皓悦
日本語

Journal / Blog

Food and collections.

Guides to eating around Honmachi and Shinsaibashi in Osaka, enjoying yakitori, and choosing art toys, plus notes on buying and shipping from Japan. Every article is also available in Japanese.

An open cardboard box with crumpled kraft paper, a plain unlabelled cosmetic bottle set to one side, a notebook with a pencil and a magnifying glass on a dark table

2026-10-26 / Trade

Can You Send Perfume, Nail Polish or Spray Cans Abroad by Mail from Japan? Japan Post's "Air Dangerous Goods" Rule and Why Even Surface Mail Is Not an Option

Based on Japan Post's list of items that cannot be sent by international mail, this guide explains why flammable liquids such as perfume, nail polish and hair tonic, compressed gases such as spray cans, and products such as sunscreen with more than 24% alcohol cannot be sent regardless of the mail type or whether it goes by sea, what happens after acceptance (X-ray checks and returns), and what to check on the label before sending.

An open cardboard box with crumpled kraft paper inside, a blank folded paper slip, a small kitchen scale with a dark display and a pencil on a dark table

2026-10-23 / Trade

Filling In a CN22/CN23 Customs Declaration When Mailing Items Abroad from Japan: The Content Categories That Changed in June 2026, and Why You Must Describe the Contents Precisely

Based on Japan Post's guidance, this guide explains the CN22/CN23 customs declaration you need when mailing a gift to family or friends abroad. It covers the form changes from June 1, 2026 (new "Commercial goods" and "E-commerce goods" categories and English printed alongside Japanese), how to choose the right category, why item names, quantities, values and weights must be specific, how customs electronic data relates to Japan Post's International Mail My Page service, and a checklist before sending.

An open kraft paper envelope, a blank folded paper slip, a closed black notebook and a smartphone with a dark screen on a dark stone table

2026-10-22 / Trade

Got a Text Asking You to Pay Customs Duty While Waiting for a Parcel from Abroad? Scam Signs Flagged by Japan Customs and Japan Post, and How Duty on International Mail Is Really Paid

When you are expecting a parcel from abroad, you may receive a text or email asking you to pay customs duty or clearance fees. Based on warnings from Japan Customs and Japan Post, this guide covers the signs of fake messages, the fact that Customs does not send SMS to the public, how duty on international mail is actually paid (a tax notice and payment slip), and what to do and whom to contact if you receive one.

On a dark desk: a stack of three plain kraft-wrapped parcels tied with string, a rubber stamp, a magnifying glass, a fountain pen and a closed black notebook

2026-10-20 / Trade

Do You Need a Secondhand Dealer License (Kobutsusho) to Sell Goods Bought Abroad in Japan? Importing Yourself vs. Buying Imports in Japan

Based on the definition of "used goods" (kobutsu) in Japan's Secondhand Articles Dealer Act, under which even unused items count once they have been traded for use, and the Aichi Prefectural Police Q&A, this guide explains the difference between selling your own unwanted items, selling goods you bought abroad and imported yourself, and buying goods imported by another business in Japan and reselling them. It also covers the penalty for operating without a license, where to apply and an example fee, and permit submission when selling used goods on Mercari Shops.

On a dark desk: an opened kraft cardboard carton with paper packing, a plain wooden toy car, and a magnifying glass resting on a blank form

2026-10-19 / Trade

Before Selling Toys Bought Abroad in Japan: Food Sanitation Act Import Notification, the Child PSC Mark for Under-3s, and the ST Mark

Using official information from Japan Customs, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Mercari, this guide sets out three systems that apply when toys bought in China or elsewhere are sold in Japan: Food Sanitation Act import notification for toys for infants imported for sale, the Child PSC mark required for toys for under-3s since 25 December 2025, and the voluntary ST mark, plus Mercari's listing rule and what buyers can check.

