How to Buy from Book Off Outside Japan
Cheap Anime Figures, Games, and Japanese Second-Hand Deals
If you’re into anime, manga, or Japanese games, you’ve probably heard of Book Off. For many collectors in Japan, it’s one of the first places to check when looking for affordable figures, used games, or unexpected finds.
The problem for international fans is simple: Book Off is designed for Japan. It doesn’t support international shipping, and its online store is aimed at local customers.
In this guide, we’ll explain what Book Off is, why it’s great for cheap anime figures and game software, and how you can buy from Book Off outside Japan using a simple and practical approach.
For readers who are mainly interested in brand-new anime figures or pre-order releases, stores like AmiAmi may be a better option. Book Off focuses on second-hand items and discounted finds, while AmiAmi specializes in new products.
Read more: Anime Figures from AmiAmi Japan: The Ultimate Guide
What Is Book Off?
Book Off is one of Japan’s largest second-hand retail chains. While it originally focused on used books, it has grown into a nationwide network of stores selling a wide range of pre-owned items.
Today, Book Off stores commonly sell:
- Manga and light novels
- Anime figures and character goods
- Video game software and consoles
- CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays
Because items are bought directly from customers, prices are often much lower than buying new — especially for older releases or items no longer in production.
Why Book Off Is Great for Cheap Anime Figures and Games
Book Off is popular with collectors for one main reason: value.
Cheap anime figures at Book Off
For collectors who care more about display and collection than packaging, this can mean significant savings. That’s why many fans specifically look for cheap anime figures at Book Off Japan instead of mainstream online stores.
Used Japanese game software
Book Off is also well known for its selection of used game soft, including:
- PlayStation titles
- Nintendo Switch games
- Nintendo 3DS and DS software
- retro game titles
Japanese game versions are often priced lower than international releases, making Book Off a popular choice for buyers searching for used Japanese games at lower prices.
What You Can Buy at Book Off
While anime figures and games are the main focus for many international buyers, Book Off offers much more.
Popular categories include:
- Anime figures & character goods
- Video game software
- Manga (Japanese language)
- Art books and magazines
- CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays
It’s also worth mentioning that anime figures in Japan are sometimes distributed across different second-hand chains. While Book Off does carry figures, some collectible and hobby-focused items are more commonly found in related stores such as Hard Off or Hobby Off.
Manga is also a core part of what Book Off is known for. Many stores carry a wide selection of second-hand manga volumes, often priced much lower than new copies. For readers who are comfortable with Japanese editions, this can be an affordable way to explore long-running series or pick up individual volumes.
If you’re interested in exploring other second-hand platforms, our guide on buying from Lashinbang Japan offers more detail.
Read more: How to Buy from Lashinbang Japan Online
How to Buy from Book Off Outside Japan
Here’s the key thing international buyers need to know:
Book Off does not ship internationally.
To buy from Book Off outside Japan, most people use a Japanese proxy shopping service.
Buying from Book Off with Remambo
Step 1: Go to Book Off Online
Visit the official Book Off online store and browse available items.
Step 2: Search for items
Use the search bar or browse categories to find what you’re looking for, such as anime figures or game software.
The Book Off website is primarily in Japanese, but most international buyers use the built-in browser translation feature to navigate the site.
Step 3: Copy the product link and tell Remambo what to buy
Once you’ve found an item you want to purchase, open the product page and copy its URL.
To do this:
- Click on the address bar of your browser
- Press Ctrl + A to select the full URL
- Press Ctrl + C to copy it
Next, go to the Remambo Special Order Form.
Paste the copied link into the “Item URL” field by clicking inside the box and pressing Ctrl + V.
Add any notes if needed (for example, quantity or preferences), then submit the request.
Step 4: Pay for the order from your Remambo account page
Step 5: Consolidate and choose shipping method
You will receive a notification from us when your package is at the Remambo warehouse. From that moment, we can consolidate several of your orders together or repack the package if it is too big or fragile. Choose which items you would like to ship together, select shipping method and delivery address.
Step 6: Pay international shipping cost
We will quickly ship the parcel to you. All our shipping methods have tracking numbers. Please wait for the parcel arrival.
Buying from Book Off can feel confusing at first, especially if you’ve never used a proxy service. With Remambo, there’s no need to deal with language barriers or Japan-only checkout
Read also: Yahoo Shopping Japan international guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Book Off ship internationally?
No. Book Off only ships within Japan. International buyers need a proxy service.
Can foreigners buy from Book Off?
Yes, but a Japanese address or proxy service is required to complete the purchase.
Is Book Off only for books?
No. Despite the name, Book Off sells anime figures, games, and various second-hand items.
Are prices always cheap?
Not always, but many used figures and game titles are noticeably cheaper than buying new.
Final Thoughts
Book Off is one of those places where patience and curiosity are often rewarded. Whether you’re browsing for affordable anime figures, exploring used Japanese game software, or simply enjoying second-hand shopping, it offers opportunities that many international buyers overlook.
While Book Off itself isn’t designed for overseas customers, that limitation is easy to work around. With the right approach and a reliable proxy service, shopping from Book Off outside Japan becomes straightforward and accessible — opening the door to Japan’s second-hand market and the deals it has to offer.
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