How to Buy Anime Figures in Japan: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction: Buying anime figures in Japan is a dream for many collectors around the world. Japan is widely regarded as the mecca for anime merchandise, and for good reason. It’s the source of the latest and greatest figures, often available here before anywhere else. In this guide, we’ll explore how to buy anime figures in Japan – from understanding the types of figures and where to find them, to dealing with costs, shipping, and customs. We’ll also discuss common challenges like language barriers and stock availability, and explain why sometimes using a proxy or a specialized store can make things easier. By the end, you’ll know the best ways to get your favorite figures from Japan and why Tico Ofertas anime store can be a convenient alternative for hassle-free shopping.

Why Japan is the Best Place for Anime Figures

Japan, and Tokyo in particular, is often considered the best place to buy anime figures in the world. The country is the birthplace of many popular anime series and has a vibrant fan culture, which means there’s a huge demand and market for figures​

. This demand has led to a vast array of anime figure stores in Japan, especially in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, where you can find everything from mainstream retailers to niche collectible shops​

. Collectors flock to Japan because you can discover rare limited editions, Japan-exclusive releases, and the newest figures right at the source. Additionally, prices for figures in Japan can be lower than overseas (especially before aftermarket mark-ups), and the second-hand market is thriving – making it possible to find pre-owned figures in great condition for bargain prices.

 

However, buying figures in Japan isn’t without challenges. If you’re visiting in person, you might face language barriers when asking for items or navigating stores (many shop staff speak at least some English, but not all). If you’re shopping online on Japanese websites, the checkout process and item descriptions might be in Japanese​

. Stock availability can also be an issue; popular figures often sell out quickly in Japan, sometimes on pre-order, so by the time you shop, a sought-after figure might be hard to find. Another challenge is dealing with customs and import regulations when bringing figures home. Japan has a tax-free program for tourists on site (if you spend over a certain amount in one store, you can get the 10% consumption tax waived), but when you import goods via mail, your own country’s customs may charge fees. In summary, Japan is the best place for anime figures due to the sheer variety and authenticity​

, but you need to be prepared to handle the logistics and possible language hurdles to make the most of it.

 

Types of Anime Figures Available in Japan

One of the first things to know is the variety of anime figure types you can find in Japan. From tiny gashapon trinkets to huge detailed statues, there’s something for every kind of collector. Here are the main categories of figures available and what makes each unique:

Scale Figures (1/8, 1/7, 1/6, 1/4, etc.)

Scale figures are high-quality collectible figures made to a specific scale relative to the character’s actual height (for example, 1/8 scale means the figure is one-eighth the size of the character’s supposed real-life height). These figures are usually crafted from PVC and are highly detailed, often hand-painted, capturing characters in dynamic poses or elaborate outfits. Common scales include 1/8, 1/7, and 1/6, while some large figures go up to 1/4 scale. Generally, the larger the scale, the more detail and complexity the figure has – and the higher the price​

. Top Japanese manufacturers known for excellent scale figures include Good Smile Company, Alter, Kotobukiya, Max Factory, and many others. Scale figures are typically released in limited batches (often only once), so if you miss a pre-order or store release, the aftermarket price can skyrocket for popular characters​

. These figures can range in price from around ¥8,000 for smaller 1/8 scales to ¥20,000+ for larger or more elaborate pieces. They’re perfect for collectors who want centerpiece display pieces with impressive detail.

 

Prize Figures

Prize figures are the budget-friendly side of anime collecting. These figures are often smaller (roughly 16–20 cm tall) and are mass-produced, usually as prizes for arcade crane games (UFO catchers) or lottery draws (Ichiban Kuji) in Japan​

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. Because they’re made to be won or given away in large quantities, prize figures are much cheaper than scale figures – typically around ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 in Japan (as opposed to ¥8,000+ for scale figures)​

. Major brands producing prize figures include Banpresto (part of Bandai Spirits), SEGA, FuRyu, and Taito, among others​

 

 

Don’t let the low price fool you – while prize figures are generally less detailed (paint apps might be simpler and you may notice minor flaws or seam lines​

), they’ve been improving in quality over the years. They often feature popular characters in casual poses or outfits. For new collectors or those on a budget, prize figures are a great way to fill your shelves without breaking the bank​

. In Japan, you can literally try your luck winning them in arcades, or you can buy them directly from second-hand shops and hobby stores soon after release. Outside Japan, prize figures might cost a bit more (perhaps $20–$30) due to import costs, but they remain an affordable entry point into figure collecting.

