how to get items that cannot be shipped from US to japan

as a newcomer to Japan, I've already noticed a multitude of companies that will not ship from the US to Japan. some are these items are dry storage food items such as protein mix powder or instant tea (crystal light) or non food items such as a 2009 calendar

I've already visited the costco in my local area. to my dismay, they dont have the perishable and non perishable items that I was accustomed to in the US. Plus, the local Seiyu and most grocery stores don't carry the items that I like.

With so many US citizens living and working in Japan, I'd love to hear if any of you have found a way to get your items. I know there's a couple of web sites that have mail forwarding (myus.com). Rather than having items shipped to family members, then forwarded to Japan (tachikawa), there must be an easier way.

I'd love to hear how some of you handle this situation. Plus, please give your advice if you've used any of the mail forwarding web sites.

If you have an import-shop like Meidi-ya nearby, try them first.

One other place, you can try, is the FBC. Not exactly cheap, but worth the occasional visit.

An address in the USA, which ships to you in Japan, whatever you throw at it, you can get at Expat Express. I have used them several times in the past with no problem. They, too, work for money, though.

If you search through these forums, you might even find some more treasures

Good luck

Hate to say it, but best way... have someone you know in the US send it too you from the US, not order it.

BTW Don Quixote has protein powder. Not sure how good it is.

FBC has Crystal Light.
ANY stationery story has a 2009 calendar. Why do you need to order it from abroad?
Protein powder. Plenty of health food stores in Japan. If it's not in English, learn Japanese or take a J friend. FBC has some, but don't know if it's your favorite brand. Even Amazon has food!

Learn to compromise over here.

I've already visited the costco in my local area. to my dismay, they dont have the perishable and non perishable items that I was accustomed to in the US. Plus, the local Seiyu and most grocery stores don't carry the items that I like.

Click to expand...

Like what?

I second The Foreign Buyers' Club. Not because I've ever used it (I haven't) but because I once knew some people who used it and they never complained about it.

Well, FBC tacks on a typical shipping charge PLUS a Hokkaido shipping charge! So, beware. You need to order a fair sized amount to get a cheap shipping rate, too. Some people order as a group with other people to do this.

FBC charges a 500yen shipping rate, plus 500 more for cool or frozen items. Hokkaido and Okinawa pay slightly more. Plus you'll pay 10% or so more than for the same product Stateside. The service, however, is great, and it's great for getting a taste of home. Just plan ahead (the General Store takes 4-5 weeks), and get stuff by the case.

Expat Express is similar, but it will cost a fair amount more for similar food stuffs.