How to Buy from Rakuten Japan When You Live Outside Japan: Complete Guide for Asian Beauty Lovers (2025)

The moment everything changed started with a simple message…

Introduction: The Japanese Beauty Access Problem

It was a Tuesday evening in Tokyo when my phone buzzed. A LINE message from Priya, my friend in Singapore:

“Miyabi… I found it. THE microcurrent facial device. The one everyone’s talking about on Instagram. It’s on Rakuten… but they won’t ship to Singapore 😭”

I could feel her frustration through the screen. She’d been researching Japanese beauty devices for months—watching reviews, comparing specs, reading ingredient lists. Finally found the perfect one. And then… a wall.

Sound familiar?

If you’ve ever felt that sinking feeling—finding the EXACT Japanese product you want, only to see “Domestic shipping only”—you’re not alone. It’s the invisible border between desire and access.

But here’s what I learned while helping Priya: That wall? It’s not as solid as it seems.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to shop from Rakuten Japan (and other Japanese sites) from anywhere in Asia
• The exact service that makes international shipping possible
• Real costs, step-by-step setup, and honest pros and cons
• How my friend successfully ordered her dream beauty device (and you can too)

What is Rakuten Global Express? (Quick Overview)

Before I dive into Priya’s story and how we solved her problem, let me answer the obvious question: What exactly is Rakuten Global Express?

The simple answer: It’s Rakuten’s official package forwarding service that gives you a Japanese shipping address so you can buy from Japanese e-commerce sites—even when you live outside Japan.

How It Works (3-Step Summary)

1. Get a Japanese address: Sign up for free and receive an exclusive warehouse address in Kawasaki, Japan
2. Shop anywhere in Japan: Buy from Rakuten Ichiba, Yahoo! Shopping, or other Japanese sites—ship everything to your RGE address
3. Consolidate and ship internationally: RGE combines your purchases into one package (free!) and ships to your country

Think of it as your personal Japanese concierge service—but entirely automated and affordable.

Who It’s For

This service works perfectly if you:

• ✓ Live outside Japan (anywhere in Asia, Americas, Europe, Australia)
• ✓ Want authentic Japanese beauty products, tech, fashion, or specialty items
• ✓ Are willing to spend 30 minutes on initial setup and ID verification
• ✓ Want to save money by consolidating multiple purchases into one shipment

This might NOT be ideal if you:

• ✗ Need products urgently (setup takes a few days; shipping adds time)
• ✗ Only want to buy one very small, lightweight item (direct international sites might be simpler)
• ✗ Cannot provide ID verification documents (required by Japanese law)

Key Benefits at a Glance

Feature	Benefit
Free consolidation	Combine unlimited packages into one shipment—no extra fee
Rakuten Points	Earn points on shipping costs; use them for future orders
Multi-language support	English, Japanese, Chinese (Simplified & Traditional)
Official Rakuten service	Not a third-party forwarder—backed by Japan’s e-commerce giant
Insurance included	Compensation for damage or loss during transit

Why Shop on Rakuten Japan? Understanding the Platform

When Priya asked me about Rakuten, I realized she didn’t fully understand just how significant this platform is in Japan. Let me put it in perspective.

Rakuten’s Position in Japan’s E-Commerce Market

Here are the facts:

• Japan’s #2 e-commerce platform (second only to Amazon Japan)
• 56,000+ merchants selling on the platform
• 130+ million product listings
• Over 100 million members in Japan alone

What Makes Rakuten Different from Amazon Japan

While Amazon Japan is massive, Rakuten has something unique: it’s a marketplace of specialized Japanese merchants.

This means:

• Many Japanese beauty brands ONLY sell through Rakuten (not on Amazon)
• You’ll find exclusive products, limited editions, and specialty items
• Direct access to Japanese retailers’ full catalogs
• Better variety in categories like cosmetics, health supplements, and traditional goods

Why Asian Beauty Lovers Choose Rakuten

For shoppers in Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and beyond, here’s the comparison:

• Singapore: Think of Rakuten as “Japan’s Shopee + Lazada combined”—massive marketplace with everything from drugstore beauty to premium devices
• Philippines: Like Shopee’s scale meets SM’s variety, but 100% authentic Japanese products
• Thailand: Lazada-level marketplace with Japanese quality standards
• Malaysia: Similar to Shopee’s ecosystem but focused on Japanese innovation

💡 Why this matters for beauty lovers:

Rakuten Ichiba hosts thousands of Japanese beauty brands—from drugstore favorites like Hada Labo, Senka, and Biore to premium lines like ONEDAM, ReFa, Yunth, and MTG. Many of these brands don’t officially distribute outside East Asia, and even when they do, prices are often marked up significantly.

