Want to buy something from Japan? Of course! It’s so much cheaper to buy from the source. But have you thought about how much international shipping is going to cost?
Whether you’ve thought about it or not, international shipping from Japan isn’t exactly cheap. Small, light items may not be too bad, but it can quickly add up. International shipping fees are primarily determined by the weight of the contents and the box size (length x width x height). As such, the final cost of shipping can’t be calculated until the items in question are actually packed. At that point, we’re able to know the final weight and dimensions of the box.
That being said, it is possible to get a rough idea of the size and weight of your package by looking at past shipping examples.
In this article, we’ll use past DEJAPAN parcels as a reference to explore:
- The approximate weights of popular items by category
- The types of boxes and packing materials that are used
- Package size and weight case studies
- How we pack different types of items at DEJAPAN
We believe that having real, concrete numbers to reference can give you a better idea of possible package sizes and weights when ordering items online (which could potentially help you estimate shipping costs). Please feel free to use this article as a reference when shopping.
DEJAPAN Note
Box size and total weight may vary when bundling multiple items, or depending on the shape and packaging of the actual items. Please use this as a guide only.
Table of Contents
Weight Guide for Popular Items
While we know that every item is unique, we also know that many items in the same category are often similar. So, we decided to create a weight guide for the most popular items organized by category.
These categories include:
- Games, toys, and hobbies
- Trading cards
- Video and music media
- Books, magazines, and stationery
- Fashion
- Accessories
- Posters and fabric items
- Musical instruments and sporting goods
You can find your favorite item types, their average weight, and the reference item in the table below.
| Category/Item Type | Weight at the Time of Arrival at Warehouse (in grams) | Item Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Games, Toys, and Hobby | ||
| Acrylic stand (small) | 30-50 | ~10cm (height) |
| Acrylic stand (large) | 50-70 | 15~20cm (height) |
| Can badge | 20-40 | 5~6cm (diameter) |
| Figure | 600-800 | including box |
| Game software | 70-80 | Switch game |
| Keychain | 20-60 | acrylic, rubber; palm-size |
| Plush toy (small) | 60 | 10cm (height), mascot |
| Plush toy (large) | 350 | 35cm (height) |
| Portable game | 270 | PSP-2000 |
| 2. Trading Cards | ||
| Trading card | 10-20 | single card |
| Trading card box set | 300 | box set |
| 3. Video & Music Media | ||
| CD/DVD | 20-50 | |
| Vinyl record/LP disc | 50-80 |
| 4. Book, Paper Products, and Stationery | ||
| Ballpoint pen | 30-50 | |
| Book | 100-200 | doujinshi, B5 size |
| Clear file | 70-100 | |
| Sticker | 30-40 |
| 5. Fashion | ||
| Pants | 500-700 | casual pants (cotton) |
| Sneakers | 700-1200 | |
| T-shirt | 150-250 | T-shirt (cotton) |
| 6. Accessories | ||
| Earrings | 10-50 | |
| Shoulder bag | 1000-1500 | leather |
| Tote bag | 150-450 | cotton, folded flat |
| Wallet | 100-300 | long wallet, bi-fold wallet |
| Watch | 100-200 |
| 7. Posters and Fabric Items | ||
| Pillow cover | 400-500 | |
| Poster | 200-400 | |
| Tapestry | 150-250 | B2 tapestry |
| 8. Musical Instruments and Sports Equipment | ||
| Amp | 10000-40000 | |
| Fishing pole | 550 | 108cm (length) |
| Guitar | 4000-5000 | electric guitar |
Types of Boxes and Packing Materials Used
Let’s take a look at the main types of packing materials we use when packing your items.
Box Sizes
At DEJAPAN, we mainly use boxes to ship out orders. By default, items are packed within the Japan Post Surface Mail size and weight limits.
Total box size is calculated as:
Length + (Height + Width) × 2
Depending on your country, this size limit is usually either:
A: 300 cm, with a maximum weight of 20 or 30 kg
B: 200 cm, with a maximum weight of 20 or 30 kg
If packing everything into one box exceeds the Japan Post Surface Mail size and/or weight limits, items will be packed into multiple boxes to keep Surface as a shipping option (if possible).
**Note: We do not offer Small Packet or padded envelopes for shipping at this time.
Here are the 3 most commonly used box sizes at DEJAPAN.
- Small: 41cm x 41cm x 31cm (Total box size: 185cm)
- Example item contents:
- 11 boxed figures
- Example item contents:
- Medium: 52cm x 38cm x 35cm (Total box size: 198cm)
- Example item contents:
- 18 tote bags, 1 pair of sneakers
- Example item contents:
- Large: 55cm x 50cm x 40cm (Total box size: 235)
- Example item contents:
- 35 B6-sized books, 3 Game Boy game cartridges (palm size), 10 records, 1 CD
- Example item contents:
DEJAPAN Note
Various other box sizes are available. Our Warehouse Team will select the size that best suits your items.
