BASE
active EC / commerce platformBASE (Japan) is a free-to-start EC platform with strict checkout-page constraints; external ads on the storefront are limited; adult content is prohibited.
BASE is a Japanese no-code commerce platform. The Standard (free) plan has no monthly fee but the checkout page is heavily fixed; API access is limited (BASE API v1 requires approval); adult content and certain high-risk categories are prohibited by policy.
Analysis & practical guidance
Fastest to launch in Japan — at the cost of control
BASE's appeal is speed: a Japanese-language shop with domestic payment methods can be live in an afternoon, with no monthly fee on the Standard plan. The trade-off is control. The checkout UI is fixed, the public API (BASE API v1) is application-gated, and you do not get the deep customization that an engineering team would expect from Shopify.
Practical implications
- The Standard plan has no monthly fee but higher per-transaction fees; the paid plan lowers the rate. Run the math against your expected volume — there is a crossover point.
- Custom domains require the paid plan; Standard uses a base.ec subdomain, which matters for branding and SEO.
- Prohibited categories (adult content and other high-risk goods) are enforced via the shop guidelines — review them before listing products.
When to choose it
BASE is right for individuals and small sellers who want to start selling in Japan immediately with minimal setup. If you need checkout customization, serious API integration, or international reach, Shopify is the better long-term home — see the BASE vs Shopify and BASE vs STORES comparisons.
Basics
- slug
base- type
- EC / commerce platform
- status
- active
- last checked
- 2026-04-18
- official site
- https://thebase.com
- official docs
- https://help.thebase.com
Rights
| Key | Value | Condition | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
adult_content_allowed |
no | BASEの利用において禁止行為はありますか（ヘルプ） | 2026-04-18 | |
commercial_use_allowed |
conditional | Permitted for most lawful commerce; prohibited categories listed in guidelines. | BASEの利用において禁止行為はありますか（ヘルプ） | 2026-04-18 |
Constraints
| Key | Value | Condition | Source | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
api_available |
conditional | BASE API v1 requires application approval for developer access. | BASE Developers | 2026-04-18 |
checkout_customization_available |
no | Checkout UI is fixed; only storefront is customizable. | BASE 利用規約 | 2026-04-18 |
custom_domain_available |
conditional | Available on paid plan; Standard plan uses base.ec subdomain. | BASE 利用規約 | 2026-04-18 |
Primary sources
-
Primary official_docs · BASE, Inc.BASE DevelopersChecked: 2026-04-18
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Primary official_docs · BASE, Inc.BASEの利用において禁止行為はありますか（ヘルプ）Checked: 2026-04-18
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Primary official_terms · BASE, Inc.BASE 利用規約Checked: 2026-04-18