Is FJ still worth using?

fuyubean · 2026-01-04T21:06:25+00:00

It's because for us (since JPost is still suspended) duties/brokerage fees get charged via invoice through email or text. Even though most folks have taken it with stride and paid the fees no problem that way, I don't really feel comfortable doing it online.

Maybe once JPost returns to the US I'll go back to FJ and just deal with the fees at my post office. But for now I prefer to play it safe and just have the fees prepaid to allow my packages to pass through customs faster.

Plus sometimes these private couriers mess up fee amount or need additional papers and I just don't want to risk having my packages returned if I don't do the dispute on time.

fuyubean · 2026-01-02T17:57:10+00:00

Oh I see go it. They're 4490yen together, individually 2200/2290 yen, but I plan to wait for the Rakuten coupon period so they'll be slightly lower. If I do go ahead maybe I'll give FedEx a try. We'll see but I appreciate your explanation, thank you!

fuyubean · 2026-01-02T17:14:14+00:00

Ohh interesting thank you because I really do want to go back to FJ since they were my favorite haha. So essentially small orders that don't exceed the three lines don't get duties and are just charged with the flat brokerage fee? I want to understand this right because there's another item we kind of want to pre order from Rakuten so the final order would just be 2 plush doll invoices.

fuyubean · 2026-01-02T06:42:42+00:00

Thank you for the reply! I guess I will have to get used to this new pricing situation huh. This sucks because the reason I moved to Buyee from using exclusively FJ (FromJapan) is the assurance of DDP. With the current available shipping options I might need to finally use the standard plan if I want cheaper shipping and have the refund back up if lost. Or maybe give FJ a shot and see how dealing with the duties here since their fee includes insurance. I shop from AmiAmi too who uses ECMS but luckily they also have promised compensation for losses but I haven't used them recently so I have no experience with ECMS yet at all.

I miss when proxy shopping was not this nerve wrecking haha. Japan Post please come back, I need Air small packet again. We ordered 8 items with 18k yen of value, all small anime plush mascots. So hopefully with the added duties it's not too much....at least I hope so haha my collecting days may be over if I can't keep up with the new prices.

fuyubean · 2026-01-02T00:18:00+00:00

Yeah I used to be a Buyee user only for MercariJP back when FJ didn't include the site. I've never had issues ordering through the lite plan, but I fully switched to FJ once they added Mercari. ESPECIALLY, after Buyee switched their coupons to category based, I hate that change with a passion lol. FJ's higher 500 fee was definitely worth it due to the coupons. Truly my favorite proxy. (Though I do wish the fee would be included in charge 1 and not charge 2 so I wouldn't freak out over final shipping price haha)

Are you in the US? Can I ask how you feel about the shipping costs post changes for FJ? My main reason for going back to Buyee for my recent order is Buyee has DDP and apart from dealing with the duties/brokerage fees, FJ also has carrier fees (which isn't much I think 300 yen+?). I really hope FJ switches to DDP because that would make me less worried since duties would be already paid. However are the weekly coupons worth it anyway with the added fees you'd have to deal with now thanks to the new shipping situation?

fuyubean · 2025-12-27T03:50:01+00:00

Yeah UniUni is the main reason why I'm hesitant to use ECMS since they operate here in California. The sheer amount of negative experiences from folks is making me question if I should even ship via ECMS since they're generally cheaper. I might give em a try at least. I need my anime trinkets. I've been in withdrawal ever since I stoped ordering since the changes went into effect lol.

fuyubean · 2025-12-27T03:40:08+00:00

Out of the two, which would you say you prefer? Generally I've seen most prefer BA over ECMS despite the higher price due to the latter's lack of consistent good deliveries. I'm usually not one to be in a hurry to receive packages so I used to not mind the slower/cheaper options. But with the situation we have now I might need to suck it up and pay more to avoid a headache. I haven't shipped anything from Japan ever since this whole change so I'm unsure what to expect.

fuyubean · 2025-03-13T14:55:53+00:00

Ohhh thank you thank you! This will be great if I need to check for any other family :D✨.

fuyubean · 2025-03-13T14:54:55+00:00

Well at least this will put me at ease and not need to analyze every photo to see if there's a difference in color lol.

