Why pay $135 more for the Hirono 'The Other One' US-exclusive vinyl figure through local resellers?

April 29, 2026

The Scarcity of Hirono 'The Other One' US-Exclusives

The 2026 release of the Pop Mart x Hirono 'The Other One' US-Exclusive Vinyl Figure has triggered an immediate supply shock in the global designer toy market. While Hirono, designed by the artist Lang, has a massive following in Japan, this specific 'Rising Star' variant was restricted solely to the US Pop Mart webstore. This regional lock has forced collectors in Tokyo and Osaka to look toward the North American market to complete their sets.

Why pay $135 more for the Hirono
Start Your Buy For Me Request for Pop Mart x Hirono 'The Other One' US-Exclusive Vinyl Figure
Merchant Pop Mart US
EST Service Fee: $9.5 $4.75
Submit your proxy shopping order now and enjoy 50% OFF the service fee.
Plus, get 10% OFF international shipping on your first shipment.
Just a moment, securing your connection...

The demand is driven by the unique colorway and the limited production run assigned to this US-exclusive event. For those monitoring us trends, it is clear that designer toys are no longer just hobby items but high-value assets. If you miss the primary retail window, you are looking at resale prices that often exceed the original MSRP by over $135. Acting quickly is not just a preference; it is a financial necessity for serious collectors.

How to Secure the Release from the US Pop Mart Store

Purchasing from a US-exclusive storefront while residing in Japan requires a strategic approach. You cannot simply enter a Japanese shipping address at checkout, as the Pop Mart US store does not provide direct international logistics for these specific promotional items. To bypass this, collectors utilize a tax-free us address provided by a specialized service.

By using a freight forwarder, you gain a physical presence in the United States. This allows you to shop us store sites as if you were a domestic customer. Once the Hirono figure arrives at your US address, it can be consolidated and shipped to your doorstep in Japan. This method remains the most reliable way to circumvent regional blocks that frequently prevent high-demand items from reaching Asian markets.

Shipping Estimates for Japan-Bound Parcels

Before you commit to a purchase, calculating the total landed cost is vital. The Hirono 'The Other One' figure is a specialized vinyl collectible, and its packaging reflects its premium nature. Below are the estimated specifications for this specific item to help you use the shipping calculator effectively.

Factor Details
Box Weight Approximately 1.2 lbs (0.55 kg) including external shipping carton.
Box Dimensions Estimated at 9 x 7 x 5 inches. It is a compact but sturdy package.
Volumetric Warning While this single figure is relatively small, the volumetric weight is low. However, if you purchase multiple figures or large dioramas, the size of the box may increase the cost more than the actual weight.
Battery Check This is a solid vinyl figure. It contains no lithium batteries, making it eligible for all standard air express shipping methods without dangerous goods surcharges.

To get a precise figure for your location in Japan, ensure you enter these metrics into the estimate shipping cost tool. Remember that shipping multiple items together via consolidation is the most effective way to reduce the per-unit cost.

Why the BuyForMe Service is Mandatory for this Drop

The most significant hurdle for Japanese collectors isn't the shipping—it is the checkout process. Many high-profile US retailers, including Pop Mart’s US portal, Nike, and Sephora, have implemented strict fraud prevention filters. These filters frequently block credit cards issued outside of the United States or cancel orders that use known forwarding addresses.

This is where the BuyForMe service becomes an essential tool. Instead of risking a cancellation and losing the stock to another buyer, you can utilize this proxy shopping solution. The service involves a US-based team purchasing the item on your behalf using a domestic US credit card and a verified residential-style billing profile. This assisted purchase method is the safest way to guarantee your Hirono figure is secured before the "Sold Out" sign appears. In the competitive 2026 collector landscape, a cancelled order often means missing the release entirely.

Managing Import Tax and Customs in Japan

When the package arrives in Japan, it will be subject to local customs regulations. It is important to stay informed about import tax and duty thresholds to avoid unexpected fees at your door. For most personal imports into Japan, if the total value of the shipment is under 16,666 JPY, you are typically exempt from customs tax and consumption tax.

However, if you are a power-collector importing several US-exclusive figures at once, your total may exceed this threshold. In such cases, you will be responsible for the import duties calculated by Japan Customs. Always check the current 2026 exchange rates, as the JPY value of your USD purchase fluctuates daily, potentially pushing you over the tax-free limit. Proper documentation provided by your forwarder will ensure the process is handled efficiently without unnecessary delays in Tokyo or Osaka hubs.

Collector Help Center and FAQ

If you are new to international package forwarding or have specific questions about the Hirono 'The Other One' release, the FAQ section provides a wealth of information. Whether you need clarification on storage limits at the warehouse or how to track your shipment once it leaves the US, the help center is available to assist.

Don't let regional exclusivity prevent you from owning this piece of Hirono history. By combining a US shipping address with an assisted purchase service, you can save over $135 compared to local resale prices and ensure your collection remains complete in 2026. This serious approach to collecting is the only way to stay ahead of the curve and avoid the predatory markups of the secondary market.

Sign up today! Get 15% off and a free Basic Membership.
Just a moment, securing your connection...
Related Topics