If you are serious about collecting, you eventually realize that the best items are locked behind the borders of Japan. However, the logistics of 2025 are volatile. From fee restructuring to customs changes, here is how to navigate the current market.
The Middleman: What is a Proxy?
Most Japanese sites (like Mercari JP) do not ship internationally. You need a Proxy Service to buy, warehouse, and ship items for you.
The 2025 Fee Restructuring
Historically, proxies charged a flat 300 yen fee. As of late 2025, this has changed significantly:
- ZenMarket: While still excellent for Amazon JP or Yahoo! Auctions, they now charge 800 JPY per item for Mercari purchases to cover the labor of dealing with individual sellers.
- Buyee: As the official partner of Mercari, they often maintain lower fees (300 JPY) or offer coupons for Mercari exclusives.
- FromJapan (One Map): Remains a stable middle-ground with a reputation for superior packaging protection.
Tip: If you are buying 10 cheap keychains from Mercari, the fees on ZenMarket (8,000 JPY) might exceed the cost of the items. Plan accordingly.
Shipping: The Logistics Reality
Once your items arrive at the warehouse, you must choose a shipping tier. Be aware of the current delays:
- Surface Mail (Seamail): The cheapest option. Goes by boat. Warning: Due to global container shortages, this now takes 3-4 months to reach North America. Tracking often goes dark for weeks at a time (the "black hole").
- EMS (Express Mail Service): The middle ground. Reliable and insured, taking 1-2 weeks.
- Courier (FedEx / DHL): The fastest (2-5 days). Expensive, but essential for high-value items. With the August 2025 shifts in US "De Minimis" regulations, couriers often handle customs clearance more smoothly than standard mail.