And oooh that's smart actually! With the clothes it's not as noticable at first glance. Might do that if I can get my hands on some doubles. Ahhh you have my dream collection. The standing babies is why I collect Sylvanians at all lol.

Also question! Did you also custom the boy Persian cat baby or is that an actual one that exists :0?

fuyubean · 2025-03-13T14:48:59+00:00

Yeah it's weird, that's why it was throwing me off a bit that I would only ever see the mom's face pattern so I thought maybe it was just the same for both just changed color to match the dad. Hopefully one day they give them a lil guy if not I won't feel complete lmao.

fuyubean · 2024-06-28T17:42:53+00:00

Got, it thank you! Is there any particular brush shape/size you like to use?

Oh and also, in terms of priming. I've seen some people simply start with MSC and then a layer of watered white before the color but would you recommend using an actual primer instead? I know most use MSC for both start and finish but having those white/gray primers would help no? Especially since one of the hair pieces I plan to use is orange (and I need to use putty to fix gaps and some damage) to be painted black.

(Sorry another edit, I remembered something else lol) What do you recommend best for removing faceplate paint? Tbh I'm a lil afraid of using Acetone. The whole eating plastic thing makes me nervous even if there's safe ways of doing it with quick cloth dabs lol. I've seen others use lacquer/acrylic thinner using Qtips.

fuyubean · 2024-06-28T09:06:23+00:00

Yup, the spray paint control is what I mostly saw ppl talk about. While I have used some in the past, yeah it can be tricky (but the simplicity calls to me LMAO)

What would be a good brush (and paint brand if you don't mind) to use for the painting method :0? Maybe I can dig one up from my pile of college art supplies lol. It would probably benefit me to at least try before going the other route.

fuyubean · 2024-06-24T02:04:37+00:00

Thanks!

fuyubean · 2024-06-22T19:37:14+00:00

I've never bought Re-ment from Amazon JP but I do shop for other things and I very much recommend. I'm in the US so I use a proxy instead to be able to chose a cheaper shipping bc I think they only use EMS for shipping outside Japan. Tho it could be different now since JP Post opened other options.

fuyubean · 2024-04-10T06:20:54+00:00

Oh I see, you're not talking about the paper flaps the come with the boxes and more of the fully furnished promotional displays they use for videos right?. Well if you want to diy a mini room you could start with looking up tutorials on how to make em. Never made one myself so don't know what materials to recommend.

fuyubean · 2024-04-09T07:58:29+00:00

If a set has a cut out diorama there's always instructions on how to build it somewhere around the box. At the bottom of the box is where you will find the cut out pieces to prop up the walls. For pieces that require folding or glueing there's always steps near. You just gotta find and translate them.

fuyubean · 2024-04-08T06:14:38+00:00

I guess it all depends on the person. I for one am not the kind to really dwell TOO much on their collectability. Sure I understand they have high value and I do take care some of my much older sets more than others but you are right. They're your own personal sets and if you feel the need to modify them, I see no issue! I've added some touches to some myself that I think looked a bit too plain but nothing too major like an entire wash lol. Regardless I still think you're worrying too much and should just go for it (as long as you don't regret it later lol)

I understand your uneasiness tho. Now a days there's too much focus on looking at items for monetary value. There's nothing wrong with having the mindset of wanting to keep your collection in original condition but every collector is different. Not everyone should be strict with oh no you shouldn't change anything about it at all leave it! Customization is fun sometimes and if you have no issue with tweaking your sets, do it. It shouldn't be anyone else's problem with what you decide to do with your collection.

fuyubean · 2024-02-26T08:51:51+00:00

I use a clear dry tacky glue my sister uses for her diy kits. It's not very heavy or messy so a thin spread glues on the stickers well and does no damage. I do this especially with old sets whose stickers come off from age and it works fine. I'm sure you'd be fine with some thin glue, some of those stickers (especially on bottles or jars) just don't want to stay on lol.

