team moved quickly to complete the remaining steps necessary for export. This included obtaining documentation and approvals for their exclusive partner farm, Sugimoto Honten in Kumamoto Prefecture, known for producing premium Wagyu cattle. The company also ensured that the slaughterhouse facilities met export requirements and that all labeling and export paperwork complied with Kuwaiti regulations.
Completing these steps within just two and a half months was an impressive feat, demonstrating the team’s dedication and efficiency. The result was that in December 2025, TKI successfully shipped the first batch of authentic Japanese Wagyu beef directly from Japan to Kuwait.
Behind the Scenes: The Team Driving the Success
Ayaka’s leadership was crucial, but the success of the project was a team effort. Patrice, the Assistant General Manager, played an important role in managing the extensive documentation and logistics. Her thoroughness in handling export records and regulations helped keep the process smooth and ensured no details were overlooked.
Patrice reflects on the experience with gratitude. Although her role was behind the scenes, she understands how important each piece of the puzzle was. She also expresses sincere thanks to Alyasra Food Co. for their trust and cooperation throughout the process.
Moustafa, the Assistant Sales Manager, was the primary contact on the ground in Kuwait. Fluent in Arabic and deeply familiar with the local market, Moustafa worked closely with Alyasra Food Co. to develop a strong partnership and explore opportunities for future growth. His ability to navigate cultural and business nuances was vital in building trust and opening doors.
Together, Ayaka and Moustafa traveled extensively across the Middle East, often meeting potential partners without prior appointments. Their unique combination, a Japanese woman and an Arabic man working side-by-side, left memorable impressions that helped accelerate business opportunities.
A Mission Beyond Business: Ayaka’s Vision
For Ayaka, the project was not just about business success. It was a mission to introduce Japan’s exceptional products to new markets and to showcase the country’s deep commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
She believes Japanese products hold a unique place globally due to their high standards of professionalism and attention to detail. Many Japanese people may take these qualities for granted, but Ayaka wants the world to recognize and appreciate them.
Her drive to take on new challenges and push boundaries has been the engine behind this historic export. She feels proud to lead the team in breaking new ground and hopes this success will inspire others to believe in their potential and persevere despite obstacles.
Learning from Challenges: Teamwork and Persistence
The Kuwait project taught everyone involved valuable lessons about patience, resilience, and collaboration. Even when plans had to change, such as reconsidering an initial idea to re-export Wagyu beef through Dubai’s warehouses, the team remained adaptable and focused on solutions.
Patrice’s expertise in logistics ensured all options were explored carefully, even when some plans did not come to fruition. Her willingness to face challenges head-on exemplified the spirit that kept the project moving forward.
Ayaka emphasizes that every team member’s contribution was vital. From high-level negotiations to behind-the-scenes paperwork, each step brought them closer to success.
Looking Forward: The Future of TKI and Japanese Wagyu
With this landmark achievement in Kuwait, TKI Wagyu Trading LLC is energized to pursue new opportunities in other countries. The team shares a commitment to continuous growth and learning, believing that challenges are opportunities in disguise.
Ayaka stresses that their journey is far from over. The company plans to build on this momentum by expanding Wagyu exports to new markets and further promoting Japanese culture and quality worldwide.
Inspiring Others Through Their Journey
Beyond business, the story of TKI’s first Wagyu export to Kuwait is one of inspiration. It shows how vision, determination, and teamwork can transform a dream into reality, even when starting from nothing.
Ayaka, Patrice, and Moustafa hope their experience encourages others to embrace challenges and pursue their goals with passion. Their journey is a reminder that every step forward, no matter how difficult, brings you closer to success.
This story of TKI Wagyu Trading LLC highlights not only a historic export but also the spirit of innovation, cultural collaboration, and perseverance. As they continue to grow and reach new markets, their journey will remain a shining example of what can be achieved with passion and teamwork.
This story of TKI Wagyu Trading LLC highlights not only a historic export but also the spirit of innovation, cultural collaboration, and perseverance. As they continue to grow and reach new markets, their journey will remain a shining example of what can be achieved with passion and teamwork.
To follow their latest updates and learn more about their Wagyu offerings, you can visit their official Instagram page at instagram.com/tkiwagyutrading_dubai.
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