Japan Post International Shipping Delays 2026–2027: Holiday Season Update
Are you planning to order Japanese products during the 2026 holiday shopping season?
At Gachakawa, we would like to inform our international customers about possible Japan Post international shipping delays from November 2026 through January 2027, as well as our upcoming international shipping rate increase on February 1, 2027.
If you are planning to purchase Japanese toys, collectibles, character merchandise, or other Japan-exclusive products, we recommend placing your order early.
Why Does International Shipping from Japan Take Longer During the Holiday Season?
Every year, international postal services experience increased shipping volumes during the holiday shopping season.
Several factors can contribute to international delivery delays:
・Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping
・Increased Christmas gift shipments
・High international air cargo volumes
・Customs clearance congestion
・Reduced postal operations during Christmas and New Year holidays
・Backlogs at international sorting and distribution centers
These seasonal conditions may affect shipments sent through Japan Post, including EMS and other international postal services.
https://www.post.japanpost.jp/service/send/oversea/information/2025/1014_01_en.html
When Do Japan Post International Shipping Delays Usually Begin?
Based on seasonal shipping patterns observed in previous years, international shipping delays may begin around November 15, 2026, and continue through January 2027.
The busiest period is generally expected between late November and December, although some shipments may experience delays into January as postal networks recover from holiday congestion.
November 15 is an approximate guideline based on seasonal trends, not an official delay start date announced by Japan Post.
Which Countries May Experience Shipping Delays?
International shipping delays may affect deliveries from Japan to destinations including:
United States: Holiday shopping demand and domestic postal congestion may affect delivery times.
Canada: Seasonal shipping volumes and customs processing may cause additional delays.
United Kingdom: Christmas and New Year postal operations may affect delivery schedules.
European Union: Customs clearance and local postal networks may experience congestion.
Australia: Increased international parcel volumes may lead to longer transit times.
Other countries: Delivery times may vary depending on local transportation and customs conditions.
Not all shipments will be delayed, and actual delivery times will depend on the destination, shipping method, and local conditions.
Will EMS and Japan Post Tracking Be Affected?
During the busy holiday shipping season, customers may notice that tracking information is not updated as frequently as usual.
Possible tracking situations include:
・A package remaining at an international sorting facility for several days
・A delay between dispatch from Japan and the next tracking scan
・Additional processing time at customs
・Slower updates after arrival in the destination country
A temporary gap in tracking updates does not necessarily mean that a package has been lost.
We recommend allowing additional time for international delivery during the holiday season.
Planning to Buy Japanese Products? Order Early!
If you have found a product you love at Gachakawa, we strongly recommend placing your order as early as possible, preferably before December 31, 2026.
This is especially important for customers purchasing:
・Japanese anime merchandise
・Pokémon collectibles
・Tamagotchi products
・Beyblade products
・Sanrio merchandise
・Japan-exclusive character goods
・Christmas gifts and seasonal collectibles
Ordering early may help you avoid last-minute shopping and allow more time for international shipping.
However, please note that delivery before Christmas or New Year's Day cannot be guaranteed.
Gachakawa International Shipping Rate Increase: February 1, 2027
We would also like to inform our customers that Gachakawa will increase its international shipping rates starting February 1, 2027.
Due to rising international transportation and logistics costs, we will be adjusting our shipping fees while continuing to provide reliable shipping services from Japan.
If you are considering purchasing Japanese products from our store, we recommend ordering before the end of 2026.
By ordering early, you can benefit from our current shipping rates and allow additional time for delivery during the holiday season.
The new shipping rates will take effect on February 1, 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Japan Post experience shipping delays every Christmas?
International postal networks often experience higher shipping volumes during the Christmas and New Year season. This can result in delivery delays, although the extent varies each year.
How long will international shipping delays last in 2026–2027?
Seasonal shipping delays may occur from mid-November 2026 through January 2027. The actual duration depends on the destination country and postal conditions.
Is EMS faster than regular international mail during the holidays?
EMS is generally a priority international shipping service, but it may still experience delays due to high shipping volumes, customs clearance, or local postal congestion.
Will my Japan Post tracking number still work?
Yes. Tracking remains available for eligible shipments, although updates may be less frequent during busy periods.
When should I order Japanese Christmas gifts?
We recommend ordering as early as possible. International delivery before Christmas cannot be guaranteed, particularly during peak shipping periods.
When will Gachakawa increase shipping rates?
Our updated international shipping rates will take effect on February 1, 2027. Orders placed before this date will generally be subject to the shipping rates displayed at checkout when the order is placed.
Thank You for Shopping with Gachakawa!
At Gachakawa, we are committed to delivering Japanese products to customers around the world.
We will continue preparing and shipping orders as quickly as possible. However, international transportation, customs clearance, and local delivery schedules are managed by shipping carriers and relevant authorities.
Thank you for your patience, understanding, and continued support during the 2026–2027 holiday season.
If you have any questions about your order or international shipping, please feel free to contact us.
Best regards,
Gachakawa Customer Support Team
