Rakuten had the one-day-special “Free Delivery to USA Campaign” two weeks ago. You only could order from the “shops” that provide international shipping. The orders had to be lighter than 30 kg and with length and 1.5 meters in length and 2.75 in circumference. I ordered some “Osenbei” which Lisa had requested. I wanted to get some Japanese books, but I couldn’t find any good one. Even though I found something I wanted to buy, unfortunately the shops did not accept the American issued credit cards. Also, there was a miscommunication between the shops and Rakuten, some shops said they would charge me normal shipping fee which is ridiculously high. My package left Aomori,Japan on Saturday 22:56 (Japan time) and arrived at our front door Tuesday 10:30am (USA NY time) It was so quick! Japan Post office has a speedy service
My purchase was 6,400yen ( $79 + services fee Credit card company charged ) The shipment cost was 11,800 yen ($146) which Rauten swallowed.
Unless it’s “Free Delivery”, I won’t buy something like “osenbei” for shipment to US, but I would shop at Rakuten and ship them to my parent’s home in Japan and bring them back when I visit my parents.
So what Rakuten gets out from this campaign? I’m not sure, but it seems a little short of declaring a war against Amazon. They are doing a good job taking over some Japanese costumers from Amazon Japan. (You can find“Amazon ro Rauten; Jump to Rakuten product page easily from Amazon product page“at the chrome Web store. )