A personal search service based in Japan
Can’t find it outside Japan?
I’ll find it for you.
Rare Japanese books, crafts, tea utensils, retro goods, and collector items — sourced directly from Japan and shipped worldwide.
No purchase is ever made without your approval.
The challenge
Looking for something you can’t buy overseas?
Japan holds an enormous market of books, crafts, and collectibles that rarely leave the country. From overseas, reaching it is harder than it should be.
Japanese marketplaces are hard to access
Sites like Mercari and Yahoo Auctions are built for residents of Japan, with domestic-only accounts and payment methods.
Sellers rarely ship internationally
Most independent sellers, used bookstores, and flea-market vendors only ship within Japan, even when they’re happy to sell.
Listings are written in Japanese
Condition notes, edition details, and provenance are easy to misread — or to miss entirely — without fluent Japanese.
Rare items disappear quickly
Out-of-print books, discontinued craft pieces, and limited collectibles can sell within hours of being listed.
Authenticity and fair pricing are hard to judge
Without local knowledge, it’s difficult to tell a genuine piece from a reproduction, or a fair price from an inflated one.
What I do
I search Japan on your behalf
I look through Japan’s marketplaces, used bookshops, recycle shops, antique markets, and online sales sites for the exact item you’re after — and report back with options, condition, and price before anything is purchased.
- Mercari Japan & Yahoo Auctions
- Used bookstores & specialist dealers
- Recycle & thrift shops
- Antique markets (kottō-ichi)
- Japanese online retailers
What I can find
The process
How it works
Five steps, from your request to a parcel at your door.
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Tell me what you are looking for
Send a description, reference photo, or link to the item, edition, or category you want.
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I search Japanese marketplaces and shops
I check domestic marketplaces, dealers, and markets, and read the fine print so you don’t have to.
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You receive item options and a quote
I send photos, condition notes, and a full cost breakdown — item, shipping, and fees included.
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I purchase the item after your approval
Nothing is bought until you say go. The quote you approve is the price you pay.
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The item is packed and shipped worldwide
Careful, protective packing, with tracking details sent as soon as it’s on its way.
Pricing
Clear costs, no surprises
You’ll always see a full quote before paying anything. Every cost is itemised — nothing is bundled or hidden.
Total cost includes
- Item price
- Domestic shipping within Japan
- Service fee
- International shipping
- Optional inspection / photo check
Service fee, as a guide
- Simple item search
- from $20
- Purchase support
- 15–30% of item price
- Rare item research
- Custom quote
* Indicative pricing. Your exact quote depends on the item, its source, and shipping destination, and is confirmed before any purchase.
Payments are accepted via PayPal, so you can pay securely from anywhere in the world.
Why work with me
Safe, transparent, and personal
This is a one-person service, not a faceless platform. Every request is handled directly, with clear communication at each step.
- Clear quote before purchase
- No purchase without your approval
- Photos can be checked before shipping
- Careful, protective packaging
- Worldwide shipping support
- Secure payment via PayPal
- Communication in English
Who this is for
Best for
Book Collectors
Rare editions, out-of-print titles, and Japanese-language books not sold abroad.
Manga & Anime Fans
First editions, region-exclusive merchandise, and discontinued collectibles.
Tea Ceremony Lovers
Chawan, chasen, and other utensils sourced from specialist dealers.
Japanese Craft Collectors
Pottery, lacquerware, and regional handicrafts with real provenance.
Retro Game Collectors
Discontinued consoles, cartridges, and Japan-only releases.
Vintage Japan Enthusiasts
Shōwa-era goods, railway memorabilia, and everyday antiques with character.
Get started
Request a search
Tell me what you’re looking for. There’s no obligation — you’ll receive a quote before anything is purchased.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Can you buy from Mercari Japan or Yahoo Auctions?
Yes. These are two of the main marketplaces I search and buy from on your behalf, since both require a Japanese account and address that most overseas buyers don’t have.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, items are shipped internationally to almost any country. Shipping cost and timeframe depend on the size, weight, and destination of your item.
Can I see photos before shipping?
Yes. An optional inspection and photo check is available before your item is packed, so you can confirm condition first.
What kind of items can you find?
Books, manga and anime collectibles, pottery, lacquerware, tea ceremony utensils, vintage goods, retro games, railway memorabilia, and small antiques are all within scope. If you’re unsure, just ask.
Can you find rare books or out-of-print books?
Yes — this is one of the most common requests. I search specialist used bookstores and dealer networks across Japan in addition to online marketplaces.
How much is the service fee?
A simple item search starts from $20. Purchase support is typically 15–30% of the item price. Rare or complex research requests receive a custom quote. You’ll always see the full breakdown before approving anything.
What payment methods do you accept?
Payments are accepted via PayPal, which lets you pay securely in your own currency from almost any country, without needing a Japanese bank account.
What if the item cannot be found?
If a search comes back empty, you’ll be told honestly and won’t be charged a purchase fee. Some searches take longer for very rare or discontinued items.
Are there items you cannot handle?
Yes. Weapons, illegal items, restricted items, food and liquids, and anything your destination country prohibits or restricts on import cannot be sourced or shipped. Fragile items are accepted on a case-by-case basis depending on your country’s import rules.