So, You’ve Seen the Crying Horse Everywhere? Here’s the Real Scoop on Getting One to Japan

What Exactly is the 哭哭馬 Trend?

If you’ve spent more than five minutes on social media this January 2026, you’ve likely seen it: a uniquely expressive, slightly pathetic, yet undeniably adorable equine figure known as 哭哭馬 (Crying Horse). Originally starting as a niche designer toy, it has exploded into a full-blown cultural phenomenon in the United States. It’s not just a toy; it’s an aesthetic that captures the "mood" of 2026 perfectly.

For those of us living in Japan, seeing these viral clips of US influencers unboxing limited edition Crying Horse variants can be a bit frustrating. While Japan is the land of kawaii, this specific trend is currently a US-centric craze, making it difficult to find in local shops in Tokyo or Osaka.

Why the US is Currently Obsessed with Crying Horse in 2026

The 哭哭馬 trend took off because of its "relatable" expression. In a world of filtered perfection, a horse that is just openly weeping over minor inconveniences resonated with millions. By mid-January 2026, the hashtag has garnered billions of views. Retailers in the US, like Target and specialized boutique shops, have been struggling to keep them on the shelves. Because these items are released in "drop" formats, the scarcity has only fueled the fire, making them prime targets for international collectors.

The Best US Stores to Find Your Own While in Japan

Since you won't find the 哭哭馬 at your local Don Quijote just yet, you'll need to look toward major US retailers. The most reliable places to check include Amazon.com (US), Target, and Walmart. For the more exclusive, limited-edition versions, boutique sites like MintyFresh or even the official 哭哭馬 webstore are your best bets. However, there's a catch: many of these stores do not offer direct shipping to Japan, or if they do, the costs are prohibitively high.

You might also like to see how popular this has become. Check our guide on Read more: Data Shows a 300% Surge in Crying Horse Shipments to Japan: Here is How to Get Yours.

Getting it to Japan Without the Shipping Headache

So, how do you get a US-exclusive item delivered to your doorstep in Japan? This is where using a comGateway, a reliable package forwarder, becomes essential. A forwarder provides you with a US-based shipping address that you can use at checkout on any US website. Once your Crying Horse arrives at the US warehouse, it is then forwarded directly to you in Japan.

Using a service that specializes in shipping from USA to Japan ensures that your package is handled with care and reaches you much faster than standard international post. Plus, you can often consolidate multiple purchases into one box to save on total costs.

Crunching the Numbers: Shipping Costs and Import Duties

Before you click "buy," it’s always a good idea to know what you’re paying for. International shipping involves more than just the base postage. You’ll need to consider the weight and dimensions of the package. To avoid any surprises, you should use a shipping calculator to estimate shipping cost based on the item's estimated weight.

Additionally, when importing goods into Japan, you must be aware of import duties, GST/VAT, and general customs tax. For most personal hobby items like the Crying Horse, if the order value is under 16,666 JPY, you might be exempt from certain taxes, but it is always best to check the current 2026 regulations to stay updated.

When US Stores Won’t Take Your Japan-Issued Card

A common hurdle for Japanese shoppers is the "billing address mismatch." Some US retailers are notoriously picky and will decline credit cards that aren't issued in the United States. If you find yourself stuck at the checkout screen because your Tokyo-based credit card won't go through, don't worry.

You can use an assisted purchase service. The BuyForMe service allows the forwarder to buy the item on your behalf using a US payment method. You simply tell them what you want, and they handle the transaction, ensuring you don't miss out on those limited-edition 哭哭馬 drops.

Final Tips for Japan-Based Collectors

The 哭哭馬 craze isn't showing any signs of slowing down in 2026. If you're serious about starting your collection, here is a quick checklist to keep in mind:

• Check the Drops: Follow the official brand on social media to know exactly when new variants are released.
• Verify Dimensions: Some Crying Horse plushies are surprisingly large. Always check the size so you aren't shocked by the shipping volume.
• Consolidate: If you're buying other US goods (like clothes or electronics), ship them all to your US address first and send them to Japan in one go to save money.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on customs thresholds to ensure your import experience is smooth.

Living in Japan shouldn't mean you have to miss out on the biggest trends coming out of the States. With a little bit of planning and the right forwarding partner, that Crying Horse will be sitting on your desk in no time!