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Why Japanese Pop Culture is Popular
What are your favorite Japanese manga, anime, or games?Japanese works cover a wide variety of genres, making them enjoyable for both children and adults.The emotional portrayal of characters and the meticulously crafted worlds are among the reasons for their high quality and popularity.Many people even start learning Japanese or choose to study in Japan because of Japanese pop culture.
Merchandise related to your favorite characters or scenes can deepen your love for the work and add a special touch to your daily life.This time, we will introduce how to purchase manga, anime, and game merchandise sold in Japan.
Advantages of Buying Second-Hand Merchandise from Japanese Stores
▶︎ Price and Convenience
Even if you don’t visit Japan, you can still purchase Japanese merchandise. Compared to brand-new items, second-hand products are often available at lower prices.Additionally, buying from Japanese stores may be more cost-effective than purchasing in your local area.By using Rakuten Global Express, you can consolidate multiple items into one shipment, saving on shipping costs.
▶︎ Variety of Products and Discovering New Merchandise
Even if you become a fan of a work after its peak popularity, you can still purchase previously released merchandise.Items such as limited-edition or rare products, which can only be found in the second-hand market, may also be available.Additionally, there is the joy of discovering unexpected merchandise that you hadn’t anticipated.
▶︎ Careful Selection Before Purchase
When buying brand-new items in physical stores, you may often face limitations in time or product variety.However, by using online websites, you can browse the items you want in advance and take your time to decide whether to purchase them.This helps avoid the regret of making rushed purchases.
How to Get the Latest Information on Merchandise
Information about merchandise sales can be obtained through official accounts on X (formerly Twitter) (some works even have dedicated merchandise accounts),official websites, or even from enthusiastic fans who compile and share information on social media.Merchandise varies depending on the work, ranging from intricately crafted figurines to affordable badges,acrylic stands, plush toys, and practical stationery, offering a wide variety of options.
Many items are reasonably priced, making them easy to purchase. When buying, be sure to check the size, design, release date,and purchasing method of the product to ensure you can secure your desired item.Additionally, some products are limited in time or quantity, so extra attention is needed.
Features of Different Sales Channels
Sales Channel 1: Online Sales
Online shopping has become the mainstream method for purchasing character merchandise. In addition to official websites of the works,there are also specialized stores that sell character merchandise, offering a wide variety of products. When purchasing, be sure to check the stock availability of the items.
- In-Stock SalesProducts are in stock and can be purchased immediately.
- Pre-Order SalesA method of placing an order before the product is released, which may have quantity limitations.
- Made-to-Order (Custom Production)Products are manufactured based on orders, and it takes a certain amount of time from order confirmation to delivery.
- Lottery SalesFor limited-quantity products, only those selected through a lottery among applicants can purchase the items.
Sales Channel 2: Physical Store Sales
In character merchandise specialty stores or pop-up shops, you can check the products in person before purchasing, which is an advantage that online shopping cannot offer.Even if a product is sold out online, it may still be available in physical stores.Additionally, stores display a variety of products from different works, giving you the chance to discover new merchandise or explore new content.Even if you don’t end up making a purchase, the experience of browsing through various merchandise can become a delightful memory.
Sales Channel 3: Event Sales
This refers to sales conducted at events or exhibitions. These products are often exclusive to specific events or venues and frequently include limited-edition or limited-quantity items.To purchase these products, you may sometimes need an admission ticket or event pass.
Ways to Purchase Merchandise
- Single Item SalesThis is a method of selling individual items. Buyers can select and purchase the items they want one by one.
- BOX SalesThis method involves selling multiple items as a set. Some sets include all types of items,but there may also be duplicates. Therefore, be sure to carefully read the notes and confirm the contents before purchasing.
- Blind BoxesProducts are sold in packaging where the contents cannot be seen. This method is common for items like badges, stickers, and cards.You won’t know the design or character until you open the package, making the unboxing experience enjoyable.Additionally, you can trade with friends, adding to the fun.