Packaging Materials
There are two main packaging materials we use at DEJAPAN.
- Bubble wrap (large and small)
- Paper
We use bubble wrap to prevent any damage that may occur during shipping, especially for more delicate and fragile items. We wrap it around the product itself and place sheets on the bottom/top/sides of the box to protect the item(s) from any impacts during shipping.
**Bubble wrap is used most generously with our Protective Packing option (1,000 JPY/box).
Our Warehouse Team also uses paper to prevent damage—usually for tougher, less fragile items. The paper is rolled up and used to fill gaps between the item(s) and the box. This keeps the contents from moving around and getting jostled during shipment.
How We Pack Based on Item Type
To ensure safe delivery, our Warehouse Team carefully packs each parcel in a way that’s appropriate for the items in question. As a result, there may be individual differences between the packing method and the materials used from parcel to parcel.
DEJAPAN Note
We do not accept special packing requests (specific packaging methods, splitting up orders, disassembling items for packing, etc.) as stated in our Terms & Conditions, Section 13.
Books
Trading Cards
Posters
Figures (with the Protective Packing option)
What is the Protective Packing option?
This option costs ¥1,000 per box and provides greater protection than standard packaging.
It reduces the risk of damage to fragile items such as audio equipment, musical instruments, and glassware.
Sample Package Size and Weight Examples
But how big is YOUR package going to be? Well, we can’t know that for sure until all your items are packed. However, we CAN offer a few estimates based on previous parcels with similar items.
We put together a few sample packages with some of the most common items DEJAPAN customers order. Feel free to reference them if you’re shipping similar items.
🤩 Anime Fan A’s Package:
They want to get Japan-exclusive anime merch!
Product Details:
・1 small acrylic stand
・3 large acrylic stands
・1 PVC keychain
・2 clear files
・3 B2 tapestries
・1 figure (approx. 5cm tall)
Weight at the time of shipment to our Warehouse:
→ 1.26kg
Weight after packing:
→ 2.06kg (+0.8kg)
Box Size:
→ 52cm x 38cm x 18cm (Total box size: 164cm)
🔎 Focused Shopper B’s Package:
They buy only what they want. No frills. Nothing extra. They’re shipping just one book internationally!
Product Details:
・1 doujinshi book (B5 size, 20 pages)
Weight at the time of shipment to our Warehouse:
→ 200g
Weight after packing:
→ 510g (+310g)
Box Size:
→ 38cm x 28cm x 6cm (Total box size: 106cm)
💿 Music Lover C’s Package:
They want to ship a bunch of CDs all at once!
Product Details:
・20 CDs
Weight at the time of shipment to our Warehouse:
→ 4.91kg
Weight after packing:
→ 5.38kg (+0.47kg)
Box Size:
→ 41cm x 31cm x 23cm (Total box size: 149cm)
Why does the weight change?
You probably noticed how the weight changed between the time the item is received at the Warehouse and after it’s packed for international shipment. Well, items are not simply placed in a box and shipped as-is. As we mentioned before, items are protected with bubble wrap and other packing materials before even reaching the box.
Plus, depending on the size of the item and the box itself, there may be (and often are) gaps in the box. With all that space, there’s plenty of room for the contents to move around during international shipment, which could lead to things like shattered CD cases, snapped figures, and bent book corners. That’s why it’s important to pack all items with the necessary packing materials to keep them safe.
All this packing material can add extra weight. Depending on the amount of packing material used, the final weight of the package may increase.
Just know that it’s common for a parcel to be a little heavier than the items were when they arrived at our Warehouse.
How to Check the Weight of Your Items at the Time of Arrival
There are 3 different places where you can check the weight of your items when they arrived at our Warehouse:
1) under Orders at our Warehouse (on your My Page)
2) under 2nd Payment Requests (on your My Page)
3) in the email notification when your item arrives at the Warehouse
Conclusion
Now that we’ve provided actual packing examples and weight estimates, hopefully you’ll be able to get a better idea of how much international shipping may cost. Knowing the estimated size and weight in advance will help you to shop smarter and with greater peace of mind.
At DEJAPAN, we optimize our packing to suit the unique characteristics and condition of each product, ensuring that your item gets to you safe and sound. We also support packing multiple items and orders together, which enables you to ship your Japanese goods according to your needs and preferences.
Customer support is available to assist with any questions you may have, so even first-time users can use our service with confidence.
If you would like an international shipping quote, please contact our Customer Service team and share the estimated product size and weight and the product URL.
If you want to purchase Japanese products from overseas, or are looking for a reliable international shipping service, use DEJAPAN for your Japanese shopping needs!
If you have any questions about shopping from Japan or about a specific item, feel free to contact us.
We’re happy to help!
At DEJAPAN, our Customer Service team with native English speakers is available to assist with any problems or answer questions.
