Ordering from Japan?

[Bol]

Has anyone found a good/reliable way to order from Japan in this post-Hiroshi world?

[David]

I use CDJapan. Well packaged, good customer service, and reasonable shipping costs if you are willing to wait two-four weeks.

[J.A.W.]

I use CDJapan. Well packaged, good customer service, and reasonable shipping costs if you are willing to wait two-four weeks.

Agreed. The best option since Hiroshi Tanno closed up shop.

CD Japan

[Son-of-a-Weizen]

HMV is pretty good. Shipping isn't cheap but they are reliable.

[JSngry]

I, too, can vouch for CD Japan.

They also carry a full selection of Japanese media, not just jazz CDs. So if you have interests beyond jazz, it's a good place to get curious. My daughter is into a lot of that stuff, it was she who hipped me to the site.

[bertrand]

How much is shipping? What do you guys do about customs?

Thanks,

Bertrand.

[David Ayers]

There are several sellers on amazon.com and one I know of on amazon.uk who do this stuff. It is not like shopping from a list so you have to know what you want and search for it - BUT shipping and duties might come out better. Can work well for single or small orders.

[JohnS]

Used CdJapan on one occasion. Excellent speedy service. Recommended and would use again

[Bol]

I use CDJapan. Well packaged, good customer service, and reasonable shipping costs if you are willing to wait two-four weeks.

Thanks, everyone. I take it that 2-4 weeks is for SAL, and not for Air Mail? The website says that SAL may take up to 12 weeks. I hope that is not usually the case.

[JSngry]

Best bet overall is EMS(? - I forget exactly). It's the second-most pricey option), but things routinely get here in 7-10 days.

Another option is to inquire at Dusty Groove. They have connections for some things and might can get it for you at less price. But that's a BIG lot of ifs.

[romualdo]

I have been using CD Japan regularly for the past 2 years (HMV Japan occasionally)

Excellent service & shipping costs to Australia are very reasonable

Landing the recent "nice price" TOCJ's & Universals (900-1100 yen) for approx Aus 13 dollars

[JSngry]

My daughter says to get the SAL option for shipping, much less expensive, takes 1-3 weeks, tops, usually like a week to ten days.

[JohnS]

About five days from CD Japan to the UK using the airmail option. Added about £6.00 to the price.

[Swinging Swede]

CD Japan and HMV Japan are about equal in price and shipping time in my experience. The biggest difference is that CD Japan takes Paypal whereas HMV Japan wants your credit card details (if that matters to you).

[jlhoots]

Here in the U.S. I use:

http://www.eastwindimport.com

Fast shipping, careful packaging, YMMV with their prices.

[felser]

My daughter says to get the SAL option for shipping, much less expensive, takes 1-3 weeks, tops, usually like a week to ten days.

You are blessed. My daughter says things like "give me the car keys" and "give me some money"!