Welcome to kakaku at Deviantforest.com - the cheapest and most reliable service ever for proxy purchasing out of Japan
Starting from as little as 3600yen/$30USD
we will purchase, insure and ship to you on your behalf.
Consumer electronics, even cosplay items and collectables etc. If its available and online in Japan then we can ship to you.
Check out the latest prices right now and get a quote.
Step1: Check out the latest discounted Japanese Prices
Starting from as little as 3600yen/$30USD
we will purchase, insure and ship to you on your behalf.Consumer electronics, even cosplay items and collectables etc. If its available and online in Japan then we can ship to you.
Check out the latest prices right now and get a quote.
Step1: Check out the latest discounted Japanese Prices
Hint: try searching for model numbers as opposed to make & model, i.e. D80 as opposed to Nikon D80
Step2: Check the Global EMS shipping rates Camcorders average at about 3kg. Digital cameras at about 2kg.
You can also check our list of known weights/rates. updated 9/04/2008 HV30!!
Step3: Check the Japanese yen's exchange rate here X-rates.com (rates will often change daily)
Step4: Contact us with your request and details for a final quote! Quotes are in Japanese Yen and valid for 7 days
Step 5: Make a purchase through us and have your item shipped to your door.
You can also check our list of known weights/rates. updated 9/04/2008 HV30!!
Step3: Check the Japanese yen's exchange rate here X-rates.com (rates will often change daily)
Step4: Contact us with your request and details for a final quote! Quotes are in Japanese Yen and valid for 7 days
Step 5: Make a purchase through us and have your item shipped to your door.
Purchases under 75,000yen are charged a flat rate of just 3600yen ($30USD).Purchases of 75,000yen or more are charged at only 4.8%.
Our bilingual native English and Japanese staff will handle ordering, shipping and insurance on your behalf.
About us
We are a proxy shopping service providing non-Japanese speaking and typically overseas customers with an interface to find and purchase at the lowest prices in Japan. We often refer to www.kakaku.com for price checks and as such decided to create a subdomain in that name. Kakaku is Japanese for price.
What do we do ?
We shop on your behalf in and around Tokyo for the lowest price and then arrange to ship you your purchase.
We are the only service in Japan that is run by both bilingual native English speaking and Japanese staff.
So all your communications via e-mail, and if need be Skype/telephone will be handled in native English.
We don't just ship electronics. Are you after something Japanese? Do you already have the details? Contact us!
If you are in the Tokyo area we can ship or hand deliver to you. We also ship to the rest of Japan too.
We of course welcome orders from Japanese nationals overseas.
Why use us as your proxy?
We aim to give you the best service at the lowest prices and in native English.
A flat rate of 3600yen ($30USD) for purchases under 75,000yen - OR - A fixed rate of 4.8% for purchases over 75,000yen.
Insured and trackable shipping using Global EMS to your country (Fedex, DHL and similar available on request).
We do of course also provide Japanese warranty support. (see the warranty page for details).
Unlike other services, we only charge a fee against your purchase, NOT against shipping fees.
About DeviantForest.com
DeviantForest.com is a small company offering web design, 3DCG, video editing and instruction in those fields.
Knowledgable in the latest hi-tech electronics such as digital and hi-def video cameras, storage and editing we are ideally suited to assisting proffesional clients as well as private individuals on a tight budget. Being situated just 45 minutes north of central Tokyo we are also ideally located to provide a proxy shopping service and check out the latest gadgetry as it gets released locally.
We are a proxy shopping service providing non-Japanese speaking and typically overseas customers with an interface to find and purchase at the lowest prices in Japan. We often refer to www.kakaku.com for price checks and as such decided to create a subdomain in that name. Kakaku is Japanese for price.
What do we do ?
We shop on your behalf in and around Tokyo for the lowest price and then arrange to ship you your purchase.
We are the only service in Japan that is run by both bilingual native English speaking and Japanese staff.
So all your communications via e-mail, and if need be Skype/telephone will be handled in native English.
We don't just ship electronics. Are you after something Japanese? Do you already have the details? Contact us!
If you are in the Tokyo area we can ship or hand deliver to you. We also ship to the rest of Japan too.
We of course welcome orders from Japanese nationals overseas.
Why use us as your proxy?
We aim to give you the best service at the lowest prices and in native English.