 

Nendoroids (Chibi Figures)

Nendoroids are adorable chibi-style figures with big heads and small bodies, produced by Good Smile Company. They typically stand about 10 cm (4 inches) tall and have a super-deformed, cute appearance. Each Nendoroid is fully adjustable – they come with interchangeable faces, arms, legs, and accessories, allowing you to pose the character in many expressions and scenes. For example, a Nendoroid of a popular anime character might include several facial expressions and signature props or weapons. This modular design makes them really fun to play with and display in different ways. Good Smile Company has made Nendoroids of hundreds of characters from anime, games, and even some Western franchises.

In Japan, Nendoroids usually cost between ¥4,000 and ¥6,000 new, depending on how many parts are included. They are widely available at anime figure stores (there’s even a Good Smile physical store in Akihabara) and often sell out quickly for popular characters. Nendoroids are immensely popular among collectors because they are both cute and highly customizable – you can even mix and match parts between Nendoroids to create your own unique setups. If you visit Japan, you’ll find many Nendoroid figures in shops, and some stores have entire sections dedicated to them. They’re a must-see for any chibi figure lover.

Action Figures (Articulated Figures)

Action figures (or articulated figures) are all about poseability. These figures come with multiple points of articulation (joints at the neck, shoulders, elbows, knees, etc.) and often include extra hands, faces, or accessories so you can pose the character in various action scenes. They are essentially toys you can play with, though high-end action figures are also meant for collectors and display. In Japan, popular lines include S.H. Figuarts (by Bandai) and Figma (by Max Factory/Good Smile Company). For example, S.H. Figuarts covers a lot of classic series (Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, tokusatsu heroes, even Star Wars and Marvel), while Figmas often cover anime series, games, and even some vocaloid characters.

Articulated figures tend to be smaller (often around 13–15 cm tall for a Figma, which is roughly 1/12 scale) and are made of ABS/PVC with joints. They can be a bit more expensive than prize figures due to their complexity – prices usually range from ¥5,000 to ¥8,000 for a new figure, and even higher for deluxe sets. The flexibility in posing is the key selling point: you can recreate iconic scenes or make your own. Just note that because of the joints, the look of the figure might be slightly less seamless than a fixed-pose statue. Still, articulated figures are fantastic for those who love to engage with their collection (great for photography or stop-motion, for instance)​

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Garage Kits and Resin Statues

For the more advanced collectors, Japan offers garage kits and high-end resin statues. Garage kits are usually unpainted, unassembled resin model kits that hobbyists or small circle creators produce. They often debut at events like Wonder Festival in Japan. In fact, garage kits are typically fan-made (sometimes with a one-day license from the rights holder to sell at the event) and come unpainted – meaning if you buy one, you’re expected to paint and assemble it yourself​

. This is a challenging but rewarding part of the hobby for those with model-building skills. Garage kits can be of characters or custom designs that might never get a mass-produced figure, making them appealing to hardcore fans. They are usually limited in quantity and can become rare collector’s items.

 

On the other hand, resin statues are pre-assembled, high-quality statues (often quite large in size). Resin as a material allows for incredible detail and dynamic sculpting, but it’s also more fragile than PVC​

. Resin statues are known for their amazing detail and quality, capturing characters in epic diorama bases or elaborate poses​

. They are usually expensive, often limited edition, and aimed at adult collectors. Companies like Tsume Art and Figurama Collectors (though not Japanese companies, their products are popular in Japan too) produce licensed resin statues for anime series. These can be very large (1/6 scale or bigger, sometimes 1/4 or life-size busts) and cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars each. Because of their size and weight, if you’re buying one in Japan you’ll likely have to ship it home carefully (shipping can be costly for these). Some Japanese figure brands like Prime 1 Studio and MegaHouse also make high-end statues. Whether garage kit or resin statue, this category is for the serious collector who wants something truly special and doesn’t mind the high cost or extra effort.