The problem? Rakuten Ichiba doesn’t ship outside Japan.

The solution? That’s where Rakuten Global Express comes in—and that’s what changed everything for Priya.

The Problem: Why You Can’t Just “Shop and Ship” from Japan

Let me take you back to Priya’s situation. After months of research, she’d found the perfect microcurrent facial device. It had everything she wanted:

• ✓ Dual-frequency EMS technology
• ✓ LED therapy integration
• ✓ Waterproof design for use with serums
• ✓ Thousands of 5-star reviews from Japanese users
• ✓ Price: ¥28,000 (about SGD 245)—reasonable for the features

She added it to her Rakuten cart, went to checkout, and… hit a wall.

“Shipping destination: Japan only.”

The External Problem: Geographic Restrictions

The obvious barrier is clear: most Japanese e-commerce sites, including Rakuten Ichiba, don’t offer international shipping. They only ship to Japanese domestic addresses.

Why? Several reasons:

• Customs complexity
• Language barriers for international customer support
• Logistics costs and coordination
• Regulatory requirements for cross-border transactions

It’s not that they don’t want international customers—it’s that the operational overhead is too high for individual merchants.

The Internal Problem: The Emotional Weight

But here’s what struck me when Priya and I talked about this: the real pain wasn’t just logistics. It was deeper.

She told me: “I see Japanese girls using these amazing products every day on Instagram and YouTube. They’re casually ordering things I’d do anything to try. Why should geography be the only reason I can’t access the same innovation?”

It’s that feeling of being locked out. Of watching from the outside. Of settling for “whatever’s available locally” when you KNOW there’s something better just out of reach.

Have you felt this? That moment when you find the perfect product—maybe it’s a ONEDAM straightener, maybe it’s a specific Yunth serum, maybe it’s a cult-favorite sunscreen—and you can see it, you can read about it, you just can’t… have it.

The Philosophical Problem: Beauty Shouldn’t Have Borders

Here’s what bothers me most about this situation:

Japanese beauty innovation—decades of research, meticulous formulation, cutting-edge technology—shouldn’t be geographically restricted.

If someone in Singapore, Manila, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur is willing to invest in quality skincare and beauty devices, why should they:

• Settle for whatever international brands choose to export?
• Pay 50-100% markups through third-party retailers?
• Risk buying gray-market products with uncertain authenticity?
• Give up on products that aren’t “globally popular” enough to warrant international distribution?

Innovation should be accessible. Quality shouldn’t require a Japanese address.

That’s the problem Priya faced. And that’s what we set out to solve.

How Rakuten Global Express Solves This (Step-by-Step)

After understanding Priya’s frustration, I became her “beauty shopping detective.” I’m not a logistics expert—I’m just someone who lives in Tokyo, has access to information, and has spent probably too many hours researching beauty products and services.

Over the next few days, I talked to friends who shop internationally, researched forwarding services, read through Reddit and beauty forums, and compared options. What I discovered surprised me—and it’s what I want to share with you.

Here’s exactly how Rakuten Global Express works, step by step:

Step 1: Sign Up and Get Your Japanese Address

What you’ll do:

1. Visit the Rakuten Global Express website
2. Create a free account (if you already have a Rakuten account, you can use that)
3. Complete identity verification (required by Japanese law for forwarding services)

Identity verification options:

• Face authentication (recommended): Takes about 10 minutes—scan your ID, take a selfie, done. Available for most Asian countries including Singapore, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and more.
• Document submission: Upload ID + proof of address documents—takes about 1 week for verification

What you’ll receive:

After verification, you get an exclusive warehouse address in Kawasaki, Japan that looks like this:

Rakuten Global Express [Your Member Number]
Kanagawa Prefecture, Kawasaki City, Kawasaki Ward, Minami-machi ○-○
RGE Distribution Center
〒210-0○○○
Japan

This is YOUR Japanese address. You’ll use it for all your Japanese shopping.

