How to buy from Japan without living there

Hey everyone,

Whether it be Japanese fashion, music, anime good or beauty, there is always something awesome in Japan for everyone.

Today, I am going to tell you all the of the ways you can order from japan without living there. These are not the only ways of course and I don't claim to be a pro. However, I have been buying for about 10-12 years and definitely know my way around.

Direct/Second Hand Shops

If you are looking for Japanese fashion there are many shops that will sell directly to you. There are too many to list. Also a lot of brands have an american chapter. However, if you're looking to save some money there are multiple second hand shops that can cover your shopping needs too. Here are just a couple: 

Closet Child [website]
Maiden Clothing [website]
Alice Fururun [website]
Wunderwelt [website]


Re-Sellers

Though usually not the most ideal way it is definitely the easiest of all the ways to get items. Keep in mind often people are making a profit so you will be paying a premium on items. It is actually less extreme then it used to be though. If you're really just looking to search online like you would for anything in your home country, this may be the best option for you.

Otaku Mode
All things from Japan. Lots of figures and anime products but also J-fashion and they even have their own lucky bags!

Candy San
The name gives it away, but they carry candy, drinks, snacks, bento related things and even some gacha. 

Sunyshore
Mostly pokemon related things. They do carry some odds and ends of other anime.

Lolita Desu
Again the name gives it away. It's all things lolita but you may find other styles there as well.

Wunderwelt
An official re-seller of many Japanese fashion brands. Not to be confused with their Second hand shop.

Yes-Style
[website]
They sell everything from beauty, clothing and more. They also have a lot of stuff from Korea as well. 

Market Listings

Ebay has a variety of re-sellers and auctions available below. There are so many ebay sellers now, just make sure they are located in japan.

Ebay


There is a whole handful of the market sites. Please note i'm only linking 3 but there are many more (at the top of any of these there is link to them all). Having a login for one is having a login in for them all. Each specializes in different items.
Lacemarket -Lolita auctions

Kei Market -J-fashion auctions

Anime Market - Anime related auctions
[website]

Some other auction sites that people use to sell items. There are also many apps like varage sale that people will now sell things on.  Here are a few that have full websites as well.

Mercari
[website]

Depop
[website]

Poshmark - not available in Canada
[website]

Shopping services

This is the next easiest way to get stuff direct from japan. It requires very little skill or knowledge other then finding a picture of the item you want on a blog, or website. If you are just dipping your toe into buying things from japan past resellers. This is the way to go. Depending on the shopping service they can and will buy your items, in store, online, off auction sites, and reserve pre-order items. Each service has their own rules in which you need to read. 










One Shopping service I cannot recommend enough is Tenshi. She is located in Sendai. She even has her own website now. She will do all types of purchases for you. Her base fee is usually around 5%. Full details of here shopping service here.  She is probably the longest running shopping service out. I personally Started using her in 2007/2008. I have never had an issue, shes always quick to respond, very helpful and patient.  She always wraps things with care and senda sweet thank you note. If you want someone who can help you with youre first time purchases I would have to say she is the best!

Muuh Tokyo SS

A lot of items just end up in Tokyo only. Or if you're just looking for another option Muuh is a Tokyo based Shopping service. I personally have never used her but I know many people who have. She is also very good at updating her Facebook page with new items only available in tokyo. She also has her own sale site. Her service is a bit more expensive at 10% but if you're looking for something that can only be bought in Tokyo she is a great option.

Forwarding/Proxy Services

These are ever growing. They are generally cheaper then Shopping services but require a bit more work and knowledge of the net to work. Most sites are pretty user friendly and are always willing to help you.  There are so many of them now but here are 3 I would recommend. 

From Japan

Tenso

Samurai Buyer


Where to search to use these sites?

lol too many of these to list sorry but I shall give a few examples! If you'd like a more detailed list leave a comment down below letting me know!

Brand sites (pokemon, sanrio, disney)
Fashion sites (zozo, gocart, shibuya109)
Auction sites (yahoo, mbok, fril, mercari, otamart)

~~~~~~~~~~

Well that's it!

I hope you learned something and can help you buy something from japan! If you have more questions please feel free to leave them below.

If I missed something please also leave a comment down below! I'd love to make this a constantly update blog spot. I am actually curious to know if there are more shopping services around still?

Thanks for reading!


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