 

Adult Figures (18+)

Japan’s figure market also includes an adult (18+) category of figures. These are often termed ero-figures or NSFW figures, and they feature erotic poses or nudity, intended for mature collectors only. Despite their adult nature, many of these figures are crafted with the same level of detail and quality as mainstream scale figures. In fact, some are arguably even more detailed due to their...ahem, intimate nature. Native is a well-known Japanese brand that specializes in 18+ figures, often collaborating with popular hentai or eroge artists to create beautiful (if risqué) collectibles. Another notable brand is BINDing, famous for its series of large 1/4 scale bunny girl figures (often partially clothed or cast-off), which fall under the adult category. Other companies like AlphaMax’s Skytube line, Q-six, and Orchid Seed also produce adult-oriented figures.

You’ll typically find these adult figures either online or in dedicated sections of hobby shops (for example, some Akihabara stores have an adults-only floor where ID might be checked). They are usually priced similarly to other scale figures or higher, especially the large 1/4 scales which can be ¥20,000–¥30,000 each. If you plan to buy these in Japan, be mindful of your country’s import laws – while anime figures are usually fine, extremely explicit or themed content could be subject to restrictions​

(some countries have strict rules on adult materials). But if it’s legal on your end, Japan is an easy place to find these unique collectibles that might not be sold openly elsewhere.

 

Sex Dolls and Masturbators (Adult Toys)

In addition to figures, many shops in Japan (especially in Akihabara or adult product stores) sell adult toys and sex dolls that cater to a similar audience of adult hobbyists. While not anime figures in the traditional sense, you might encounter life-size dolls or smaller character-themed masturbators and toys in the same areas that sell anime goods. Brands like Tenga (famous for their discreet male masturbators), A-One, Magic Eyes, and others produce a variety of these items. Some are simply adult products, while others might tie into anime or game characters (for example, a character-themed onahole or erotic dolls inspired by anime art styles).

If this is something you’re interested in, Akihabara has multiple stores that dedicate entire floors to adult products. One iconic store is M’s in Akihabara – a multi-level adult department store where you can find everything from Tenga cups to full-size dolls. These products are 18+ only and often have a section separate from the all-ages figure area. Buying them as a foreigner is generally straightforward (the store staff are used to tourists), but again, consider your local laws about importing such items. The inclusion of these in a guide about anime figures is to acknowledge that the otaku shopping experience in Japan can sometimes cross into adult territory – many figure collectors stumble on these sections unexpectedly and are surprised by the variety. If you’re strictly after anime figures, you can simply skip these, but it’s good to know they exist so you’re not caught off guard when you see a life-size doll in a shop window next to anime statues.

Where to Buy Anime Figures in Japan

Now that we’ve covered the types of figures, let’s talk about where you can actually buy anime figures in Japan. Whether you’re physically in Japan or shopping from abroad, there are several avenues to consider: physical retail stores, online shops, and auction/proxy services. Below, we break down the best places in each category.

Physical Stores in Japan (Akihabara, Nipponbashi, Nakano Broadway)

If you’re in Japan or plan to visit, going to physical anime figure stores in Japan is an experience like no other. The top destinations for figure shopping are:

• Akihabara (Tokyo): The Akihabara district – often called Akiba – is Tokyo’s electronics and otaku paradise, renowned for its dense concentration of anime and hobby shops. You can spend an entire day (or multiple days) in Akihabara and still not see everything! Popular stores here include the AmiAmi retail shop and the Kotobukiya flagship store, which carry a wide range of new release figures and merchandise​
  . There’s also the massive Radio Kaikan building, which houses multiple retailers on different floors – you’ll find shops selling new figures, second-hand figures, model kits, dolls, and more​
  . Another must-visit is Mandarake (Akihabara branch), a huge second-hand store that’s great for hunting older or pre-owned figures. Navigating Akihabara can be overwhelming with its bright lights and crowds, so it helps to list a few must-visit shops beforehand​
  . Remember, many stores offer tax-free shopping for tourists (usually if you spend over ¥5,000 and show your passport), which can save you 10%. Akiba truly has something for every anime fan – from tiny gachapon machines on the street to limited-edition figures locked behind glass cases.

Akihabara is a paradise for figure collectors, with countless shops offering everything from budget prize figures to premium scale statues. The image above shows a typical shop display packed with boxed figures (Nendoroids, scales, and more) – a common sight in Akihabara’s stores. Browsing these stores, you’ll find the latest releases and often some surprises or rare finds. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s amazing to see the variety of anime figure merchandise available in one place.

