Table of Contents
The Labubu Craze in 2026
It is January 2026, and the obsession with Labubu—the mischievous monster created by Kasing Lung—shows no signs of slowing down. From the iconic "The Monsters" series to limited-edition vinyl drops, these art toys have become the ultimate status symbol for collectors in Japan. However, the high demand often means that local stock in Tokyo or Osaka sells out within seconds, leaving fans at the mercy of the secondary market where prices are inflated by 200% or more.
Myth: Labubu is Impossible to Get in Japan
There is a common misconception among Japanese collectors that if a drop is "US-exclusive," it is simply out of reach. Many believe that unless they have a friend living in America or are willing to pay astronomical fees on resale apps, they have to miss out. This is a myth. You can absolutely access the same inventory as a collector in New York or Los Angeles while sitting in your living room in Japan. Read more: Stop Believing You Can't Get the Latest Labubu Drops While Living in Japan to understand how the global market is more accessible than ever in 2026.
How to Buy Labubu from USA Stores
To get your hands on official merchandise, you should look at US-based retailers like Pop Mart US, Mindzai, or even specialized art toy boutiques. These stores often receive different stock allocations than their Asian counterparts. If you find that a US store does not accept Japanese credit cards or requires a US billing address, don't panic. You can use a BuyForMe service. This assisted purchase option allows a professional shopper to buy the item on your behalf, ensuring you don't miss out on limited 2026 releases.
Pro Tips for Scoring Rare Figures
Timing is everything. US drops usually happen at specific times that might be late at night or early morning in JST. To stay ahead of the curve, Read more: 7 Secrets to Scoring Exclusive Labubu Figures from the USA While Living in Japan. Mastering these strategies will give you the edge over other collectors.
The Secret to Shipping: Using a Package Forwarder
The biggest hurdle for most fans is that many US toy retailers do not offer international shipping to Japan. This is where comGateway comes in. By using a reliable package forwarder, you are provided with a dedicated US shipping address. You ship your Labubu figures to this address, and they are then forwarded directly to your doorstep in Japan. This method is often more reliable and faster than standard international post. For a step-by-step breakdown, Read more: 5 Simple Steps to Score Rare Labubu Figures from the USA and Ship to Japan.
Estimating Shipping Costs to Japan
One of the most frequent questions collectors ask is: "Is it worth it after shipping costs?" In many cases, even with shipping, the total price is still lower than Japanese resale prices. To be certain, you should use a shipping calculator. Being able to estimate shipping cost beforehand allows you to budget correctly for your collection. When you are ready to ship, remember that shipping from USA to Japan via premium couriers ensures your fragile vinyl figures are handled with care.
Customs and Import Duties for Japan
When importing goods into Japan, you must be aware of local regulations. As of 2026, Japan has specific thresholds for import duties and customs tax. Generally, if the total value of your shipment is under 16,666 JPY, you may be exempt from certain taxes. However, for high-value collector sets, you should factor in potential GST/VAT or consumption tax that may be collected upon delivery.
Prohibited Items and Safety
While Labubu figures are usually made of vinyl or plush, always ensure that any bundles you buy (especially those including liquids like cleaning kits or electronics) do not fall under the category of prohibited items. Checking the list of restricted goods before you buy will prevent your package from being held up at the US exit point or Japanese customs.
Conclusion
The year 2026 is an incredible time to be a toy collector in Japan, provided you know how to look beyond domestic borders. Stop believing that Labubu drops are out of your reach. By leveraging a US address and a trusted forwarding service, you can build an enviable collection of Kasing Lung’s creations without the "reseller tax." Start your search today, use the tools available to you, and bring those monsters home!
