By 
This article is written in partnership with ZenMarket – the best Japanese shipping proxy around. Siliconera readers can use our link here to sign up and gain 1,000 ZenPoints off shipping on your first order, plus a chance to win 20,000 more!
It’s no secret that we love merch. We cover a lot of merch and most of us have a proud collection of figures, accessories and art based on our favourite games and anime. But what we don’t like is when this merch remains stuck in Japan, as limited releases or lack of international shipping blocks us from getting what we want. ZenMarket aims to be the solution to that problem, offering a service where they act as the middleman for international customers looking to buy from Japanese stores that don’t ship internationally.
It’s a straightforward process. Search for an item through ZenMarket, and it will trawl through a number of Japanese marketplaces for the items you need. Place an order and they will order the item for you, getting it delivered at their Osaka-based warehouses. From there you pay the shipping cost and a small handling fee, and they’ll send it your way.
In addition to standard stores, ZenMarket also allows users to bid on online auctions using funds placed in your account. The process is largely the same, with a winning bid handled in the same way as any other item. They will also accept items only available via pre-order and accept them when they eventually arrive.
There are a ton of places to buy from through ZenMarket. Just glancing through the gaming and anime merchandise available, it seems difficult to not find what you’re looking for. A cursory browse through the listings revealed figures and plushies, anime DVDs and physical games and consoles, including second-hand releases. Books are prominent, including novels and manga and even magazines. TCG fans can also find sellers of rare and exclusive cards. There are even links to publisher-specific stores that may offer a better range than their Western equivalents, if they exist.
What surprised me was how much more stuff was available beyond the obvious anime and gaming categories. The site serves people well in a number of hobbies and interests. For instance, fashion pops up extensively across the site, offering users a wide range of unique options from Japan. This ranges from traditional kimono and yukata to the latest Harajuku fashion.
Hobbyists are covered extensively. Sports fans can find a wide range of goods, with equipment and team shirts all showing up in my search. ZenMarket even has a listing for a shop specialising in pro wrestling masks. Meanwhile, car modders have a wide selection of parts and accessories, so they can find exactly what they need for their latest project.
As someone with musical interests, I was especially excited to see how much access to Japanese music was available. Several popular record stores are listed, so it’s a great way to get albums of Japan-only artists, special Japanese releases of Western albums, or even soundtracks for games or anime. This even extends to instruments, with everything from traditional instruments like the shamisen to unique synths that have yet to reach the West.
Much like how access to all these stores is available through a single search, orders from multiple stores will be consolidated into a single package, all entirely free. All products can be held in ZenMarket’s warehouses for free for up to 60 days, so even if multiple products have different delivery times, you don’t have to worry about unnecessary charges.
ZenMarket also offers peace of mind for anyone concerned about the state of their products. They offer a photo service for a small additional fee as proof of products arriving at their warehouse in good condition. A reinforcement service is also available if you have concerns about your package getting damaged in transit. However, while this service is optional, some items such as pottery, items made of glass, and turntables will be subject to mandatory reinforcement.
It’s a surprisingly straightforward process ordering through ZenMarket, with a ton of help and advice on their site on looking out for potential scams and dangers. It’s a simple solution to ordering Japanese products from your own home with few restrictions.
And the best part of it all? Siliconera has partnered with ZenMarket to give our readers special discounts! Don’t miss your chance to win! Sign up through the link to shop directly from Japan with ease, then head back to the campaign page to submit your giveaway entry.