Two small kraft paper parcels tied with twine on a dark desk, a blank white card leaning against one, and a brass hourglass beside them

2026-10-17 / Trade

What Does "Reserved for ..." (Senyou) Mean on Mercari? Why Reserved Listings Are Not an Official Feature, and the First-Buyer Rule

Based on Mercari's own guide to trading manners, this article explains listings marked "reserved for" a named user and requests to hold items: that Mercari has no such feature, that sellers must proceed with whoever completes checkout first, that refusing to proceed because of a private arrangement is prohibited, that such listings may drop out of search, what buyers and sellers should do, and how to ask questions on Mercari Shops.

The corner of a dark carry-on suitcase with a blank kraft paper luggage tag, next to a folded map and a pen on a dark desk

2026-10-15 / Trade

Can You Bring Shanghai Hairy Crab into Japan? Why Live Crabs Are Banned, What About Cooked Ones, and Mercari's Rules

Shanghai hairy crab (Chinese mitten crab), in season in autumn, is designated an invasive alien species in Japan, and bringing live crabs into the country is prohibited in principle. Based on a Ministry of the Environment leaflet, this guide covers the rules and reasons, penalties, where to check about dead or processed crab, and Mercari's ban on listing living creatures.

A plain black AC adapter with its cord coiled on a dark desk, beside an open cardboard box and a notebook with a pencil

2026-10-13 / Trade

Before Buying Overseas-Made Electrical Goods or Mobile Batteries on Mercari: What the PSE Mark Means and How to Check It

Based on the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's outline of the Electrical Appliances and Materials Safety Act and Mercari's prohibited-items guide, this article explains the PSE mark required to sell electrical products in Japan: the diamond and round marks, mobile batteries (regulated since February 2019), and what to look for in listing photos and ask the seller.

A kraft paper parcel tied with twine and a blank tag on a dark desk, next to a black notebook and a pencil

2026-10-12 / Trade

"Bought Overseas" Is Not the Same as "Country of Origin": How to Read Listings and Package Labels

A listing note such as "bought overseas (in China)" tells you where the seller obtained the item, not where it was made. Using the Consumer Affairs Agency's published guidance on country-of-origin labelling and Mercari's guide, this article explains the difference and what buyers can check.

A blank plain card, a small stack of coins, a pen and an open blank notebook on a dark slate table

2026-10-10 / Trade

Paying on Mercari Shops: Which Payment Methods Work, Which Don't, the All-or-Nothing Points Rule and the Convenience Store/ATM Deadline

Mercari Shops items do not accept quite the same payment methods as regular Mercari listings. Based on Mercari's official help, this guide explains which methods work and which do not on Shops, why points and Merpay balance cannot be used partially, how sales proceeds work, the convenience store/ATM deadline and auto-cancellation, and which orders cannot be partly cancelled.

A small kraft parcel tied with string, a blank paper slip, a notebook and a pen on a dark slate table

2026-10-09 / Trade

Mercari Shops vs Individual Sellers: What Changes for Buyers (Questions, Price Requests, Shipping, Cancellations and Receipts)

Mercari shows listings from individuals alongside items from Mercari Shops, which are run by businesses. Based on Mercari's official help pages, this guide explains how to tell them apart and how questions, price requests, shipping, cancellations, returns and receipts differ for buyers.

A kraft envelope, a small brass bell, a blank card with a pencil and a magnifying glass on a dark table

2026-10-08 / Trade

Mercari Likes and Saved Searches: How Price-Drop and New-Listing Alerts Work, and Why One Might Not Arrive

To hear about price drops and new listings on Mercari, you use likes and saved searches. Based on Mercari's official help pages, this guide covers where the settings are, when price-drop alerts are and are not sent, how Mercari Shops items differ, and the limits on saved searches and their alerts.

A phone lying face down, a blank checklist card with a pencil and a small closed cardboard box on a dark table

2026-10-07 / Trade

Checking a Mercari Seller Before You Buy: Ratings, Seller Badges, Seller Levels and the ID-Verified Badge

What should you look at on a Mercari Japan seller's profile and listings before buying? Based on Mercari's help centre, here is how the Good and Bad ratings work, the five seller badges, seller levels based on items sold, and what the ID-verified badge does and does not mean.

