Currency Exchange

$1.00 (US) = YEN
Currency data courtesy coinmill.com

** Using xe.com and/or Google currency is recommended for more accurate amount, as this widget is only an approximate amount.

If you are making purchases or selling via PayPal, here's something to keep in mind:

USD to JPY: typically the rate will be roughly 3 yen less than that quoted by Google or xe.com.

Sales within the US: 2.9% of transaction price + $0.30 per transaction.
International Sales: 3.9% of transaction price + a fixed fee based on currency received.

Plan your finances accordingly!

Japan Sales Tax Increase (Part II)

The increase in sales tax to 10% was originally scheduled for October 2015. However, this rate increase has been postponed to April 2017.

"Abe’s government has already postponed the planned tax hike to 10 percent, from the current 8 percent, to April 2017. It had originally been scheduled for this month." [Source]

Weight and EMS Shipping Estimates

Item Type	Approximate weight (grams)	Estimated EMS cost (yen)
Headbow	70	1200
Bolero (chiffon)	140	1200
Bolero (cotton)	150	1200
Cardigan (cotton)	150	1200
Bustier (velveteen)	220	1200
Blouse (chiffon)	200	1200
Blouse (cotton)	200	1200
Cutsew (cotton)	160	1200
Raincoat	850	2220
Hoodies/Parka	700	1860
Coat (synthetic)	1000	2400
Coat (real wool)	1200	2800
Jacket	500	1500
Blazer	550	1680
Vest (cotton)	300	1200
Vest (synthetic)	200	1200
OP, long sleeves (cotton)	480	1500
OP, long sleeves (synthetic)	480	1500
OP, long sleeves (wool)	600	1680
OP, short sleeves (chiffon)	300	1200
OP, short sleeves (cotton)	350	1500
OP, short sleeves (wool)	520	1680
JSK (chiffon)	340	1500
JSK (cotton)	370	1500
Long JSK (chiffon)	350	1500
Long JSK (cotton)	390	1500
Long JSK (synthetic)	300	1200
Skirt (velveteen)	240	1500
Skirt (cotton)	220	1200
Skirt (chiffon)	200	1200
OTK (polyester)	40	1200
Knee High Socks (cotton)	50	1200
OTK (cotton)	60	1200
Ankle Socks (cotton)	20	1200
Tights (polyester)	40	1200
Leggings (polyester)	20	1200
Shorts	290	1200
Long pants (cotton, synthetic)	670	1860

Estimated cost is based on shipping method with unpadded envelope (also without any additional packing items) for an individual item to North America region (USA/Canada). EMS shipment with boxes will typically run higher. Estimated weight compiled from an information page by Bhiner shopping service, Juliette et Justine, and my own experience and research. Shipping rates are taken from JP post website as of March 2014.

Please note that these are only ESTIMATES. Cost may be higher depending on the type of fabric, adornments, packing material, and any additional items included in the package. These numbers are meant to be used as a guideline, not as an exact amount to add to your purchases.

For reference, weight of packing material (JetJ) -- 240g for a small box, 360g for a large box, 80g for a plastic bag.

If you would like to add to the information/think my information is wrong, your inputs are appreciated (and will be properly credited!).

Complete shipping rates based on weight: http://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/charge/list/ems_all_en.html

Consumption Tax Increase Notice

If you are buying from a shop/webshop in Japan: the consumption tax rate is expected to increase to 8% from the current 5% on April 1, 2014. Just FYI. Plan your finances accordingly.

Japan Shopping Guide - Tokyo Pt. 1 (in progress)

Harajuku
Bodyline

Closet Child Harajuku
Opening hours: 11:00 to 20:00, seven days a week

La Foret
5 minutes walk from JR Yamanote Line Harajuku Station Omotesando exit

• B1.5 (Basement)
• Atelier Pierrot, Alice and the Pirates, Angelic Pretty, Swimmer, Nile Perch, Black Peace Now, Putumayo, HellCatPunks, Metamorphose, Mint NEKO 
• B1 (Basement)
• Algonquins, Super Lovers, World Wide Love
• Level 2
• Jane Marple

Hours: 11:00 to 20:00, seven days a week

Usagiyouhinten
10 minutes walk from JR Harajuku Station Yamanote Line.
On Takeshita Street (Takeshita-dori) exit, go straight to the right the KDDI Designing Studio. At the end of the road, turn left and go straight to it with FamilyMart crossroads.
Hours: 11:00 to 20:00, seven days a week

Shinjuku
Closet Child Shinjuku
Marui One (OIOI)

Ikebukuro
Closet Child Ikebukuro

Lucky Pack Season is Upon Us!

With the end of IW's summer sale, they have now put up preorders for Halloween set

Set A: Set of blouse, socks, and JSK
Set B: Set of 3 JSKs

Both sets are 21,000 yen. Available until the stock has sold out.

http://innocent-w.jp/shopping/reserve_e.html

Angelic Pretty Glass Bottle of Tears Special Edition JSK

There was an announcement from the Osaka shop that there is a special set JSK + hair comb set.
Price: 15750 yen.
Colours: beige, pink, and black.

Shopping service will be needed to purchase the set (looks to be in-store only).

http://lolibrary.org/node/14993