⏱️ Time investment: 30 minutes initial setup + 1-7 days verification wait

Step 2: Shop on Rakuten (or Other Japanese Sites)

Now comes the fun part: shopping without borders.

You can use your RGE address to shop from:

• ✓ Rakuten Ichiba (130+ million products)
• ✓ Yahoo! Shopping Japan
• ✓ Matsukiyo (drugstore beauty haven)
• ✓ Belle Maison (fashion and lifestyle)
• ✓ ZUTTO
• ✓ And many other Japanese e-commerce sites

How to shop:

1. Browse products on any Japanese site
2. Add items to cart
3. At checkout, enter your RGE warehouse address as the shipping destination
4. Complete payment (credit card recommended—note: cash on delivery and some payment methods aren’t available for international forwarding)

What happens next:

• The merchant ships your items to the RGE warehouse in Kawasaki
• When packages arrive, you’ll get an email notification (usually next business day)
• Your items appear in your RGE dashboard

⚡ Pro tip: Shop from multiple sites! That’s where RGE’s magic really shines (more on this in Step 3).

Step 3: Consolidate Your Packages (Free!)

This is the game-changer. This is what makes Rakuten Global Express different from just “another forwarding service.”

Here’s the brilliant part:

Let’s say you buy:

• A facial device from Rakuten Ichiba
• Skincare products from Matsukiyo
• A hair tool from Yahoo! Shopping
• Supplements from a specialty health site

Instead of shipping four separate packages (four separate international shipping fees—ouch), RGE combines everything into ONE consolidated package.

And the consolidation fee? ZERO.

Other forwarding services charge $5-15 per consolidation. RGE? Free.

Why this matters financially:

Scenario	Without Consolidation	With RGE Consolidation
4 separate packages (total 2kg)	¥3,000 × 4 = ¥12,000 shipping	¥4,500 shipping (one package)
Savings	—	¥7,500 (~SGD 65, ~PHP 3,500)

How consolidation works:

1. Wait for all your packages to arrive at the RGE warehouse (you can set up to 60 days storage time)
2. Request packaging from your dashboard
3. RGE professionally repackages everything into one box with proper cushioning
4. You pay one international shipping fee

⚡ Bonus: You can use “Auto Pack” mode—RGE automatically consolidates packages based on your preferences. Set it and forget it.

Step 4: Choose Your Shipping Method

RGE offers four shipping options to balance speed, cost, and your needs:

Method	Speed	Cost	Best For
Super Express	1-3 days	Highest	Urgent orders, special occasions
Standard Express	4-7 days	Mid-high	Most popular—balanced speed/cost
Economy Air	7-14 days	Low	Regular shopping, no rush
Sea Mail	30-90 days	Lowest	Bulk orders, heavy items, very patient shoppers

How to choose:

• Need it fast? Standard Express is usually the sweet spot (good speed without breaking the bank)
• Budget-conscious? Economy Air saves money if you can wait 1-2 weeks
• Stocking up? Sea mail for large orders (like 3-6 months of skincare) can save significant money

Step 5: Track and Receive

After you request shipping:

1. RGE provides tracking numbers
2. You’ll receive email updates at key milestones
3. Track your package through your RGE dashboard (English interface)
4. Receive your package at your door

At delivery:

• Customs duties/taxes (if applicable) are typically handled by the courier—you’ll pay upon delivery or receive instructions
• RGE includes proper customs documentation to minimize delays
• Insurance is included for damage or loss coverage

🎉 That’s it! Your Japanese beauty products have traveled from Rakuten merchants → Kawasaki warehouse → your doorstep in Asia.