A flat rate of 3600yen ($30USD) for purchases under 75,000yen - OR - A fixed rate of 4.8% for purchases over 75,000yen.
Insured and trackable shipping using Global EMS to your country (Fedex, DHL and similar available on request).
We do of course also provide Japanese warranty support. (see the warranty page for details).
Unlike other services, we only charge a fee against your purchase, NOT against shipping fees.
About DeviantForest.com
DeviantForest.com is a small company offering web design, 3DCG, video editing and instruction in those fields.
Knowledgable in the latest hi-tech electronics such as digital and hi-def video cameras, storage and editing we are ideally suited to assisting proffesional clients as well as private individuals on a tight budget. Being situated just 45 minutes north of central Tokyo we are also ideally located to provide a proxy shopping service and check out the latest gadgetry as it gets released locally.
A Flat rate of 3600yen (apx.$30US) for purchases under 75,000yen
We charge an initial flat rate of 3600yen (apx.$30US) for items under 75,000yen excluding shipping.
It works out like this:- (item x quantity) + 3600yen + shipping + insurance + bank transfer fee.
Purchases 75,000yen and over charged at 4.8%
Any purchases over 75,000yen will instead be charged a 4.8% fee. Again, we do not charge a fee on top of shipping.
It works out like this:- (item x quantity x 1.048) + shipping + insurance + bank transfer fee.
Shipping
We use the local Japanese Post Office service's Global EMS system which is insured and trackable.
At your request and at our discretion, it is possible to use an international courier service instead.
However with delivery times ranging from 3-7 days, Japan's Global EMS service is usually more than adequate.
We charge an initial flat rate of 3600yen (apx.$30US) for items under 75,000yen excluding shipping.
It works out like this:- (item x quantity) + 3600yen + shipping + insurance + bank transfer fee.
Purchases 75,000yen and over charged at 4.8%
Any purchases over 75,000yen will instead be charged a 4.8% fee. Again, we do not charge a fee on top of shipping.
It works out like this:- (item x quantity x 1.048) + shipping + insurance + bank transfer fee.
Shipping
We use the local Japanese Post Office service's Global EMS system which is insured and trackable.
At your request and at our discretion, it is possible to use an international courier service instead.
However with delivery times ranging from 3-7 days, Japan's Global EMS service is usually more than adequate.
EMS shipping rates calculator
Camcorders average at about 2.5kg. Digital cameras at about 1.5kg.
Or check our list of popular electronics known shipping weights/rates.
Camcorders average at about 2.5kg. Digital cameras at about 1.5kg.
Or check our list of popular electronics known shipping weights/rates.
About Import Taxes
Depending on the nature of your purchase, you may or may not be charged a fee for importing by your local customs service.
While we will do our best to minimise your costs we cannot openly talk about this here for obvious reasons.
Furthermore, we cannot in any way guarantee that you will not have to pay import tax on your purchase.
An Import Note About Customs Clearance
If your package is singled out for an on the spot inspection it will be opened. This is something out of our control.
Unless otherwise instructed (i.e. setting of menus to English) we will never open your package prior to shipping.
Insurance and Claims
This brings us on to the topic of insurance. We insure EVERYTHING we ship at full values. It is very low cost and is NOT an option.
Should anything happen to your shipment in transit resulting in damage then it will be your responsibilty to record the damage
(date/time/digital photos/report etc) and contact your local postal/shipping service without delay to process your claim.
We will do our utmost to support you but your claim must be against your local courier (your postal service in the case of EMS).
Other Fees
Unlike another famous proxy shopping service, we have no hidden charges and only charge you what it actually costs to purchase your item and ship it insured to you with our fee based on the local price before international shipping & insurance costs are added.
We do however charge you for local shipping and COD delivery from our supplier to our office (this is included in our quotes). In the case that your item was shipped free of charge or at a lower charge than we expected, we will spend the remainder on for example, video tapes should your purchase be a video camera (that uses tapes), or batteries (button cells for remote controlls etc). So if your order arrives with something extra in the box, you know why.
Information about payment methods
Depending on the nature of your purchase, you may or may not be charged a fee for importing by your local customs service.
While we will do our best to minimise your costs we cannot openly talk about this here for obvious reasons.
Furthermore, we cannot in any way guarantee that you will not have to pay import tax on your purchase.
An Import Note About Customs Clearance
If your package is singled out for an on the spot inspection it will be opened. This is something out of our control.
