When considering launching or redesigning an e-commerce site, "MakeShop," which has an extensive track record in Japan, and "Shopify," a global standard, are the two major platforms that are always compared. However, many articles comparing the two often conclude with "both have their advantages, it depends on the business," lacking information that truly helps in making a decision.
This article goes a step further. Beyond a superficial comparison of features, we will propose with clear evidence why Shopify is a more strategic choice for modern e-commerce businesses, considering the fundamental differences in their philosophies and their "growth potential" with a 5 to 10-year outlook.
Premise of Comparison: Choosing "The Future of Your Business" Not "Features"
First, it's important to understand that choosing between MakeShop and Shopify is not merely about comparing the superiority of their features. It's a strategic decision that will shape the future of your business: whether to choose a "stable domestic-focused" platform or a "continuously growing global system."
What is MakeShop?
MakeShop is a platform that comes with all the necessary features for operating an online store in Japan from the start. It provides essential e-commerce mechanisms such as product registration, payment, and shipping settings, allowing you to start quickly without special development.
Designed to align with Japanese business practices, it is characterized by its reliability for domestic e-commerce operations.
Source: https://www.makeshop.jp/
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a service that allows you to freely add apps and features created by developers worldwide to its e-commerce system. By combining features as needed, you can flexibly evolve your business in response to changes in the market.
Users are not just "system users" but are expected to leverage Shopify as creators of businesses who shape their ideas and strategies. Therefore, it is a platform suited for those who desire flexible shop operations with an eye on business growth and expansion.
MakeShop vs. Shopify: Differences Seen Through 9 Key Items
1. Fees and Commissions
| Comparison Item | MakeShop | Shopify | Features and Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Fee | 12,100 yen | 4,850 yen | MakeShop is an "all-inclusive" type with necessary domestic features included in the monthly fee, offering stability. Shopify can be started at a low cost and is an expandable type where apps are added as needed. |
| Initial Cost | 11,000 yen | 0 yen | MakeShop incurs an initial cost for setup, but includes domestic support. Shopify has no initial cost, allowing for quick setup. |
| Transaction Fee | 3.19% | 3.55% | MakeShop is optimized for domestic payments, with a slightly lower rate. Shopify is slightly higher but strong in international sales with cross-border payments and multi-currency support. |
| App Costs | Varies by app | Varies by app | MakeShop has many standard features, so fewer additional apps are needed. Shopify allows access to apps from around the world, providing free expansion as needed. |
2. Design Flexibility
In the e-commerce landscape of 2025, design is no longer just about "appearance." It is the most powerful weapon for conveying brand value, building customer trust, and lending credibility to product pricing. In today's world, where the website itself embodies the brand, the design flexibility provided by the platform is a strategic element that determines the success or failure of a business.
| Comparison Item | MakeShop | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Templates | Templates for domestic use are available, allowing beginners to use it with confidence. Design patterns are limited. |
Themes created by designers worldwide are available. A wide variety can be chosen to match industry and brand image. |
| Customizability | Some adjustments are possible from the admin screen. There are restrictions on major modifications and unique designs. |
Can be freely edited with HTML/CSS and Liquid (a dedicated language). Completely original designs can be realized. |
| Latest Design Support | Specializes in Japanese business practices and user needs. Modern UI/UX implementation depends on platform updates. |
Can quickly adapt to global trends and new UI/UX. Advanced experiences can be provided using apps and code. |
| Unique Brand Expression | Brand image can be reflected within the provided scope. Tends to result in "standardized designs." |
Detailed adjustments possible for logos, color schemes, and layouts, allowing for the expression of a unique brand worldview. |
3. Functionality
The term "multifunctional" might sound appealing at first glance, but what truly matters is not the sheer number of features. What's important is the extensibility—the ability to add necessary functions and evolve as your business grows. Here, we compare the "all-in-one" model, which comes with a full set of features from the start, and the "expandable" model, which allows you to add features via apps as needed. We'll consider which is strategically superior for modern e-commerce businesses.
| Comparison Item | MakeShop | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Functionality | "All-in-one" with convenient features adapted to Japanese business practices as standard. E.g., point system, member ranks, detailed shipping settings. | Can be freely added from the app store. |
| Speed of New Feature Adoption | Response to new e-commerce trends (live commerce, AR fitting, etc.) requires waiting for platform-side implementation. | Can quickly integrate cutting-edge apps developed by Shopify engineers worldwide. Can rapidly provide new customer experiences. |
4. Customer Acquisition and Marketing Features
No matter how wonderful an e-commerce site you build, sales won't be generated if customers don't visit. The customer acquisition and marketing features of an e-commerce platform are extremely important elements that determine the growth of your business. In an age where consumer purchasing behavior has shifted to social media and content, let's take a closer look at which platform offers powerful tools to connect with future customers.