• Nipponbashi “Den Den Town” (Osaka): Often considered Osaka’s answer to Akihabara, the Nipponbashi area (nicknamed Den Den Town) is a hub for anime, manga, and game shopping in the Kansai region. If you’re in Osaka, Nipponbashi’s Ota-Road is where you’ll find numerous figure shops, hobby stores, and arcades. Stores like Jungle and Toranoana (for doujin and some figures) operate here, and there’s even a branch of Kotobukiya and other chains. The vibe is similar to Akiba but on a slightly smaller scale and maybe a bit less hectic. Prices in Osaka can sometimes be a touch lower or negotiable, especially in smaller independent shops. It’s definitely worth a visit for figure hunters, and you can often find items that sold out in Tokyo still in stock in Osaka’s shops.

• Nakano Broadway (Tokyo): Nakano Broadway is a famous shopping complex in Tokyo known as a treasure trove for collectors. It’s a multi-floor mall filled with over 300 shops, and it earned a reputation as a collector’s paradise long before Akihabara became mainstream​

  
  . The crown jewel of Nakano Broadway is the network of Mandarake stores – Mandarake has several specialty shops in this complex, each focusing on different items (toys, figures, vintage books, idol goods, etc.)​
  . Here you can find rare vintage anime figures, second-hand deals, and even classic tokusatsu or Sentai collectibles. Other notable shops in Nakano include Jungle (which also has an Osaka branch as mentioned) for second-hand figures, and small stores selling garage kits or old gashapon toys. Nakano Broadway is great for those hunting older or hard-to-find items, and the prices can vary from bargain bin finds to premium pricing for rare items. It’s a place where you might stumble upon that one figure you’ve been searching for years. Just be prepared to spend some time exploring the narrow aisles and crammed displays – it’s easy to get lost (in a fun way) in Nakano Broadway’s maze of anime goodness.

   

Of course, anime figures are not only found in these three places. Other cities in Japan have their own anime shops as well – for instance, you’ll find Animate or smaller hobby shops in places like Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, etc. But Akihabara, Nipponbashi, and Nakano Broadway are the top three hotspots that every figure collector should experience if possible. They collectively host dozens of specialized anime figure stores where you can directly see the merchandise, inspect figures for quality (important for second-hand buys), and sometimes even haggle if you’re buying several items (smaller shops might give a slight discount). Keep in mind that in chain stores and larger retailers, prices are usually fixed (no bargaining)​

 

, but you might catch seasonal sales or discount bins.

 

Online Stores (AmiAmi, Mandarake, Suruga-ya, HobbyLink Japan)

If you can’t get to Japan in person, don’t worry – many anime figure stores in Japan have online shops, and some cater to international customers. Here are some of the best anime figure online shopping options:

• AmiAmi (amiami.com): AmiAmi is one of the largest online hobby retailers in Japan, and it’s extremely popular with international collectors. They offer a huge selection of new figures (including pre-orders for upcoming releases at a slight discount off retail price) and also have a pre-owned section where you can find second-hand figures graded by condition. AmiAmi’s site is available in English, and they ship worldwide. Their pricing is often among the lowest for retail releases, but shipping is calculated separately. AmiAmi is a go-to for many because of its reliability and stock breadth. Just be aware that pre-orders require commitment – if you cancel too much, they may blacklist you.

• Mandarake (mandarake.co.jp): Mandarake, known for its physical stores, also has an online store (with an English interface option). It’s a fantastic resource for second-hand anime figures, out-of-print items, and even new items at times. Mandarake is essentially a network of stores across Japan (in Tokyo, Osaka, etc.) and each store lists its inventory online. If you order online, the item might come from any of their branches (Nakano, Akihabara, Fukuoka, etc.). They grade items’ condition and are generally accurate with descriptions (unopened, opened but like new, box damage, etc.). Mandarake ships internationally and has a flat ¥500 handling fee per order. It’s especially useful for finding older figures or deals on used prize figures, art books, and doujin items. Keep in mind stock moves quickly – if you see a rare figure, someone else might snag it first.