Real Cost Breakdown: My Friend’s Singapore Experience

Theory is great, but let’s talk real numbers. Here’s exactly what Priya ordered and what it cost her:

Priya’s First Order (Singapore)

Products purchased:

• 1 × Microcurrent facial device: ¥28,000
• 2 × Hada Labo Gokujyun Premium Lotion: ¥1,800 each = ¥3,600
• 1 × Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk: ¥2,200
• 3 × Face mask sets (various brands): ¥3,000 total

Total product cost: ¥36,800 (approximately SGD 320 / PHP 14,300 / THB 8,500)

Shipping details:

• Consolidated package weight: 1.79 kg
• Shipping method: Economy Air
• Destination: Singapore
• Cost: ¥4,340 (approximately SGD 38 / PHP 1,700 / THB 1,000)
• Delivery time: 5 days

Total investment: ¥41,140 (approximately SGD 358 / PHP 16,000 / THB 9,500)

Cost Comparison: RGE vs. Local Retailers

Now let’s compare this to buying similar products locally or through international beauty retailers:

Product	Japan Price (via RGE)	Singapore Retail	Savings
Microcurrent Device	¥28,000 (SGD 245)	SGD 380-420	SGD 135-175
Hada Labo Lotion (2)	¥3,600 (SGD 31)	SGD 48	SGD 17
Anessa Sunscreen	¥2,200 (SGD 19)	SGD 32	SGD 13
TOTAL + Shipping	SGD 358	SGD 500+	SGD 142+ (28% savings)

Priya’s reaction:

“I knew Japanese products were cheaper in Japan, but I didn’t realize HOW MUCH cheaper. Even with international shipping, I’m saving more than SGD 100. And I got exactly what I wanted—not a ‘close enough’ substitute.”

Important Cost Considerations

What’s included in RGE shipping fees:

• ✓ International shipping
• ✓ Packaging materials and labor (professional packing)
• ✓ Insurance coverage
• ✓ Customs documentation (invoice preparation)
• ✓ Package consolidation (unlimited items, free)

What’s NOT included (buyer’s responsibility):

• ✗ Customs duties and import taxes (varies by country and product value—check your local regulations)
• ✗ Special handling fees (if you request extra reinforcement for fragile items)
• ✗ Return shipping to original store (if you need to return a product)

💡 Money-saving tips:

1. Consolidate smartly: Wait to ship until you have 3-5 items to maximize savings
2. Use Rakuten Points: Earn points on shipping, use them on future orders
3. Watch for campaigns: RGE regularly offers discount coupons (currently 15% off shipping)
4. Choose Economy Air when possible: Unless you need it urgently, the 7-14 day option saves significantly
5. Shop during Rakuten sales: Super Sale, Black Friday, etc.—combine product discounts with RGE consolidation

Pros and Cons: Is Rakuten Global Express Right for You?

I promised you honesty, so let’s talk about both the advantages and limitations. Not every service is perfect for everyone, and Rakuten Global Express is no exception.

Advantages

✅ Massive product access

130+ million products on Rakuten alone, plus compatibility with other Japanese sites. If a Japanese beauty brand exists, you can probably buy it now.

✅ Significant cost savings

Free consolidation + direct Japan pricing often means 20-40% savings compared to international retailers, even after shipping.

✅ Authentic products guaranteed

You’re buying directly from Japanese merchants, not gray-market sellers. No worries about counterfeit beauty products or expired items.

✅ Official Rakuten service

Backed by one of Japan’s largest companies—not a random third-party forwarder that might disappear tomorrow.

✅ English support and interface

Full English website, customer service in English, and support for Chinese (Simplified & Traditional) too.

✅ Flexible shipping options

Choose speed vs. cost based on your needs. Rush something? Use express. Bulk order? Use sea mail.

✅ Rakuten ecosystem integration

Earn points on shipping, use points to pay for shipping. If you already use Rakuten services, this synergy is valuable.

Limitations

⚠️ Initial setup requires patience

Identity verification is mandatory (Japanese law). While face authentication is fast (10 minutes), document verification can take up to a week. This isn’t a “sign up and shop immediately” service.

⚠️ Not ideal for urgent purchases

Domestic Japan shipping (3-5 days) + consolidation waiting (if desired) + international shipping (1-14 days depending on method) = total 1-3 weeks minimum. If you need something TOMORROW, buy locally.

⚠️ Some products can’t be shipped internationally

Japanese regulations prohibit certain items from international shipping:

• ❌ Aerosol sprays (including hair spray, spray-type toners, spray sunscreens)
• ❌ High-alcohol perfumes
• ❌ Nail polish and removers
• ❌ Standalone lithium batteries

However, beauty devices WITH built-in batteries (facial tools, LED masks) are usually OK. Check before buying.