| Comparison Item | MakeShop | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| SEO Measures | Optimized for domestic search engines (Google/Yahoo!). Basic SEO settings possible with standard features. |
Strong in global SEO, supporting structured data and fast loading. Detailed optimization also possible with dedicated apps. |
| Ad Integration | Integrates with major domestic services like Google Ads, Yahoo! Ads. Ad management features also included as standard. |
Flexible integration with global ad platforms such as Meta Ads (Facebook/Instagram), Google Ads, TikTok Ads. |
| Promotional Features | Standard promotional features common in domestic e-commerce, such as coupons, points, member ranks, and newsletter distribution. | Coupon, gift card, discount settings available. Point features and reward programs can be added by installing apps. |
| SNS Integration | Can integrate with some SNS like Instagram Shopping. Mainly intended for domestic use. |
Seamless integration with global SNS including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest. |
| Analytics/Reports | Standard reporting features for sales, access numbers, etc. Simple and easy to use, but detailed analysis is somewhat limited. |
In addition to standard analytics reports, integrates with Google Analytics and external BI tools. Enables advanced data analysis. |
5. Support System
The support system in e-commerce operations is vital for maintaining business stability. However, the question here isn't just "which support is more comprehensive." We compare from the perspective of "why is support frequently needed in the first place?"
| Comparison Item | MakeShop | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Support Language | Japanese (specialized for domestic support) | Japanese, English, and other multi-language support |
| Inquiry Methods | Phone, email, chat | Email, chat (Phone support only partially available in English) |
| Operating Hours | Weekdays 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (based on domestic business hours) | 24 hours, 365 days (chat/email) |
| Support Characteristics | Staff knowledgeable in Japanese e-commerce practices and features. Reliable support optimized for the Japanese market. | Global support system. Forums and help centers are well-equipped, allowing quick access to the latest information. |
6. Cross-border E-commerce and Overseas Expansion
Thanks to SNS, your product could gain global attention tomorrow. Here, we compare the global capabilities of both platforms from the perspective of "preparing for the future" to swiftly respond when that opportunity arises.
| Comparison Item | MakeShop | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Multilingual Support | Primarily Japanese as standard. Multilingual support requires partial features or external services. |
Supports multiple languages from the admin screen. Flexible support for over 100 languages using translation apps. |
| Multi-currency Support | Basically Japanese Yen. Foreign currency support is limited, requiring the use of external services. |
Shopify Payments automatically supports major currencies. Exchange rates are also automatically reflected. |
| International Payments | Primarily domestic payment methods. Integrating international payments can be difficult. |
PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and widely supports various international payment methods. |
| International Shipping | Strong in domestic shipping. Cross-border shipping requires integration with external services. |
Can integrate with international shipping services like DHL, FedEx. Supports cross-border e-commerce with standard features. |
| Ease of International Expansion | Optimized for use within Japan, cross-border e-commerce is treated as an optional feature. |
Proven track record in over 175 countries worldwide. Designed for global expansion. |
7. B2B and API Integration
Modern e-commerce sites need to integrate with various systems such as accounting, inventory, and customer relationship management (CRM) to function as the "command center" for the entire business. This system integration capability becomes a crucial foundation that determines operational efficiency and future scalability.
| Comparison Item | MakeShop | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| B2B Sales Features | Mainly for B2C. B2B features are limited and weak as standard functionality. |
Shopify Plus includes B2B features as standard. Supports corporate pricing, order approval workflows, and corporate account management. |
| API Coverage | Some APIs are provided, but integration flexibility is limited. |
Offers rich REST API and GraphQL API. Covers a wide range of areas including products, customers, orders, inventory, and shipping. |
| External System Integration | Integration with accounting, inventory, CRM, etc., mainly uses external services for domestic use. General-purpose integration has many restrictions. |
Flexible integration with global external services such as ERP, WMS, accounting, MA, CRM. Can be extended via apps and APIs. |
| Scalability and Future-proofing | Optimized for domestic use, so cross-border e-commerce and advanced automation remain challenges. |
Flexible scalability to match business growth with a global foundation and rich API suite. |
8. Business Automation and Scalability
As a business grows, daily tasks such as order processing, inventory management, and customer support increase exponentially. How efficiently these tasks can be streamlined is key to resolving growth bottlenecks.
| Comparison Item | MakeShop | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| Business Automation | Basic automation such as order processing and inventory management can be handled with standard features. However, advanced workflow automation and external system integration are limited. | Shopify Flow and apps can automate order, inventory, and customer service based on conditions. High extensibility through integration with external services. |
| Scalability of Inventory and Order Processing | Designed for domestic use, has limitations for large orders and complex inventory rules. |
Supports large inventory and order data. Processing can be distributed and optimized through API or integration with external WMS. |
| Scalability | Mainly for small to medium-sized businesses. Weak in scaling for traffic surges and cross-border expansion. | A platform used in over 175 countries worldwide. Has high scalability to withstand access spikes and business expansion. |
| Future Growth Adaptability | Sufficient for operations based on the domestic market. Rapid growth and international expansion require additional services and systems. | Can flexibly evolve with growth phases such as B2B sales, cross-border e-commerce, and multi-store expansion. Strong in long-term scalability. |
"Shopify Flow" is a powerful tool that allows you to automate tasks by setting rules like "if 〇〇 happens, then execute △△" without programming knowledge. For example, by automating tasks such as "notify the person in charge when inventory falls below 10 units" or "automatically tag high-value orders with a fraud risk," human errors can be prevented, and staff can focus on more creative tasks. This scalability is precisely what companies serious about growing their business should prioritize most.