• Suruga-ya (suruga-ya.jp): Suruga-ya is another Japanese retailer that sells a bit of everything: figures, games, CDs, manga, you name it. They have a massive catalog including both new and second-hand items, often with very competitive prices on pre-owned figures. Their main website is Japanese-only, which can be challenging to navigate, but they have recently opened an international site (otakurepublic handles some Suruga-ya exports, and there’s also suruga-ya.com for limited regions) – however, the prices on the international version can be higher. Many overseas buyers use proxy services to buy from Suruga-ya’s Japanese site to take advantage of the low prices. If you can navigate Japanese or use translation, it’s a treasure trove for deals (for example, finding a prize figure for ¥800 or a rare scale for under retail). Suruga-ya often has sales and a ¥5,000 free shipping threshold (domestic), which doesn’t directly help international buyers but is great for proxy consolidations.

• HobbyLink Japan (HLJ.com): HobbyLink Japan is a long-running online store that caters to international customers. They sell figures, model kits, and other hobby products, often focusing on pre-orders and new releases. They have a private warehouse feature where you can store items for a few months to combine shipping (useful if you’re ordering multiple items over time). HLJ’s prices can be slightly higher than AmiAmi on some items, but they’re based in Japan’s Tochigi prefecture and are known for good customer service. They also carry a lot of model kits and mecha goods beyond just anime figures.

• Other Online Shops: There are several other notable online stores like Hobby Search (1999.co.jp), CDJapan, and Amazon Japan. Hobby Search is similar to HLJ and AmiAmi in that it lists new releases (with a points reward system for purchases) and has an English site. Amazon Japan, meanwhile, can be a convenient option as they often ship certain products abroad directly; you might find figures sold by Amazon or marketplace sellers, and Amazon’s global shipping (with pre-paid customs for some countries) can be fast. Just watch out for bootlegs if buying from marketplace sellers on Amazon or eBay – stick to reputable vendors. For the most part, if you’re after the best anime figures online direct from Japan, AmiAmi and Hobby Search are top for new items, while Mandarake and Suruga-ya are kings for second-hand and rare finds.

Auction & Proxy Services (Yahoo! Auctions, Buyee, ZenMarket, etc.)

Sometimes the figure you want is not in stock at any store, or perhaps it was an event exclusive, or you simply want a better price on a pre-owned item. In such cases, the Japanese second-hand market via auctions or flea market apps is the way to go. The largest platform is Yahoo! Auctions Japan (YAJ), which is essentially Japan’s eBay. There’s also Mercari (a popular app for peer-to-peer selling). The catch is that these platforms are generally not accessible directly to overseas buyers – you need a Japanese address, phone, and payment method. That’s where proxy services for anime figures come in.

• Yahoo! Auctions Japan (ヤフオク): On Yahoo Auctions, you can find individuals selling anime figures, sometimes at great prices or in used condition. Rare grail figures often pop up here. You bid in Japanese Yen, and auctions can get heated for coveted items. Since Yahoo Auctions is meant for Japan residents, you as a foreigner will need a middleman.

• Proxy Bidding/Shopping Services: Buyee, ZenMarket, FromJapan, Mandarake Proxy, White Rabbit Express, and many others are companies that act as intermediaries. For example, Buyee and ZenMarket provide an interface (in English) where you can paste a Yahoo Auction link or search their integrated system, place bids through them, and if you win, you pay them and they ship the item to you. They charge a service fee (usually ¥300-500 per item, or a percentage) and you’ll also pay domestic shipping (seller to the proxy’s warehouse) plus international shipping to you. Some proxies also support Mercari and other sites. Using a proxy service for anime figures is extremely common for overseas collectors to get items directly from Japan-only sources.

Proxies can also help you order from online stores that don’t ship abroad (for instance, if a figure is only sold on a Japanese web store or if you want to take advantage of Suruga-ya’s domestic free shipping by having a proxy consolidate and ship to you). When using these services, always factor in the extra fees. Sometimes the total cost might end up close to just buying from an international-friendly store, but other times you’ll get a steal of a deal that makes it worth it.

One more thing to mention: conventions and events in Japan, like Wonder Festival, often have limited garage kits or early releases. These items sometimes appear on Yahoo Auctions at high prices right after the event. So if you can’t attend an event, auctions and proxies might be your only way to obtain those exclusives.