⚠️ Payment method restrictions

When shopping on Rakuten Ichiba with an RGE address, you cannot use:

• Cash on delivery
• Payment on delivery
• e-collect payment

Credit card payment is recommended (and safest for international transactions).

⚠️ Customs duties may apply

Depending on your country and order value, you might need to pay import taxes. This is true for ALL international shopping, not specific to RGE. Check your country’s customs thresholds:

• Singapore: Goods over SGD 400 may incur GST
• Philippines: Orders over PHP 10,000 may face duties
• Thailand: Varies by product category
• Malaysia: Personal imports under RM 500 usually exempt

⚠️ Language barrier on shopping sites

While RGE has English support, Rakuten Ichiba and other Japanese sites are primarily in Japanese. You’ll need:

• Browser translation (Chrome auto-translate works well)
• Patience to navigate Japanese interfaces
• Basic understanding of product descriptions (or use translation tools)

Not impossible, but requires a bit more effort than shopping on English-language sites.

Who Should Use Rakuten Global Express

✅ This service is PERFECT for you if:

• You’re a beauty enthusiast who wants authentic Japanese products
• You regularly buy Japanese beauty, fashion, or specialty items
• You’re willing to wait 1-3 weeks for deliveries
• You want to save money by buying directly from Japan
• You make 2-3+ orders per year (setup effort pays off)

❌ This might NOT be ideal if:

• You only want one small item occasionally (setup effort may not be worth it)
• You need products urgently/immediately
• You prefer shopping on fully English-language sites only
• You’re not comfortable with online ID verification
• You want products that fall under prohibited categories (aerosols, high-alcohol items)

How to Get Started: Quick Start Guide

Ready to take the plunge? Here’s your action plan:

Step-by-Step: Your First 30 Minutes

Phase 1: Account Creation (10 minutes)

1. Visit Rakuten Global Express
2. Click “Sign Up (Free)”
3. Enter your email, create password
4. Fill in your delivery address (your real address in your country)
5. Provide phone number

Phase 2: Identity Verification (10-15 minutes, or 1 week if using document method)

Option A: Face Authentication (Recommended—available for most Asian countries)

1. Go to My Page → Identity Verification
2. Select “Face Authentication”
3. Prepare your government-issued ID:
   • Singapore: NRIC
   • Philippines: Government ID (driver’s license, UMID, passport)
   • Thailand: ID Card
   • Malaysia: MyKad
   • Other countries: Passport or national ID
4. Upload photos of your ID (front and back)
5. Take a selfie for face verification
6. Submit—usually approved within 24 hours

Option B: Document Submission

1. Prepare 1 identity document + 1-2 address proof documents
2. Upload clear photos/scans
3. Wait 3-7 business days for verification

Phase 3: Receive Your Japanese Address (Immediate after verification)

1. Check your email for confirmation
2. Log into My Page
3. Find your exclusive “Shopping Address” in Kawasaki
4. Save this address—you’ll use it for ALL Japanese shopping

Phase 4: Start Shopping! (As much time as you want 😊)

Your First Order: A Suggested Approach

If this is your first time, I recommend starting with a test order to understand the process:

Starter order idea (low-risk, high-value):

• 2-3 drugstore beauty products (Hada Labo lotion, Biore sunscreen, face masks)
• Total product cost: ¥3,000-5,000 (about SGD 26-43 / USD 20-34)
• Shipping: Economy Air (~¥2,500 for 1kg to most Asian countries)
• Total investment: ~¥7,000 (SGD 60 / USD 47)

This lets you:

• ✓ Experience the full process without huge financial commitment
• ✓ Test shipping times to your country
• ✓ Verify product authenticity and packaging quality
• ✓ Build confidence for bigger future orders (that dream beauty device!)

Once you’re comfortable, scale up:

• Order that premium facial device
• Stock up on 3-6 months of skincare
• Try exclusive products not available internationally
• Consolidate multiple purchases to maximize savings

Resources to Bookmark

• RGE Official Help Center: Comprehensive guides and FAQs
• Shipping Calculator: Estimate costs before you commit
• Prohibited Items List: Check BEFORE buying to avoid disappointment
• Rakuten Ichiba: Start browsing those 130 million products
• RGE Campaign Page: Check for current discount coupons (15% off available now!)