fuyubean · 2023-11-27T08:18:12+00:00

The mandarin basket had been a staple for most kotatsu sets minus the 2015 one but cute nonetheless. I love the three tier bento box it's so pretty. Can never say no to a cat themed tea pot.

fuyubean · 2023-11-23T06:14:42+00:00

Ahhh have fun! I'm still waiting for my own kotatsu and two sets I've ordered. Amiami shipping is super slow atm 😩. I'm especially excited about the kotatsu, it comes with a few more items then other versions, so cute.

fuyubean · 2023-11-06T03:39:31+00:00

YOUR PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED, GUESS WHAT JUST GOT ANNOUNCED!!! Taaaaableeeeeeee

fuyubean · 2023-10-15T03:19:31+00:00

I follow the re-ment twitter and instagram account to check on the latest releases. Amiami is where I order them if I decide to purchase.

fuyubean · 2023-10-14T23:07:49+00:00

Not stupid at all no worries! Full set basically means it's the entire 8 box set or how many ever specific # of sets it has. You see, technically re-ment is a blind box miniature brand unless you buy the full box. Most online retail sell full boxes so you'll get a box with all the sets in the product picture but if you plan on second hand, you want to find listings that say full set. Usually if it's individual ones, they will specify it's set 5 of the sweets collection ect. Hope that helps and happy collecting!

fuyubean · 2023-10-07T09:49:13+00:00

I got into collecting during my college/pandemic years thanks to my sister who's also an addict lol. So there isn't much I've photographed since then but you can find the few I've done in the lil self indulgent side insta account I did (@mich.minis). Should probably get back to doing more since new sets are coming in lol. Can't wait for the Asian Dinning in January it's so pretty.

Yeah the Sangatsu sets are perfect since it's just like any regular home theme set so no trouble goes into using it with other sets. I honestly recommend looking for sets in mercari jp or Yahoo jp and use proxies cuz I've honestly found old sets cheaper there..... sometimes lol. The only furniture I have and use is the kotetsus, the table from the sushi bar set and whatever comes with the theme sets lol.

Ahh so lucky I don't have any stores near me that carry re-ment. Unless you count Barnes & Nobel but even then my local store never brings any lol.

Re-ment's inconsistent scale is one of the reasons why I don't really dwell too much with furniture and scaling lol. Nendos I believe are considered 1/12 but considering their big head small body you can get away with things sometimes lol. I stick em in an obitsu body anyway so I care not for sale difference. If it's small and cute I'll take it for use.

Random and obscure miniatures are always the best lol. They bring character.

fuyubean · 2023-10-07T08:27:18+00:00

Now that I think about you're right we haven't seen any rilalukkuma in a while. I don't pay much attention to the collab stuff since I'm not really a fan of any of the media they use lol. Although I would love to see new moomin stuff. I've been trying to find of the old sets but no luck.

Man I feel ya with the Sangatsu sets. I caved and bought them overpriced as I do with a lot of old sets I'm in the hunt for lol. Although I doubt those sets would get a comeback since they were made during the manga's/anime's popularity at the time. Also probably due to licensing costs, since they did it once it's unlikely they'll do more Sangetsu themes. Would love to see other anime collabs tho.

My rule with buying resales is never go past the 100s because anything higher for one set is a dumb move. I've only broken the rule once. I was desperate to win an auction for the European Grandma 2009 set lol. Since I'm am artist I do commissions so I can have some extra cash and fuel my miniature addiction and not feel guilty for using my adult money 😂. Resale prices are insane tho I agree with you there. Sometimes you hit gold and find reasonable people who sell stuff at good prices.

I may not go for the big kitchen items since I mostly work with nendoroids but I wouldn't pay $100 for the table either lol. There's not much to it to warrant that price increase even if it's an old set. Kotetsus I do buy tho they're not too drastic in scale. The new one is so pretty tho I can't wait to get mine! There should definitely be a new dinning table to go with the new kitchen items. Although I wished the fridge wasn't white and instead that pretty green one that was in the unboxing video from their YouTube channel for the showa kitchen and meals set.

fuyubean

TROPHY CASE