Unless otherwise instructed (i.e. setting of menus to English) we will never open your package prior to shipping.
Insurance and Claims
This brings us on to the topic of insurance. We insure EVERYTHING we ship at full values. It is very low cost and is NOT an option.
Should anything happen to your shipment in transit resulting in damage then it will be your responsibilty to record the damage
(date/time/digital photos/report etc) and contact your local postal/shipping service without delay to process your claim.
We will do our utmost to support you but your claim must be against your local courier (your postal service in the case of EMS).
Other Fees
Unlike another famous proxy shopping service, we have no hidden charges and only charge you what it actually costs to purchase your item and ship it insured to you with our fee based on the local price before international shipping & insurance costs are added.
We do however charge you for local shipping and COD delivery from our supplier to our office (this is included in our quotes). In the case that your item was shipped free of charge or at a lower charge than we expected, we will spend the remainder on for example, video tapes should your purchase be a video camera (that uses tapes), or batteries (button cells for remote controlls etc). So if your order arrives with something extra in the box, you know why.
Information about payment methods
Payment
Currently we only accept payment via direct international bank transfer or Moneybookers.com
Moneybookers is a British owned service that is controlled by stricter laws protecting both buyer and seller equally.
(We have no current plans to accept payment via PayPal - Moneybookers is strongly recommend if you must transfer funs via a 3rd party)
Paying by International Bank Transfer
All our prices include International Bank Transfer fees of 2500JPY.
So if you are paying via direct bank transfer then the prices you see listed/quoted are all that has to be payed. At your bank you request to send funds in Japanese Yen and stipulate "fees to be payed by recipient". You don't pay any surcharges at your bank.
Our bank will deduct 2500JPY from your transfer at its arrival (typically within 48 hours).
If you transfer funds on the Monday, we will usually ship out to you by the Thursday. Friday at the latest.
Moneybookers Fees
If you send funds via Moneybookers a surcharge of 2.5% will be levied by us to cover the international exchange rate losses that are deducted against us by Moneybookers when we withdraw funds.
Furthermore Moneybookers charges us the 2500JPY to transfer funds internationally too, so the prices you see listed here or are quoted (including that fee already) are the base prices to which a 2.5% surcharge will be added.
Please also note that we need to withdraw the funds you sent us which can take a few days.
Japanese Yen and Exchange Rates
Because we are based in Japan we only accept payment in local currency, the Japanese Yen.
Check the Japanese yen's exchange rate here X-rates.com (rates will often change daily)
Purchases Are Final
We operate a very low priced service for customers who know what they want to buy.
We could not survive if everyother customer decided they wanted to return an item after a few days because it wasn't quite what they expected. So please be sure to research your potential purchase on the web, in forums and on manufacturers websites.
Once you are set on your purchase we will be more than happy to help.
A note about Moneybookers
Despite opening an account with them in Yen (JPY) and you the customer paying us in Yen, their system requires that all funds be converted to Euros (EUR) when they transfer funds to us and then be converted back to Yen at our bank. To cover exchange rate risk/losses Moneybookers charges us an apx. 2.5% surcharge on every withdrawel we make.
Furthermore, despite them having local bank accounts all over the globe (including Japan), on withdrawel they transfer funds from Europe to each and every Moneybookers account holder individually with fees to be payed by recipient. So we have to pay 2500JPY each time we withdraw.
Why they don't transfer a days transactions between Europe and Japan in one lump sum and then cheaply (210JPY per Japanese account holder) distribute funds to local Moneybookers account holders we just don't know. They don't benefit from it and neither do you or us. Absolute madness.
To sum up - you pay the overheads in order to pay through a 3rd party. The only good thing we have to say about Moneybookers is that real human beings answer the phones. Paypal doesn't even have a phone line!
Currently we only accept payment via direct international bank transfer or Moneybookers.com
Moneybookers is a British owned service that is controlled by stricter laws protecting both buyer and seller equally.
(We have no current plans to accept payment via PayPal - Moneybookers is strongly recommend if you must transfer funs via a 3rd party)
Paying by International Bank Transfer
All our prices include International Bank Transfer fees of 2500JPY.
So if you are paying via direct bank transfer then the prices you see listed/quoted are all that has to be payed. At your bank you request to send funds in Japanese Yen and stipulate "fees to be payed by recipient". You don't pay any surcharges at your bank.