Common Questions from Asian Shoppers

About Signing Up and Verification

Q: Why do I need to verify my identity? Is this safe?

A: Identity verification is required by Japanese law (Act on Prevention of Transfer of Criminal Proceeds) for all forwarding services operating in Japan. It’s similar to bank KYC procedures. Rakuten is a publicly-traded company with strict data protection standards—your information is secure.

Q: I don’t have a Japanese address. Can I still use this?

A: That’s exactly what RGE solves! You DON’T need a Japanese address beforehand. RGE gives you one after signup. You just need to provide your real address in your country (where you want packages delivered).

Q: What if my face authentication doesn’t work?

A: Use the document submission method instead. It takes longer (up to 1 week) but works just as well. You’ll need to upload photos of your ID and proof of address.

About Shopping and Payments

Q: Can I shop on sites other than Rakuten?

A: Yes! You can use your RGE address for ANY Japanese e-commerce site that ships domestically—Yahoo! Shopping, Matsukiyo, Belle Maison, ZUTTO, specialized beauty sites, and more. The only requirement is that they ship to Japanese addresses.

Q: What payment methods work?

A: For shopping on Rakuten Ichiba with RGE address:

• ✓ Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX, JCB)
• ✓ Rakuten Points
• ✗ Cash on delivery (not available for international forwarding)
• ✗ Payment on delivery
• ✗ e-collect payment

For paying RGE shipping fees: Credit card or Rakuten Points.

Q: Can I use my country’s currency?

A: Japanese sites charge in Japanese Yen (¥). Your credit card will convert at the current exchange rate. RGE shipping fees are also in Yen. Most credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees, but check with your bank to be sure.

About Shipping and Delivery

Q: How long does shipping really take to Singapore / Philippines / Thailand / Malaysia?

A: Based on typical experiences:

• Singapore: 3-7 days (Standard Express), 7-10 days (Economy Air)
• Philippines: 5-10 days (Standard Express), 10-14 days (Economy Air)
• Thailand: 4-8 days (Standard Express), 8-12 days (Economy Air)
• Malaysia: 4-8 days (Standard Express), 8-12 days (Economy Air)

These are AFTER packages arrive at RGE warehouse. Add 3-5 days for domestic Japan shipping from merchants.

Q: Will I have to pay customs duties?

A: Depends on your country’s regulations and order value. Generally:

• Singapore: GST applies to goods over SGD 400 (including shipping)
• Philippines: Duties may apply over PHP 10,000; enforcement varies
• Thailand: Personal imports under THB 1,500 usually exempt
• Malaysia: Personal imports under RM 500 typically no duty

Duties (if any) are paid directly to the courier upon delivery.

Q: What if my package gets lost or damaged?

A: RGE includes insurance coverage. If damage or loss occurs during international transit, you can file a claim. Compensation amount depends on where you bought the product (Rakuten Ichiba items have the best coverage). Check the Customer Protection Plan details on RGE’s site.

About Prohibited Items

Q: Can I ship beauty devices with batteries?

A: Usually YES, if the battery is built-in and under 100Wh. Examples that typically work:

• ✓ Facial massage devices
• ✓ LED face masks
• ✓ Electric toothbrushes
• ✓ Hair styling tools with rechargeable batteries

What DOESN’T work:

• ✗ Standalone power banks
• ✗ Loose/replacement batteries
• ✗ Devices with detachable batteries shipped separately

Limit: 2 battery-containing devices per package.

Q: Why can’t I ship spray products? That’s so frustrating!

A: I totally understand the frustration—spray sunscreens and toners are popular in Japan! The restriction is due to international air shipping regulations (aerosols are pressurized and considered hazardous). It’s not RGE’s rule; it’s a global aviation safety standard.

Alternatives:

• Choose pump or gel versions instead of sprays
• Look for “non-aerosol” spray formulations (some newer products use mechanical pumps, not propellants)

Q: Can I ship makeup? What about skincare?

A: Most makeup and skincare is fine:

• ✓ Foundations, powders, eyeshadows
• ✓ Lipsticks, lip glosses
• ✓ Lotions, creams, serums (non-spray)
• ✓ Cleansers, masks, sunscreen (non-spray)
• ✗ Nail polish and removers (high-flammability)
• ✗ Perfumes with high alcohol content
• ✗ Aerosol/spray formats

About Costs and Savings

Q: Is it really cheaper than buying locally?