- Lottery (Gacha)Customers purchase lottery tickets and randomly receive one of the available items. The product range is diverse, including figurines,towels, clear files, keychains, and more. The unknown outcome adds excitement to the purchasing experience.Rakuten Collection offers online lottery purchases.
Websites to Buy Merchandise
Rakuten Books
https://books.rakuten.co.jp/
In addition to books and DVDs, this site offers a wide variety of merchandise. You can search by character, which is very convenient, and use Rakuten Points to purchase items at discounted prices, making it an attractive option.
Animate Online Shop
https://www.animate-onlineshop.jp/
This is the largest character merchandise specialty store in Japan, with branches overseas as well. Exclusive merchandise is also available, so be sure to check it out when shopping.
JUMP SHOP Online
https://jumpshop-online.com/
Focused on "Weekly Shonen Jump," this store sells original merchandise from Shueisha works. JUMP SHOP exclusive items are also available. In addition to permanent stores, there are also limited-time pop-up shops, so be sure to visit when in Japan.
eeo Store
https://eeo.today/store/101/
This is an anime merchandise shopping site with over 20,000 items, focusing on official and collaboration merchandise. It provides the latest information on new and limited-edition products through email newsletters and social media, and also offers member-exclusive coupons.
Stellaworth Online Shop
https://www.stellaworth.co.jp/shop/
A store popular among women, selling game software, CDs, and other merchandise. It also offers many original bonus items. The latest updates are shared through multiple social media accounts.
Movic
https://www.movic.jp/shop/default.aspx
Movic provides a one-stop service for planning, producing, and selling merchandise. In addition to selling merchandise, it also organizes events and offers high-quality products based on user feedback.
K-BOOKS
https://ikebukuro002.stores.jp/
This is a specialty store for second-hand character merchandise. In the Ikebukuro area, there are 17 stores categorized by product type, allowing you to check items in person.
Surugaya Rakuten Store
https://www.rakuten.co.jp/surugaya-a-too/
This is one of the largest second-hand character merchandise stores in Japan. With a wide variety of products, you may even find past limited-edition items.
BOOTH
https://booth.pm/ja
Operated by Pixiv, this is an online marketplace for creators. You can buy and sell original works such as doujinshi, merchandise, and digital data. The platform is known for its unique products. Some items are only available for sale within Japan, making it a great place to find Japan-exclusive works or items.
Things to Note When Buying Merchandise
Check Purchase Details and Product Condition
When purchasing, confirm the color, quantity, and price of the product. For second-hand items, be sure to check the photos and notes to understand the product's condition before making a purchase.
Delivery Time
The time it takes for merchandise to arrive after purchase varies depending on the sales method and delivery method.
- Same-Day ShippingThis means the product is shipped on the same day as the purchase. The time required for delivery depends on the region, but this is the fastest way to receive the product.
- Standard ShippingDepending on the store, it usually takes a few days to a week for the product to be shipped. The delivery date may vary depending on the shipping company or destination.
- Made-to-Order ProductionProducts are manufactured after receiving the order, so shipping takes longer, which may range from several weeks to several months.
Regardless of the method chosen, you can have your items delivered to your home through Rakuten Global Express. Rakuten Global Express warehouses can store items for free for up to one month. By consolidating items purchased from multiple stores into one shipment, you can save on international shipping costs.
Recommended Delivery Service: Rakuten Global Express
For delivering purchased merchandise, Rakuten Global Express is the best choice!
- Consolidate items purchased from multiple stores into one package for deliveryWhen you purchase multiple items from different stores, you can ship them together without paying additional sales or consolidation fees, making it a more cost-effective option. Rakuten Global Express warehouses can store items for free for up to one month.Note: Some items may not be eligible for international shipping. If you have any questions, please refer to the FAQ page.
- Use points earned from purchases on Rakuten Marketplace to pay for shippingBy using points, you can reduce shipping costs.
- Use packaging options for safe delivery of important itemsYou can choose waterproof processing (wrapping items in large plastic bags) or reinforced boxes designed for international shipping to ensure safer delivery of your items.
If you need further assistance, please feel free to contact customer support. (Supported languages: Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese)