An empty open cardboard box, a roll of packing tape and a blank envelope on a dark table

2026-10-06 / Trade

Cancelling a Mercari Transaction: When You Can Request It, Return Options and How Refunds Work

To cancel a transaction between individuals on Mercari Japan you need the other party's agreement and the cancellation request form. Based on Mercari's help centre, here is when buyers can use the form, the steps, the three return options, what happens after 24 hours without a reply, and how each payment method is refunded.

A kraft paper parcel with a blank tag, a desk calendar and a pen on a dark table

2026-10-05 / Trade

Paying for Mercari Items at a Convenience Store or ATM: Deadline, Fees and What Happens if You Miss It

When you choose convenience store or ATM payment on Mercari Japan, the purchase is not paid at checkout. Based on Mercari's help centre, here are the deadline, the fee for each price band, how to change the method, and how personal sellers and Mercari Shops differ if you miss the deadline.

Two stacked kraft paper parcels, a roll of blank labels and a wristwatch on a dark desk

2026-10-04 / Trade

Mercari Says Shipped but Your Item Hasn't Arrived: What to Check in Japan

Mercari says your item has shipped, but it has not arrived. Based on Mercari's help pages, here is what each delivery status means, how long updates can take, what to check if it says delivered, and who to contact for Mercari Bin versus other shipping methods.

A kraft paper parcel with a blank tag, a set of keys and a smartphone lying face down on a dark table

2026-10-03 / Trade

Picking Up Mercari Orders at a Convenience Store or Post Office in Japan

With Yu-Yu Mercari Bin, buyers in Japan can collect items at a post office, Lawson, Ministop or a Hakopos locker instead of at home. Based on Mercari's help pages, here are the conditions, when to set it, pickup deadlines and the numbers you need.

Worn leather gloves, a small cardboard box, a blank checklist card and a pencil on a dark slate table

2026-10-02 / Trade

Mercari's Six Item Condition Grades Explained: From "New, Unused" to "Poor Condition"

Every Mercari listing shows one of six condition grades, from "new, unused" to "poor overall condition". Here is what Mercari's guidelines say each grade means, what to check in the description and photos, and what to do if an item arrives different.

A smartphone, a blank paper price tag and a kraft paper parcel on a dark desk

2026-10-01 / Trade

Asking for a Lower Price on Mercari: Price Requests, Comments and Mercari Shops

On Mercari you can ask a seller for a lower price with the price request button or a comment, but Mercari Shops items have no price request button. Here are the differences and what to keep in mind.

Two blank tickets beside an unbranded parcel on a dark desk

2026-09-30 / Trade

Mercari Shops Coupon vs Mercari Coupon: Check Before You Pay

A Shops seller coupon may appear on an eligible listing, while a platform coupon follows different rules. Verify eligibility and the actual discount before submitting an order.

Dark editorial illustration of an unbranded parcel and blank checklist

2026-09-29 / Trade

Mercari Shops Order Cancellation: Separate Contact, Returns and Refunds

A Mercari Shops cancellation follows a different path from a personal Mercari transaction. Use the order inquiry, check the shop's return terms and verify any refund through the payment method.

Unbranded phone and empty display boxes illustrating a restock alert

2026-09-28 / Trade

Mercari Shops Restock Alerts: How to Set One and What It Does Not Promise

Where can a buyer set a restock alert for a sold-out Mercari Shops item or variant? Official steps, limits, and why an alert is not a reservation.

Blank paper slips and a parcel on a dark desk, illustrating purchase record keeping

2026-09-27 / Trade

Need a Receipt from Mercari Shops? A Buyer’s Practical Checklist

Mercari Shops has no built-in receipt or qualified-invoice generator. Learn which purchase records to save, how to contact a shop, and what cannot be promised.

AI illustration of a parcel and two possible delivery paths after dispatch

2026-09-26 / Trade

Changing a Mercari Japan Delivery Address After Purchase

A delivery-address change depends on whether you bought through personal Mercari or Shops, the dispatch stage and the shipping service. Follow the appropriate official route.

AI editorial illustration of a thin kraft mailer in a mailbox

2026-09-25 / Trade

Mercari Japan: Drop-off Delivery or Mailbox Delivery?

