Classy Cubones
October 24, 2013 8:25 AM   Subscribe

As an American that does not read Japanese nor has any Japanese bank accounts or credit cards, how can I order a set of these Pokémon hanafuda cards?
posted by ignignokt to Shopping (12 answers total) 1 user marked this as a favorite
 
You mosey on over to J-List.
posted by KokuRyu at 8:31 AM on October 24, 2013


Rats, those aren't Pokemon. You could always ask Peter Payne for help on his Facebook page.
posted by KokuRyu at 8:32 AM on October 24, 2013


They don't appear to be in stock, but here they are at amazon.co.jp.
posted by jeffkramer at 8:40 AM on October 24, 2013


Maybe inquire with your nearest Kinokuniya Bookstore?
posted by trunk muffins at 8:50 AM on October 24, 2013


They don't appear to be in stock, but here they are at amazon.co.jp.

That page says they are not available for order, but one can register an email address to be notified when they become available.

The reason is, as noted in big bold letters at the top of the page linked in the OP, this deck of cards will not be released for another 35 days (as of the date of this reply). They will be released on November 29. So, they can't be purchased anywhere right now.

Amazon Japan is also likely to be a challenge, even when these are released, because it only ships books, CD/DVD, and videos overseas. If you are lucky, they might decide a deck of cards is a "book", but I wouldn't count on it. Maybe some of the Japanese pop culture good stores like J-List might have them once they are released, but for now, you have to wait no matter what.
posted by Tanizaki at 9:04 AM on October 24, 2013


There are a few services which will buy items from Yahoo Auctions Japan (which has the position eBay has in the West) and send them on to you for a fee. I don't know if as with auction sites here there are dealers selling 'new' items, but I can imagine Pokémon items would be readily available. When I was collecting Blythe dolls, a lot of the new releases turned up there for less than they cost via eBay dealers, and many US forum members ordered them that way.

I think you have to be a resident of Japan to set up an account on the site, but it's been some time since I checked.
posted by mippy at 9:31 AM on October 24, 2013


Here's one listing. If you google 'yahoo japan proxy' you should find someone who can help.
posted by mippy at 9:33 AM on October 24, 2013


For proxy services, I've used noppin.com to order things from Yahoo Auctions Japan as well as from other online retailers that ship to Japan only.
posted by Gev at 9:58 AM on October 24, 2013


Response by poster: OK, I hadn't picked up that they aren't out yet. I've emailed Peter Payne, and if it looks like J-List isn't going to have it, I'll cascade through the other suggestions, which you should keep coming if you have them!
posted by ignignokt at 10:16 AM on October 24, 2013


You could always post a request for this on MeFi's own Jobs section. I'm sure someone would be happy to do it for the same fee other places charge.
posted by mikepop at 10:26 AM on October 24, 2013 [1 favorite]


White Rabbit Express offers a personalized shopping service. They can buy them and ship them to you.
posted by clearlydemon at 12:20 PM on October 24, 2013 [1 favorite]


I have used White Rabbit Express to import candy items from Japan and was impressed.
posted by tacodave at 3:53 PM on October 24, 2013


« Older Any ideas for stylish winter boots? Difficulty --...   |   How can I get Excel to create multiple averages... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.