Sending Mail from Japan to the United States: REVISED

EDITED October 29, 2023 to reflect changes which go into effect March 1, 2024. In short, you can no longer handwrite labels for mail outside Japan. While this guide was originally written for those sending mail from Japan to the United States, it now applies to all package destinations.

My original post of the same title became out of date as of January 1, 2021. This necessary update on how to send mail between Japan and the United States (and the rest of the world) is long overdue.

Back in 2018, I sent a couple care packages featuring Japanese snacks via EMS. Prior to 2021, it was possible to walk into a post office, handwrite a label, and send it off to wherever your package was going. As of January 1, 2021, you can no longer handwrite shipping labels for packages shipped from Japan to the United States. As of March 1, 2024, you can no longer handwrite shipping labels any packages shipped from Japan.

Why?

The United States passed the Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Prevention (STOP Act), which required postal services to submit Electronic Advance Data (EAD) before shipment. In other words, foreign post offices must send package data to the U.S. As of January 1, 2021, Japan Post no longer accepts U.S.-addressed packages with handwritten labels. Starting June 12, 2022, Japan Post will no longer accept handwritten labels for European Union destined packages.

In addition, according to the Japan Post, the Universal Postal Union requires transmission of Electronic Advance Data (EAD) as of January 1, 2021. Starting March 1, 2024, Japan Post will no longer accept packages with handwritten labels as they lack EAD.

How to Send Mail from Japan to the Unites States Post 2021

Step 1: Create an account with Japan Post’s International Mail My-Page: This is where you will be able to create international shipping labels using EMS. If you already have an account, you can simply log in.

Step 2: Click on “Create New Labels”

Step 3: Enter your information under “Select a Sender.” This is where you will enter your Japanese address in English. You can save this info for future use, as well. Once you’ve completed this step, click “Next.”

Step 4: Enter your recipient’s information under “Select a Recipient.” Here, you will enter your recipient’s address. You can also save their information here. Once you’ve finished, click “Next.”

Step 5: Select your shipping method and declare your items under “Register The Contents.” If you’re sending goods (such as a box of KitKats), select “EMS (Goods.).” When you’re sending documents, such as IRS Form 4868, select “EMS (Documents.) If you’re sending goods, this is where you will enter the value of your items in a currency of choice, their weight, and a brief description of the items you’re sending. Make sure you enter the correct quantity as well. When entering price, price reflects per unit of the item. Once finished, confirm that you are not sending dangerous goods, then click “Next.”

Woah, You’re Halfway There!

Step 6: Register your shipment info before sending. You will need to select the day you will ship your package, as well as the amount of packages you will be sending (usually one). If you have a scale, you can weigh your total items and enter their weight in grams here. The portal will calculate your postage fee and you will pay online. If you don’t know your item’s weight, or don’t own a scale, you can go to the Post Office and they will take care of it for you. In that case, you simply pay at the Post Office. Once you’ve completed these steps, click “Next.”

Step 7: Review everything and make sure all information is correct. If there are any mistakes, you can correct them here. Once everything is correct, click “Register Shipment.”

Step 8: Print (or Download) your label. If you’d prefer, you can print out a QR code with your shipment’s info. If you choose this option, the Post Office will print your label for you.

Step 9: Click on Complete, and you’re all set.

Step 10: Bring your label (or QR Code) to the Post Office, along with your items, to drop off for shipment. If you did not pay online, you can pay your postage here. If you need packaging, you can buy it at the post office as well. You will be asked to sign a few documents and given copies of your receipts. Afterwards, the Post Office will take your item, and off it goes!

How Long Does It Take To Send Mail From Japan to the United States?

It depends on what you shipped and how you shipped it. For example, many JETs send bulky belongings via boat mail, which takes about 1-3 months to ship. If you use regular post, your items may take a month to ship. EMS is the fastest (and most reliable) option, and in 2018, it took about five days to send items between Japan and the United States. Due to supply chain issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, EMS shipments have taken 3-4 weeks to arrive to their destinations. This is because most EMS shipments are flown by air, and due to a lack of flights between Japan and the United States.

I am happy to report that as of 2023, EMS shipments take about 7-10 days to ship between Japan and the United States.

Conclusion

EMS remains the simplest, most reliable method for shipping goods and documents from Japan to the United States. Due to recent regulatory changes in the U.S. (and soon the EU), labels must now be created online. Hey, fine by me, it gives me an excuse to write for my blog!