What is the fastest way to ship figures from Japan?
EMS, which Japan Post handles with top priority.
Part of: Akihabara Figures: Where to Buy New vs Used
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The simplest way to ship figures and anime goods home from Japan is through the post office, using Japan Post's international mail. For items under 2 kg, the choices are EMS (the fastest, handled with top priority), International Air Packet (airmail with tracking, label made online) or Small Packets (cheaper than EMS, with a choice of speed). For 2 kg and over, it is EMS or International Parcel Post.
Labels are made online with Japan Post's International Mail My Page service on a phone or computer. Some things cannot be posted at all, including sprays, lighters and loose lithium batteries. I run private anime tours in Akihabara most weeks, and guests with full suitcases ask about this at the end of almost every tour.
Check Japan Post's country list first: delivery to some countries and regions is limited.
Which Japan Post service should you use for figures?
It depends on weight and speed. Japan Post's own guide splits small items under 2 kg from large items of 2 kg and over, and offers EMS for both. Small Packets cost less than EMS for small, light items, and International Air Packet adds tracking by air.
| Service (Japan Post) | Weight | What it is |
|---|---|---|
| EMS | Any (small or large) | Top-priority handling; the fastest option |
| International Air Packet | Under 2 kg | Airmail packet with tracking; exclusive label made online |
| Small Packets | Under 2 kg | Cheaper than EMS; choose the speed |
| International Parcel Post | 2 kg and over | The basic parcel service; choose speed and rate |
Prices and delivery days depend on the destination; Japan Post's site has a rate and delivery-day checker and its current schedule of charges. For buying the figures in the first place, see where to buy anime figures in Akihabara, or let my Akihabara anime tour choose the shops.
How do you prepare the label?
Japan Post asks individuals to create labels through its International Mail My Page service, available on a computer or smartphone, then take the package and label to a post office. It also publishes English and Chinese translations of item names with HS codes to help fill in the customs description.
This is the honest section. Describe the contents honestly and specifically, such as "PVC anime figure", rather than "gift" or "toy"; your own country may charge import duty on arrival. Keep receipts in case you are asked.
- 1Check Japan Post's country list
- 2Make the label in My Page
- 3Describe contents honestly
- 4Take box and label to a post office
What can you not send from Japan?
Japan Post lists items that cannot go by international mail anywhere, including fireworks and ammunition; flammable liquids such as lighter fuel and paint; compressed gases including spray-type dusters and camping gas; matches and lighters; bleach and other oxidisers; and toxic substances. Lithium batteries can be sent only when installed in equipment and meeting certain criteria, and not to every country. Packages are X-rayed after acceptance, and anything prohibited may be returned.
| Item (Japan Post) | Rule |
|---|---|
| Fireworks, ammunition | Not allowed |
| Lighter fuel, paint | Not allowed |
| Spray dusters, gas canisters | Not allowed |
| Matches, lighters | Not allowed |
| Bleach and other oxidisers | Not allowed |
| Lithium batteries | Only installed in equipment, meeting criteria; not all destinations |
| Disposable hand warmers | Only certain manufacturers |
| Alcohol | Allowed only under conditions |
Figures, plush, manga and acrylic stands are not on that list, but light-up figures with batteries, model paints and spray varnish from hobby shops need care. Check Japan Post's full list before you pack.
Is shipping better than carrying your figures home?
For a few boxes, carrying them is simpler, and it keeps them with you. For a large haul, shipping frees your luggage. If you need to move bags around Japan instead, luggage forwarding with takkyubin covers that.
One catch if you shop tax-free: you can no longer buy tax-free and post the goods home yourself, so anything bought tax-free goes in your luggage, unless the shop itself ships it abroad for you. From 1 November 2026 you pay the tax at the till and get it back after a customs check at the airport; tax-free shopping in Japan after November 2026 explains how that works for goods you take with you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to send small items from Japan?
For items under 2 kg, Japan Post's Small Packets cost less than EMS.
Can I send model paint or spray varnish by international mail?
NOFlammable liquids such as paint, and spray-type products, are on Japan Post's list of items that cannot be sent.
Can I ship a light-up figure with batteries?
Only if the lithium batteries are installed in the item and meet Japan Post's criteria, and not to every country.
Can I post figures I bought tax-free?
Not yourself. Tax-free goods must leave Japan with you, unless the shop ships them abroad for you.
Do I need to write the label by hand?
Japan Post asks individuals to make labels online through its International Mail My Page service.
Figures in Akihabara, the box home from the post office
If you would like Akihabara's figure floors chosen around what you collect, Adventure in Akihabara with Anime is my private half-day walk, three to four hours, never shared with other guests. The price is on the tour page.
About the author. I am Yuuki, a Japanese teacher and Akihabara anime tour guide based in Tokyo. I run private anime tours here most weeks, rated 4.96★ on Airbnb across 171 reviews. I have watched over 1,500 anime series, which is either a qualification or a warning depending on your point of view.
See the Akihabara anime tour →
Sources · checked 4 October 2026
International Mail - Japan Post郵便局 | 日本郵便株式会社List of products and services - Japan Post郵便局 | 日本郵便株式会社Nonmailable Articles in International Mail - Japan Post郵便局 | 日本郵便株式会社Related
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