Costs, Shipping, and Customs

When purchasing anime figures from Japan, especially as an international buyer, it’s important to consider the costs beyond just the figure’s price. Here we’ll break down typical figure costs, shipping methods, and potential customs fees – plus tips on avoiding unpleasant surprises.

How Much Do Anime Figures Cost in Japan?

The price of anime figures in Japan varies widely depending on the type and rarity of the figure. As mentioned, prize figures are quite cheap – usually around ¥1,000-¥2,000 (roughly $10-$20) if you buy them in Japan​

. Standard scale figures (1/8 or 1/7 scale, by companies like GSC or Alter) often retail for ¥8,000-¥15,000 (about $60-$120) for new releases. Larger scales (1/4 bunnies, for example) or very elaborate figures can go ¥20,000 and beyond. Nendoroids and small chibi figures tend to be in the ¥4,000-¥6,000 range ($35-$55). Action figures like Figmas or Figuarts might be around ¥5,000-¥7,000 each for regular editions. High-end resin statues can be extremely pricey – sometimes ¥50,000+ (hundreds of dollars).

 

Keep in mind that in Japanese retail shops, a 10% sales tax (VAT) is added at checkout (unless you shop tax-free as a tourist). Online prices usually include tax on domestic sites. Some figures can be found at discounted rates – for instance, AmiAmi often sells new pre-orders at 20-30% off the MSRP. In second-hand stores, you might find older or less popular figures in bargain bins for cheap, while sought-after out-of-print figures might be marked up higher than their original price. Overall, Japan’s figure prices are among the lowest you’ll find at retail – if a figure costs $100 in Japan, it might easily cost $130-$150 if bought in another country after adding import costs and retailer mark-up. Shopping smart (comparing prices across Akihabara shops or checking Mandarake’s stock) can yield good deals​

. And remember, some figures are Japan-exclusive or event-only, which means their value can be quite high due to scarcity.

 

Shipping Options from Japan (EMS, DHL, Surface, Air Parcel)

If you’re buying figures from Japan and need them shipped internationally, you have several shipping methods to choose from. The main options include EMS, DHL, Air Parcel (or Airmail), and Surface Mail. Each has its pros and cons regarding speed, cost, and reliability:

• EMS (Express Mail Service): EMS is an international express service by Japan Post. It’s fast and secure, with tracking and insurance included. Delivery usually takes about 3–7 days worldwide (sometimes up to 1-2 weeks depending on customs). EMS is a popular choice for figure collectors because it’s reliable and handled by postal services (which in some countries can mean lower handling fees than couriers). The cost is higher than regular airmail but often a bit cheaper than DHL for similar speed. If your package is heavy or large, EMS can be expensive, but for a couple of figures it’s usually reasonable. Currently, EMS has a maximum size (length + girth) of 3 meters and weight up to 30 kg for most countries, which covers most figure shipments except maybe huge resin statues.

• DHL: DHL is a private courier service. Many Japanese online stores (like AmiAmi) offer DHL as an alternative to EMS, especially because during certain periods (like COVID-19) EMS was suspended to some countries. DHL is very fast (often 2–5 days delivery) and has excellent tracking. However, it’s usually more expensive than EMS for the same parcel, and DHL tends to handle customs clearance aggressively – meaning you are almost guaranteed to be charged any applicable import fees, plus DHL might add a processing fee. The advantage is speed and convenient delivery options (you can often schedule deliveries or pick-up). If you need your figure now or EMS is not available, DHL is the way to go. Just be prepared for potentially higher shipping costs.

• Air Parcel / Airmail: Japan Post offers standard Air Parcel (sometimes just called Airmail or Air Small Packet for packages under 2 kg). This is a slower (but cheaper) option than EMS. Delivery might take about 2–4 weeks​

  
  . For small packets (under 2 kg), you can use registered airmail which includes tracking (unregistered is without tracking). This option is good for small, lightweight figure packages where EMS would be overkill. It’s also slightly cheaper. However, since the pandemic, availability of small packet airmail depends on the country. Some collectors prefer this method if not in a rush, as it strikes a balance between cost and time. SAL (Surface Air Lifted) used to be an economy airmail taking 3–6 weeks, but it’s largely discontinued or limited now.

