🗾 How to Buy Japanese Figures in the US
Japanese anime figures are loved by fans around the world — from Nendoroids and Figma to stunning 1/7 scale statues. But for collectors in the United States, buying directly from Japan can seem confusing at first.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how to buy Japanese figures in the US, safely and affordably — whether you’re hunting for the latest release or a rare limited edition.
🏪 1. Choose the Right Store
There are three main ways to get authentic Japanese figures delivered to the US.
A. Buy Directly from Japanese Retailers
Some Japanese online shops ship worldwide and offer official, brand-new figures.
Popular stores include:
- AmiAmi – Huge selection and great preorder discounts
- Hobby Genki – Reliable and fast shipping
- Good Smile Online Shop – Official source for Nendoroid and Figma
- CDJapan – English-friendly and trustworthy
💡 Tip: Shipping directly from Japan may be expensive, but you’ll often get the best retail price.
B. Use a Proxy Shopping Service (Best for Japan-only Items)
Many Japanese stores don’t ship overseas — that’s where proxy services come in.
A proxy acts as your shopping assistant in Japan: they buy the figure on your behalf and forward it to your US address.
Top-rated proxy services:
- OneMall.jp – Easy English interface, supports Yahoo! Japan, Mercari, and more
- Buyee.jp – Popular for auction sites and second-hand deals
- ZenMarket – Simple to use, supports many stores
- FromJapan – Great for official store purchases
Example: Want an Animate Japan exclusive? Simply paste the product link into OneMall, pay in USD, and they handle everything from domestic delivery to international shipping.
C. Buy from US Retailers Selling Japanese Imports
If you prefer faster shipping or want to avoid customs:
- Crunchyroll Store
- RightStuf Anime
- Tokyo Otaku Mode (TOM)
- BigBadToyStore
⚠️ Prices may be slightly higher due to import costs, but the process is quicker and easier.
💰 2. Compare Total Costs
Before you click “buy,” make sure to compare:
- Product price (JPY vs USD)
- Shipping method (EMS, DHL, Surface)
- Possible customs or import taxes
💡 Some proxy sites, like OneMall and ZenMarket, provide cost calculators so you know the final amount before checkout.
🔍 3. Verify Authenticity
Counterfeit figures are unfortunately common online.
Here’s how to ensure your figure is authentic:
- Buy from trusted sellers only
- Check for official manufacturer marks (e.g., Good Smile Company, Alter, Kotobukiya)
- Look up the figure on MyFigureCollection.net to confirm details
- Be wary of listings with prices that seem too good to be true
🧩 Genuine figures usually include a JAN barcode and clear packaging with logos.
📦 4. Understand Shipping & Customs
When shipping from Japan to the US:
- DHL / EMS: 3–10 business days
- Surface Mail: 1–3 months (cheaper but slower)
- Orders under $800 USD usually clear customs without duty fees
Inspect the box upon arrival, especially for large-scale figures, to ensure there’s no damage during transit.
❤️ 5. Join Figure Collector Communities
Stay updated and connect with other collectors:
- Reddit: r/AnimeFigures, r/Nendoroid
- MyFigureCollection.net forums
- Discord servers for trading, sales, and preorder alerts
🗣️ These communities often share deals, preorder reminders, and reviews before release dates.
✨ Summary: Best Way to Buy Japanese Figures in the US
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Japanese Stores | Preorders & new figures | Lower prices | Higher shipping cost |
| Proxy Services | Rare or Japan-only items | Full store access | Slightly longer process |
| US Import Stores | Convenience & speed | No customs | Higher retail prices |
🚀 Example: Buying Through OneMall
- Find your figure on a Japanese marketplace (like Mercari or Rakuten).
- Paste the product link into OneMall.jp.
- Pay in USD with international shipping included.
- Wait for OneMall to purchase and forward your item.
- Track your parcel — and enjoy your new figure when it arrives! 🎁
🌸 Final Thoughts
Buying Japanese figures from the US has never been easier. Whether you prefer to preorder from Japan or use a proxy like OneMall for exclusive releases, the key is to buy from verified sources and compare total costs before purchasing.
Start your collection today — and bring your favorite anime characters to life on your shelf!