Japanese products are known for their exceptional quality and reliability, often turning everyday items into small works of art. While it’s easy if you have someone in Japan to help, for most people, buying Japanese goods can be tricky due to the language barrier. But fear not! A friend of mine who runs Suzukaze, an expert in navigating Japanese websites, has shared some handy tips on how to find and buy Japanese products efficiently - and at the best prices!
Uniqlo
Uniqlo is a go-to for timeless, affordable clothing. Compared to global fast-fashion brands like Zara, H&M, and F21, Uniqlo offers unbeatable prices, especially when buying directly from Japan. However, the Uniqlo Japan website is in Japanese, which makes browsing a bit tricky. Enter Google Translate - while it’s useful, it isn’t always perfect.
When it comes to everyday basics, Uniqlo is number 1!
For those who prefer simplicity in their wardrobe, Uniqlo is always a safe bet! The easiest way to shop is through the Uniqlo USA site (http://www.uniqlo.com/us/). It’s all in English, so you can easily find the pieces you want. Once you’ve chosen your product, take note of the SKU number. Then head over to the Uniqlo Japan website, paste the number in the search bar, and voilà - you’ll find the same item at the lowest price possible.
If you’re eyeing the Uniqlo x Lemaire collection, featuring minimalist designs by French designer Christophe Lemaire, it’s available now, so don’t miss out!
When shopping for sale items, the Uniqlo USA and Japan sales don’t always align. But you can find major discounts right on the Uniqlo Japan homepage (http://www.uniqlo.com/jp/). Sales are prominently displayed on banners, and you can click through different categories like Women, Men, and Kids to see the latest discounts.
Amazon.co.jp & Rakuten.co.jp: Your Go-To for Japanese Goods
While Amazon is usually the first stop for online shopping, Suzukaze recommends Rakuten for buying from Japan. Rakuten’s global site (http://global.rakuten.com/en/) makes shopping easy with direct currency conversion, so you can quickly estimate prices. The downside? Since Rakuten hosts many independent sellers, each item often comes with an additional shipping fee (around 100,000 VND). However, items over 10,000 yen (~$90 USD) often ship free of charge.
For Japanese beauty products like DHC, Shu Uemura, and Labo Labo, Amazon.co.jp is a solid choice. These items are directly sold by Amazon Japan, but be cautious when ordering from third-party sellers - reviews aren’t as common in Japan, and you may end up with items that aren’t in stock.
Fashion from Japan: A World of Possibilities
When it comes to fashion, Japan has a treasure trove of options. In addition to Uniqlo, Zara in Japan can often have better stock compared to its global counterparts, and you may also find frequent sales. To estimate Zara Japan prices, divide the price by 3.5 to get an idea of the shipping cost to Vietnam.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, check out GU (gu-japan.com), a trendy offshoot of Uniqlo targeting younger shoppers. GU offers fashion-forward pieces at lower prices than Uniqlo, perfect for those on a budget.
For high-end fashion, you can explore zozo.jp. This website stocks a range of designer goods from top Japanese brands, offering products that stay ahead of the curve in terms of both style and trend. Keep in mind, though - designer items from Japan don’t come cheap.
With these tips, navigating the world of Japanese shopping is a breeze! Whether you’re after high-quality clothing, cutting-edge gadgets, or trendy fashion pieces, Japan’s online shopping scene has something for everyone. Happy shopping!
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