   

• Surface Mail (Sea Shipping): Surface mail is the cheapest but slowest shipping method. As the name implies, packages are shipped by sea freight. It can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months (occasionally even longer) to arrive, depending on your location and shipping schedules. The cost is much lower than air options, especially for heavy packages. Japan Post offers Surface Parcel, and recently Surface Mail Premium (slightly faster than regular surface, sometimes called “surface air lifted” in practice). Surface is a good option if you are shipping a lot of items (like if you bought 10 figures at once or a large statue) and want to save money, and you don’t mind waiting. Tracking is usually available, but updates will be infrequent while the ship is at sea. One thing to note: because of the long transit, insurance claims for loss/damage can only be filed after a longer time (like after 3 months)​

  
  . Pack your items securely if you choose surface, as they’ll be in transit for a while.

   

In summary, if you want it fast – go EMS or DHL. If you want to save money – go Air Small Packet for small items or Surface for big shipments. Many collectors use faster shipping for expensive figures they can’t wait for, and slower shipping for bulk lots or less urgent items. Always consider the value of the figures versus shipping cost; sometimes grouping items together to ship in one box can save money, but if the box becomes too big, the cost might jump (especially for DHL/EMS which charge by weight and size). Check the store’s shipping calculator if available or consult shipping rate charts to make an informed choice​

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Customs Fees and Avoiding Unexpected Charges

One potential downside of buying internationally is dealing with customs fees, import duties, or VAT that your country may impose on incoming packages. Whether you get charged, and how much, depends on your local laws. Here are a few key points:

• Know your country’s de minimis: Many countries have a threshold under which packages are exempt from import duties or taxes. For example, in the United States, orders under around $800 USD in value are typically exempt from import duties​

  
  (though above that, customs may apply tariffs). In the European Union, however, VAT applies to virtually all imports now, even low-value ones (they removed the minimum threshold), so even a ¥2,000 prize figure might get 20% VAT added, plus a handling fee. Other places like Canada, Australia, etc. have their own rules and thresholds. It’s important to check what the rules are in your country so you’re not caught off guard.

   

• Customs duties vs. VAT: Duties are usually a percentage on goods above a certain value (and anime figures often fall under toy or collectible category, which might have a specific duty rate), whereas VAT/GST is a consumer tax on the total value (and often shipping cost too). Some countries might not charge duty on figures but will charge VAT. For instance, an anime figure entering the EU will have around 20% VAT added. In India, as another example, figures can have about 38% duty if above the small allowance. Each country is different.

• Courier vs Postal handling: If you ship by EMS (postal), and if your package is subject to fees, you’ll typically pay when it’s delivered or pick it up at a post office/customs office. If you ship by DHL or other courier, they will usually pay the customs on your behalf to clear the item quickly, then charge you an invoice (often with an extra service fee like $10-20). This means couriers almost always result in charges if applicable, whereas postal mail sometimes slips through unnoticed if the value is low or paperwork is spot on. Always assume you might have to pay something, and then if you don’t, it’s a nice surprise.

• Avoiding or reducing fees: We do not encourage fraud, but one common practice is to ask the sender to mark down the value of the package or mark it as “gift.” Some retailers or proxies will do this, some will not (many big ones like AmiAmi will not undervalue or mislabel). Marking down can sometimes let a package pass under the tax threshold, but it carries a risk: if the package is lost or damaged, you can only claim the lower declared value for insurance. Another tip is to consolidate multiple figures into one shipment to hit just under a tax threshold, or conversely, ship items separately if your country’s threshold is per package (e.g., sending two ¥10,000 packages separately rather than one ¥20,000 package might avoid charges). Also, keep an eye on any import paperwork – ensure the contents are labeled clearly (e.g., “plastic toy figures”) to avoid confusion at customs.

Ultimately, customs fees are part of the cost of importing anime figures. It can be annoying, but factor it into your budget when ordering from Japan. If you’re unlucky and get a high fee, don’t let it sour the joy of your new figure – it’s still likely that even with fees, you got an item that’s hard to find locally. And once you’re aware of how your country handles imports, you can plan future purchases accordingly to minimize those extra costs.

Why Buy from Tico Ofertas Instead?

