Japan Post Shipping Rates 2027 EMS Price Increase & Changes
Japan Post has announced significant changes to its international shipping rates, effective February 1, 2027.
Among the affected services, EMS (Express Mail Service) will see particularly substantial price increases. Depending on the destination and package weight, EMS postage may cost up to twice as much as before.
However, we have good news for GACHAKAWA customers: our standard Economy Shipping service will not be affected by the EMS rate increase.
GACHAKAWA will also revise its international shipping rates starting January 1, 2027. Our current rates will remain available until December 31, 2026.
Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming changes.
1. Japan Post International Shipping Rates Will Increase in February 2027
Japan Post will introduce revised international shipping rates on February 1, 2027.
The changes affect several international shipping services, including EMS and international parcels.
The actual increase will depend on the destination, shipping method, and package weight.
EMS customers should pay particular attention, as the new pricing structure may result in substantially higher shipping costs, especially for lightweight packages.
2. EMS Shipping Costs May Increase by Up to 100%
EMS is expected to experience some of the most significant price increases under the new shipping rates.
Depending on the package weight and destination, EMS shipping costs may increase by as much as 100%, meaning that postage could be approximately twice the current amount.
This is especially important for customers who frequently purchase small or lightweight Japanese collectibles.
If you regularly use EMS to receive Tamagotchi, Beyblade X, Pokémon, Sanrio merchandise, or trading cards, we recommend reviewing the new shipping costs before placing future orders.
3. Important EMS Change: New 1kg Weight Increments
Another major change is the introduction of new EMS weight categories.
Starting February 1, 2027, EMS shipments weighing up to 6kg will be charged in 1kg increments.
For example, under the new EMS pricing structure, the following package weights will fall into the same category:
・300g
・500g
・800g
・1kg
For shipments to the United States, the standard EMS postage for packages weighing up to 1kg will be ¥7,400.
This means that a 300g package and a 1kg package will have the same EMS postage.
4. How to Save Money on EMS Shipping
Because EMS will use 1kg weight increments for packages up to 6kg, combining multiple products into one shipment may offer better value.
For example, if your package weighs only 400g, adding more products without exceeding 1kg may allow you to make better use of the same postage category.
If you choose EMS, we recommend considering combined shipments rather than sending several small packages separately.
Please remember that:
・Packaging materials are included in the total shipping weight.
・Exceeding a weight category will result in higher postage.
・Import duties and taxes may increase when additional products are included.
・Combining orders may not always be possible, particularly when products have different release dates.
5. Good News: GACHAKAWA Economy Shipping Remains Unaffected
Our standard Economy Shipping service will not be affected by the upcoming EMS rate increase.
Customers who select Economy Shipping can continue using our affordable international delivery option without an additional surcharge caused by the EMS price changes.
For most customers purchasing lightweight products, Economy Shipping may remain the more economical choice.
Please note that GACHAKAWA's general shipping rate revision scheduled for January 1, 2027, is separate from Japan Post's EMS rate increase.
6. GACHAKAWA Will Update Shipping Rates in January 2027
Although Japan Post's new rates will take effect on February 1, 2027, GACHAKAWA will revise its international shipping rates starting January 1, 2027.
Our current shipping rates will remain available until December 31, 2026.
If you are planning to purchase Japanese collectibles, toys, anime merchandise, or trading cards, you may wish to place your order before the end of December to take advantage of our current shipping rates.
We appreciate your understanding as we continue working to provide reliable international delivery.
7. Important Information for Existing Orders and Pre-Orders
We understand that many GACHAKAWA customers place pre-orders for products scheduled to be released several months later.
Orders placed by December 31, 2026, will retain the shipping rates charged at checkout, even if the items are scheduled to ship in 2027.
However, EMS shipments are excluded from this policy.
Due to the significant increase in EMS postage, customers who selected EMS shipping may be required to pay an additional shipping fee if their orders are shipped in 2027.
If an additional payment is necessary, we will contact you in advance and explain the charges before shipping.
Customers using standard Economy Shipping will not be charged additional shipping fees solely because their existing orders are shipped in 2027.
8. EMS Includes Compensation Coverage of Up to ¥20,000
Despite the upcoming price increase, EMS continues to offer several advantages.
EMS includes compensation coverage of up to ¥20,000 (approximately US$130) at no additional cost, subject to Japan Post's terms and conditions.
Other benefits include:
・International shipment tracking
・Express international delivery
・Compensation coverage for eligible lost or damaged shipments
・Optional additional compensation for higher-value packages
For customers purchasing valuable or limited-edition collectibles, EMS may still be a suitable shipping option.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. When will Japan Post increase international shipping rates?
The new rates will take effect on February 1, 2027.
Q. Can EMS shipping costs really double?
Depending on the destination and package weight, some EMS shipments may cost approximately twice as much under the revised rates.
Q. Will GACHAKAWA's Economy Shipping become more expensive because of the EMS increase?
No. Our standard Economy Shipping service is not affected by the EMS rate increase. However, GACHAKAWA's separate general shipping rate revision will begin on January 1, 2027.
Q. When will GACHAKAWA change its shipping rates?
Our revised international shipping rates will apply to new orders placed on or after January 1, 2027. Current rates remain available through December 31, 2026.
Q. Will I need to pay extra for a pre-order placed in 2026?
For standard Economy Shipping, no. The shipping fee paid at checkout will remain unchanged.
For EMS shipments scheduled to ship in 2027, an additional shipping fee may be required. We will contact you in advance if this applies.
Q. Is EMS always the best shipping option?
Not necessarily. EMS offers express delivery and compensation coverage, but Economy Shipping may be more affordable for lightweight purchases.
10. Thank You for Shopping with GACHAKAWA
At GACHAKAWA, we understand that international shipping costs are an important part of your shopping experience.
We will continue reviewing our delivery options and working to provide affordable and reliable international shipping.
Whether you are shopping for Tamagotchi, Beyblade X, Pokémon, Sanrio merchandise, or other Japanese collectibles, we sincerely appreciate your continued support.
For further information about Japan Post's official shipping rate revision, please visit:
https://www.post.japanpost.jp/service/send/oversea/information/fee_revision_2027/
Thank you for choosing GACHAKAWA!