Our bank will deduct 2500JPY from your transfer at its arrival (typically within 48 hours).
If you transfer funds on the Monday, we will usually ship out to you by the Thursday. Friday at the latest.
Moneybookers Fees
If you send funds via Moneybookers a surcharge of 2.5% will be levied by us to cover the international exchange rate losses that are deducted against us by Moneybookers when we withdraw funds.
Furthermore Moneybookers charges us the 2500JPY to transfer funds internationally too, so the prices you see listed here or are quoted (including that fee already) are the base prices to which a 2.5% surcharge will be added.
Please also note that we need to withdraw the funds you sent us which can take a few days.
Japanese Yen and Exchange Rates
Because we are based in Japan we only accept payment in local currency, the Japanese Yen.
Check the Japanese yen's exchange rate here X-rates.com (rates will often change daily)
Purchases Are Final
We operate a very low priced service for customers who know what they want to buy.
We could not survive if everyother customer decided they wanted to return an item after a few days because it wasn't quite what they expected. So please be sure to research your potential purchase on the web, in forums and on manufacturers websites.
Once you are set on your purchase we will be more than happy to help.
A note about Moneybookers
Despite opening an account with them in Yen (JPY) and you the customer paying us in Yen, their system requires that all funds be converted to Euros (EUR) when they transfer funds to us and then be converted back to Yen at our bank. To cover exchange rate risk/losses Moneybookers charges us an apx. 2.5% surcharge on every withdrawel we make.
Furthermore, despite them having local bank accounts all over the globe (including Japan), on withdrawel they transfer funds from Europe to each and every Moneybookers account holder individually with fees to be payed by recipient. So we have to pay 2500JPY each time we withdraw.
Why they don't transfer a days transactions between Europe and Japan in one lump sum and then cheaply (210JPY per Japanese account holder) distribute funds to local Moneybookers account holders we just don't know. They don't benefit from it and neither do you or us. Absolute madness.
To sum up - you pay the overheads in order to pay through a 3rd party. The only good thing we have to say about Moneybookers is that real human beings answer the phones. Paypal doesn't even have a phone line!
Warranty
Japanese products purchased through us are covered by the standard 1yr warranty in Japan.
In the rare case that your purchase should require servicing or repair then please contact us directly.
Repair costs are usually not required (if within warranty) unless serious misuse/abuse has taken place.
Return trip shipping and insurance costs plus local Japanese shipping costs will apply.
We will quote you and payment will take place in a manner similar to your initial purchase.
Shipping typically works out about 30% cheaper for smaller items as we usually don't need the original box/package returned.
Outside of Warranty
In the case of an out of warranty repair (i.e. your purchase is more than 1yr old) it may be possible to approach a local repair service and be clear about the fact that your item was purchased in Japan (probably best to hint that you purchased while on business or holiday to avoid a biased refusal). You will likely have to pay full service/repair fees but this may work out cheaper than the round trip shipping fees to Japan. Or you can of course ship back to us and we will look after the process for you for a minimal fee (typically to cover our time and inland shipping).
Simply put, we will assist you fully in the rare instance of your purchase ever needing servicing or repair.
Roundtrip shipping, insurance and any local Japanese shipping as well as any repair fees to be payed by the customer.
But is it Really Worth it?
Modern Japanese electronics are extremely reliable. Japanese quality control is also probably the strictest in the world. This is not to say they are infalable but when you think of the original savings you made on your purchase in the event of a warranty issue, you may still stand to break even or do better compared to a purchase in your own country having a similar warranty/repair issue.
Japanese products purchased through us are covered by the standard 1yr warranty in Japan.
In the rare case that your purchase should require servicing or repair then please contact us directly.
Repair costs are usually not required (if within warranty) unless serious misuse/abuse has taken place.
Return trip shipping and insurance costs plus local Japanese shipping costs will apply.
We will quote you and payment will take place in a manner similar to your initial purchase.
Shipping typically works out about 30% cheaper for smaller items as we usually don't need the original box/package returned.
Outside of Warranty
In the case of an out of warranty repair (i.e. your purchase is more than 1yr old) it may be possible to approach a local repair service and be clear about the fact that your item was purchased in Japan (probably best to hint that you purchased while on business or holiday to avoid a biased refusal). You will likely have to pay full service/repair fees but this may work out cheaper than the round trip shipping fees to Japan. Or you can of course ship back to us and we will look after the process for you for a minimal fee (typically to cover our time and inland shipping).