Understand designated drop-off, mailbox delivery and Eco Mercari shipping before buying collectibles in Japan, including what an unspecified shipping method does not tell you.

Illustration of a blank notebook, parcel and hourglass for arrival planning

2026-09-24 / Trade

Mercari Shops Pre-orders: Check the Button and Dispatch Terms

Learn why “pre-order” in a Mercari Shops title is not enough: check the actual button, payment timing, delivery estimate and overseas purchase route.

Editorial illustration of parcels, an order folder and a speech bubble

2026-09-23 / Trade

Contacting a Mercari Shop: Item, Shop or Order Inquiry?

Choose the right Mercari Shops contact route for an item, the shop or an existing order, and prepare a clear question about the exact variant you mean.

Concept illustration of a notebook, ruler, magnifying glass and blank product tag

2026-09-22 / Trade

Do You Need to Comment Before Buying on Mercari Japan?

What does sokukounyu OK mean on Mercari Japan? Learn when to ask about measurements or included parts, with Japanese question examples and tips for proxy buyers.

Concept illustration of a toy car, globe, parcel and checklist

2026-09-21 / Trade

Can Battery-Powered Toys Ship from Japan? A Buyer’s Checklist

Before buying a light-up or sound toy from Japan, check its battery details, destination and delivery service. Learn what to gather before asking about acceptance.

A blank card partly inside a dark sleeve beside a parcel and pen

2026-09-20 / Trade

Mercari Japan Anonymous Shipping: What Buyers Should Check

Anonymous shipping and postage included describe different things. Check the actual delivery method, Mercari Shops rules and the separate steps in an overseas purchase.

A parcel, blank-face clock and miniature delivery truck illustrating stages of shipping

2026-09-19 / Trade

Mercari Japan: Dispatch Time Is Not Delivery Time

A Mercari listing’s dispatch window is not an arrival promise. Separate payment, seller dispatch, domestic transit and any proxy warehouse steps when planning a purchase.

Blank phone, protective wrap, a small carton and a note for recording an inspection

2026-09-18 / Trade

When to Rate a Mercari Japan Purchase: Check the Item First

Delivered does not mean inspected. Check the item, included parts and listing description before rating a Mercari Japan purchase, and clarify who checks a proxy order.

Two wrapped parcels and blank cards beside a blank order-checking sheet

2026-09-17 / Trade

Bundling on Mercari Japan: Request or Buy Automatically?

Buying several items from one Mercari Japan seller? Distinguish a bundle request from automatic bundling, then check the final contents, price and packing before paying.

A small parcel on a scale with a larger open box nearby

2026-09-16 / Trade

Why Can a Light Plush Cost More to Ship? Actual vs Volumetric Weight

A light collectible can occupy a large parcel. Learn how actual and volumetric weight differ, work through a clearly labelled DHL Express example and prepare better questions for an international shipping quote.

A sealed parcel beside a blank dispatch slip and a phone with an inactive screen

2026-09-15 / Trade

Tracking a Parcel from Japan: Order Numbers and Delivery Stages

A Japanese order may be marked delivered while its overseas journey has not started. Separate order IDs, domestic tracking and international tracking, and learn where to check Japan Post updates.

A container ship and cranes at dusk, used as an editorial logistics image

2026-09-14 / Trade

Japan Proxy Shopping vs Package Forwarding: Who Places the Order?

A proxy buys on your behalf; a forwarding route generally starts with your own store order. Compare responsibilities, check whether the listing is supported and plan whom to contact before buying Japanese collectibles.

A harbour crane silhouetted against a blue evening sky

2026-09-13 / Trade

Does “Shipping Included” in Japan Cover International Delivery?

A Japanese listing’s shipping-included price may cover only the domestic leg. Separate the item price, proxy services and international delivery to estimate your total without counting the same shipping charge twice.

Protective paper, packing tape and a small figure arranged on a dark table

2026-09-12 / Trade

Buying Figures from Japan: Retail Boxes, Shipping Cartons and Arrival Checks

Does box included mean a separate shipping carton? Understand retail boxes, folded packaging, protective materials and arrival checks before buying collectible figures from Japan.