[02]Sell abroad
Selling to buyers in Japan
Updated Oct 6, 2026
Japanese buyers notice the details: the finish, the packing, the words. How to sell into Japan from anywhere.
A market that values craft
Japan has a deep respect for things made carefully and for the place they come from. A buyer there will read your story, look at the joins and the glaze, and notice how the parcel was packed. A shop that cares about the details is the shop they return to.
Small parcels, small charges
Japan generally lets a parcel through without customs duty or consumption tax when its taxable value is 10,000 yen or less, with exceptions such as some leather goods and knitwear. Above that, duty depends on the item, and consumption tax is ten percent. On 1VIM the buyer sees what applies in the price before paying.
Pack it like a gift
Wrap each piece neatly, protect the corners, and keep the box clean and dry. A handwritten thank you note is noticed. Packing is part of the product in Japan, and a parcel that arrives perfect earns the best reviews.
Write short, exact sentences
Sizes in centimetres, weights in grams, materials named exactly, care instructions spelled out. Short, exact sentences translate well and leave no room for doubt. If something varies from piece to piece, say so.
When Japanese buyers give
Japan has gift seasons of its own: ochugen in summer, oseibo in December, and the New Year. Mother's Day in May matters too. List gift pieces a few weeks ahead so they arrive in time.