Simply put, we will assist you fully in the rare instance of your purchase ever needing servicing or repair.
Roundtrip shipping, insurance and any local Japanese shipping as well as any repair fees to be payed by the customer.
But is it Really Worth it?
Modern Japanese electronics are extremely reliable. Japanese quality control is also probably the strictest in the world. This is not to say they are infalable but when you think of the original savings you made on your purchase in the event of a warranty issue, you may still stand to break even or do better compared to a purchase in your own country having a similar warranty/repair issue.
Get a Final Quote - fill out the form below to get a final quote. Is your item already listed here?
All purchase requests are handled manually after a final quote has been requested and issued.
Please only use this service when you are ready to purchase.
Other Enquires
Feel free to contact us at the email address shown at the bottom of the page. If your quote cannot be adequately handled by the above form or if you prefer to send an e-mail directly to us then please use the same address shown at the bottom of this page.
Before contacting us - the mini FAQ!
The prices you see on kakaku.com are the lowest they get. We can't make then any cheaper, sorry!
We can usually find the English manual for your item however some items may be exclusive Japanese market items.
Video/Camcorder purchasers - please note that 9 times out of 10 we CANNOT get hold of PAL units. NTSC ONLY.
Hi end prosumer/proffesional cameras do sometimes have dual NTSC/PAL output - please research your purchase.
If you need help researching your purchase then please be sure to check out our links section
We have tried to list as many good user forums and review pages as we know. If you have asked everywhere, googled everything and had no luck its unlikely we can answer your questions either, however if you are really lost for answers, then please feel free to ask us.
Our Privacy Policy
Your personal details are private, and as such, any details you supply us with will always be considered personal and private.
Records, if any, are kept offline and purely for warranty purposes.
We also respectfully ask that you don't post our email address in forums. By all means please post links to our homepage!
We would like to only have to change our email address once a year, tops. Spam is here to stay. Your co-operation is appreciated.
All purchase requests are handled manually after a final quote has been requested and issued.
Please only use this service when you are ready to purchase.
Other Enquires
Feel free to contact us at the email address shown at the bottom of the page. If your quote cannot be adequately handled by the above form or if you prefer to send an e-mail directly to us then please use the same address shown at the bottom of this page.
Before contacting us - the mini FAQ!
The prices you see on kakaku.com are the lowest they get. We can't make then any cheaper, sorry!
We can usually find the English manual for your item however some items may be exclusive Japanese market items.
Video/Camcorder purchasers - please note that 9 times out of 10 we CANNOT get hold of PAL units. NTSC ONLY.
Hi end prosumer/proffesional cameras do sometimes have dual NTSC/PAL output - please research your purchase.
If you need help researching your purchase then please be sure to check out our links section
We have tried to list as many good user forums and review pages as we know. If you have asked everywhere, googled everything and had no luck its unlikely we can answer your questions either, however if you are really lost for answers, then please feel free to ask us.
Our Privacy Policy
Your personal details are private, and as such, any details you supply us with will always be considered personal and private.
Records, if any, are kept offline and purely for warranty purposes.
We also respectfully ask that you don't post our email address in forums. By all means please post links to our homepage!
We would like to only have to change our email address once a year, tops. Spam is here to stay. Your co-operation is appreciated.
Video Camera Reviews & Forums
http://www.dvforum.com/
http://hv20.com
http://www.videoforums.co.uk/
http://www.thedvforum.com/
http://www.dv-forums.com/forums/
http://www.2-popforums.com/forums/
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/index.php http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/index.php
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/
http://www.dvforum.com/
http://hv20.com
http://www.videoforums.co.uk/
http://www.thedvforum.com/
http://www.dv-forums.com/forums/
http://www.2-popforums.com/forums/
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/index.php http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/index.php
http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/
Home Entertainment System Resources
http://www.avsforum.com/
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/
http://www.prohomedigital.com/
Hi-end Audio Video Reviews & Forums
http://www.tomshardware.com/
http://www.audioasylum.com/
http://avforum.no/forum/
Japanese Resources
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/
http://www.hiraganatimes.com/
http://www.metropolis.co.jp/
DeviantForest's Links
http://deviantforest.com Web/CG/Video design
http://bugeiten.com
(Japanese martial art supplies coming soon!)
We will add more quality links as we find them.