9. AI Utilization and Adaptability to the Future
The main battlefield for e-commerce in 2025 and beyond will be the utilization of AI. How quickly a company can adapt to this change will determine its competitiveness.
| Comparison Item | MakeShop | Shopify |
|---|---|---|
| AI Utilization Features | Limited AI functionality. Only partially available for recommendations, search improvements, etc. |
Shopify Magic: Automatically generates product descriptions and email content. Shopify Sidekick: An AI assistant that supports store operations. Provides support for inventory management, data analysis, and improvement suggestions. |
| Adaptation to Latest Technologies | New features depend on platform development. Evolution primarily focused on the domestic market. |
Developers worldwide provide apps and integrations. Rapid adoption of latest technologies like AI, AR, and live commerce is possible. |
| Scalability | Standard features cover most needs, but there are many restrictions on free extensions. |
Flexible scalability with rich APIs and apps. Achieve advanced automation with AI and external systems. |
| Adaptability to the Future | Evolves mainly around domestic needs. Tends to lag behind new global trends. |
Next-generation operational support with AI (Sidekick) and automatic generation tools (Shopify Magic) allow for immediate adaptation to growth phases and market changes. |
Shopify comes standard with a suite of AI tools called "Shopify Magic," enabling anyone to easily generate appealing product descriptions, craft AI responses to customer inquiries, and create marketing images. Even without in-house AI development resources, simply using Shopify allows businesses to leverage cutting-edge technology, dramatically improving operational efficiency and marketing accuracy. The fact that the platform itself continuously evolves by incorporating future technologies is the greatest assurance from a long-term perspective.
Conclusion: Which should your business choose after 2025?
Cases where MakeShop is suitable
Business is limited to the domestic market with no plans for overseas expansion
Uncertain about PC operations and prioritizes extensive phone support
Maintaining the current business model and stable operation is paramount
Cases where Shopify is strategically optimal
Views the e-commerce site not just as a sales platform but as a place to convey brand value
Considers future overseas expansion, even slightly
Wants to grow fan base using social media and content marketing
Wants to evolve the site flexibly and quickly as the business grows
Aims for efficient and modern operations by incorporating AI and other latest technologies
In today's rapidly changing world, simply choosing "status quo" might effectively mean slow decline. For businesses that want to actively pursue growth rather than close off future possibilities, Shopify is now arguably the most powerful option.
Summary
While we've explained Shopify's advantages thus far, maximizing its endless potential requires specialized knowledge and technology. In particular, intricate customization tailored to Japanese business practices and design construction that perfectly expresses brand image are within the realm of professionals.
SOLSTAR Inc. is a Shopify development specialist well-versed in both Shopify's global advancements and the specific characteristics of the Japanese e-commerce market. We will maximize Shopify's potential to build an e-commerce site optimized for your business that surpasses even the "all-in-one" peace of mind of MakeShop.
With a proven track record and expertise gained from building Shopify Plus sites with annual sales exceeding 6 billion yen, we strongly support your business's "growth" as a strategic partner.
Value Provided by SOLSTAR Inc.
SOLSTAR Inc. is an official Shopify partner and an expert that has handled the construction of numerous e-commerce sites.
Advanced Design and Feature Development
Beyond template customization, we realize your ideal store with the technical expertise gained from building large-scale sites, some with development costs exceeding 1 billion yen. Are you giving up because "MakeShop has that feature, but Shopify doesn't"? With SOLSTAR, it's possible through custom app development and customization.
Optimal App Selection and Implementation
We carefully select the truly necessary apps from over 8,000 available and support their implementation for your business.
Extensive Track Record
We boast an extensive track record in building Shopify Plus sites with annual sales exceeding 6 billion yen, as well as cross-border e-commerce sites with complex requirements and providing long-term support for them.
Partnership-style Support
Our service doesn't end with site construction. We draw up a "growth roadmap" for your business for 5 to 10 years down the line, including designing business automation using Shopify Flow, planning CRM strategies with Klaviyo, and technical consulting for headless commerce. We provide long-term support for your business growth, including post-launch operations and marketing.
Start with a Free Consultation
If you have questions like "Can Shopify be effectively used for my business?" or "Is this kind of feature achievable?", please feel free to contact us.