After looking at all the ways to buy anime figures in Japan, you might be thinking it’s a lot of work – dealing with proxies, language barriers, shipping calculations, and customs. This is where Tico Ofertas comes in as a fantastic alternative. Tico Ofertas is an anime store that specializes in bringing authentic Japanese figures and merchandise directly to you, without the hassle. Here are a few reasons why you might choose to buy from Tico Ofertas instead of going through the complex process yourself:

• No Import Fees or Customs Issues: One of the biggest advantages of buying through Tico Ofertas is that you won’t have to worry about surprise import charges. We handle all the importing logistics for you. That means the price you pay at checkout is final – no dealing with customs forms, no extra duty or VAT on delivery, and no delays at the border. This is especially helpful for collectors in countries with strict customs, as Tico Ofertas ensures a smooth delivery to your door.

• Guaranteed Authentic Figures: The anime figure market unfortunately has bootlegs and fake products floating around. When you buy from Tico Ofertas, you can shop with confidence knowing that all figures are 100% authentic and sourced from Japan. We work with reputable suppliers and verify each item. You get the real deal every time – the same quality you’d get buying in Akihabara, with no risk of counterfeit items that can plague some online marketplaces.

• Worldwide Shipping: Tico Ofertas is based in Costa Rica but serves customers worldwide. No matter where you are, we can ship your figures to you. We pack items securely to ensure they arrive safely. By centralizing the process, we can often offer more affordable or convenient shipping options than if you were ordering one-off from Japan. And again, you skip dealing with the headache of international shipping paperwork – we’ve got that covered.

• Competitive Pricing and Exclusive Deals: We strive to offer prices that are competitive with what you’d pay if you imported a figure yourself. When you factor in that our prices include the import costs, you’re often paying close to the figure’s Japanese retail price without the add-ons. Tico Ofertas also runs promotions, loyalty points, or exclusive deals for members, meaning you could save even more. We frequently update our catalog with new releases and even some exclusive items. Plus, you don’t have to pay upfront months in advance for pre-orders like some Japanese sites require – we handle the pre-order process and you pay when it’s ready to ship to you.

• Local Customer Service: If you have any issues or questions, Tico Ofertas offers customer support in English (and Spanish for our Latin American friends). You’re dealing with a team that understands the collector community and can assist you promptly, rather than trying to communicate across time zones and language barriers with a Japanese retailer or seller.

In short, Tico Ofertas anime store simplifies the entire process of getting anime figures. You get the benefit of Japan’s amazing figure selection without the downsides. It’s like having a friend in Japan who takes care of everything and sends you the goodies, while you just enjoy adding them to your collection. For many collectors, the slight premium paid to a service like ours is well worth the time and risk saved. Instead of worrying about how to buy anime figures in Japan yourself, you can sit back and browse a curated selection on our site, knowing the hard part is taken care of.

Conclusion

Buying anime figures in Japan – whether directly in Japanese stores or online from abroad – is a rewarding experience that can net you amazing collectibles for your anime collection. We’ve covered the landscape of figure collecting: the types of figures (from affordable prize figures to deluxe scale statues and everything in between), the best places to buy in Japan (iconic spots like Akihabara, Nipponbashi, and Nakano Broadway, as well as online outlets like AmiAmi and Mandarake), and the practical considerations of cost, shipping, and customs when ordering internationally. Japan truly offers the best selection and prices for anime figures​

, but it requires savvy planning to navigate the challenges like language barriers and import procedures.

 

For those who want the figures without the hassle, we highlighted how Tico Ofertas can serve as your one-stop solution. By purchasing through Tico Ofertas, you avoid the headaches of international shopping – no worrying about proxy bidding wars, no calculating shipping weights, and no surprise fees at your door. You get authentic anime figures delivered to you with a smooth, transparent process. It’s the best anime figures online shopping experience for anyone who loves the convenience of having Japan’s top merchandise at their fingertips.

As a final call to action: if you’re excited to start or grow your anime figure collection, explore Tico Ofertas’ catalog today. Take a look at the wide range of figures available – from the latest releases to beloved classic characters – and see how easy it is to get them delivered to you. Whether you decide to hunt for a grail figure through a Japanese auction or simply add one to your cart on Tico Ofertas, we hope this guide has given you the knowledge and confidence to get the anime figures you’ve always wanted. Happy collecting, and may your favorite characters find a place of honor on your shelf!

www.ticoofertas.shop