Japan Buying Guides: Toys & Hobbies

Practical guides for buying from Japan: what to check before you order, how Japanese editions and models differ, and which brands to know. Each guide links to the products it covers.

Mario Kart World Mario plush toy

Super Mario Merchandise from Japan: Nintendo St...

Where Japan's Super Mario merchandise comes from, what to look for, and tips on buying Nintendo goods, park items and games from Japan.

Super Mario Merchandise from Japan: Nintendo St...

Where Japan's Super Mario merchandise comes from, what to look for, and tips on buying Nintendo goods, park items and games from Japan.

BE@RBRICK Maneki Neko gold plated 100% and 400% set

BE@RBRICK Sizes Explained: 100%, 400% and 1000%

How big is a BE@RBRICK? Sizes explained, plus what comes in a 100% & 400% set, how series blind boxes work, and how to buy from Japan.

BE@RBRICK Sizes Explained: 100%, 400% and 1000%

How big is a BE@RBRICK? Sizes explained, plus what comes in a 100% & 400% set, how series blind boxes work, and how to buy from Japan.

Sylvanian Families camper van playset

Sylvanian Families vs Calico Critters: Buying J...

Sylvanian Families and Calico Critters explained: how Japanese sets compare, what you can only find in Japan, and how to shop blind boxes and playsets.

Sylvanian Families vs Calico Critters: Buying J...

Sylvanian Families and Calico Critters explained: how Japanese sets compare, what you can only find in Japan, and how to shop blind boxes and playsets.

Takara Tomy Beyblade X BX-01 Starter Dran Sword

Beyblade X Beginner's Guide: Starters, Boosters...

New to Beyblade X? Learn how the parts work, the difference between starters and boosters, and what to buy first from Takara Tomy's Japanese lineup.

Beyblade X Beginner's Guide: Starters, Boosters...

New to Beyblade X? Learn how the parts work, the difference between starters and boosters, and what to buy first from Takara Tomy's Japanese lineup.