A: In most cases, yes—especially for:

• Premium beauty devices (20-40% savings typical)
• Japanese drugstore staples in bulk
• Products not officially exported (you’d pay gray-market markups locally)

Where local might win: Single small items when there’s a good local sale, or products with free local shipping.

Q: Are there any hidden fees?

A: RGE is transparent. Fees you’ll pay:

• Product cost (to merchants)
• International shipping (to RGE—clearly calculated before you commit)
• Customs duties IF applicable (your country’s requirement, not RGE)

What’s included free:

• Consolidation
• Basic packaging
• Insurance
• Storage up to 60 days

Optional extras (if you choose them):

• Reinforced packaging for extra-fragile items
• Priority/rush packaging

About the Experience

Q: Is customer support helpful if I have problems?

A: Based on Priya’s experience and online reviews: Yes, generally responsive. They offer support in English, Japanese, and Chinese. Response time is usually within a few hours via email. They can help with:

• Package tracking issues
• Prohibited item questions
• Consolidation requests
• Damage claims

Q: What if I want to return a product I bought?

A: Returns are complicated with international forwarding. You’d need to:

1. Contact the original merchant (Rakuten store, etc.) about their return policy
2. If they accept returns, you’d ship back to them in Japan
3. Bear the cost of return shipping

My advice: Be SURE about your purchase before buying. Read reviews carefully, check sizing charts, verify specifications. International shopping requires more confidence in your choices.

Final Thoughts: My Friend’s Transformation

A few months after Priya’s first order, we video-called. She was glowing—literally. The microcurrent device had become part of her evening routine, sitting on her bathroom counter next to her Hada Labo lotion and Anessa sunscreen.

But what struck me most wasn’t the products. It was what she said:

“You know what changed? I stopped feeling like I was compromising.

I used to settle for ‘good enough’ products available locally. Or I’d pay ridiculous markups for imports and feel guilty about the expense. Or I’d just… give up and scroll past Japanese beauty accounts thinking ‘that’s not for me.’

Now I choose what I ACTUALLY want. I research, I compare, I make intentional decisions. And when I find something I love—whether it’s a ¥1,500 toner or a ¥30,000 device—I know I can get it.

It’s such a small thing, but it feels huge. Like someone handed me the keys to a door I thought was locked.”

That’s the real story here.

Not the logistics. Not even the products themselves (though yes, that facial device is incredible).

It’s the shift from “I wish I could” to “I can.”

The Bigger Picture

Japanese beauty innovation—decades of research, meticulous formulation, cutting-edge technology—shouldn’t be locked behind geographic borders. If you’re willing to invest in quality, if you’re curious about ingredients, if you care about your skincare routine, you deserve access to the best options available.

Rakuten Global Express isn’t perfect. It requires patience during setup. It adds shipping time. It can’t solve every problem (those spray restrictions still frustrate me on Priya’s behalf).

But what it DOES do is remove that invisible wall. It transforms “I can only dream about this” into “I can click ‘buy now.'”

Your Turn

What Japanese beauty innovation have you been dreaming about?

• Is it that ONEDAM straightener all the Japanese beauty influencers use?
• The Yunth serum that sold out in Japan in 72 hours?
• A ReFa facial roller you’ve bookmarked three times?
• That perfect Hada Labo + Melano CC combination everyone swears by?
• A Panasonic hair dryer with nanoe technology?

What’s stopping you from reaching for it?

Maybe it’s time to find out that the barrier wasn’t as solid as it seemed.

The door is open. The warehouse in Kawasaki is ready with your name on a storage box. The only question is: What will you put in it?

With possibility,
Miyabi
Your Tokyo Beauty Connection

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Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to Rakuten Global Express. If you sign up through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend services I’ve personally researched and believe offer genuine value. All opinions and experiences shared (including my friend’s story) are authentic.

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Related Resources

• Rakuten Global Express Complete Practical Manual – Detailed step-by-step setup guide
• Rakuten Global Express Official Site
• Official Prohibited Items List
• Identity Verification Guide

Have questions about Rakuten Global Express or Japanese beauty shopping? Leave a comment below—I’d love to help!