Lantern — FAQ

How does Lantern work?

Send us a link or a description of what you want and we'll send you an estimate in US dollars, Japanese yen, or a different currency of your choice. When you decide to order, we'll ask for payment via a cash app or by credit card then ship your goods to you. Feel free to request a telephone conversation on WhatsApp if you want to get to know us first.

What kinds of things can you buy for me?

A huge number of things available in Japan. Ask us for cosmetics, vintage games and books, musical instruments, antiques, tea, and more. There may be some older or larger items that cannot be shipped overseas, but we always confirm viability of shipment before accepting payment.

How do I pay?

Securely through PayPal, Stripe, Wise, or by credit card. Payment links are provided once the products and price have been agreed.

How will my order be shipped?

Choose from Yamato, Japan Post (EMS), and DHL. We can provide a protective Pelican case for an extra fee for delicate shipments. We include the cost of shipping in your quote and can consolidate multiple buys into one box to save money.

Lantern will provide proof of shipping and tracking numbers. Also, feel free to ask us about the shipping insurance policies of the company handling your goods.

How much does it cost?

It depends what you want, how much it weighs, and how much travel is involved. So we’ll talk and agree a price together.

Pricing is reasonable and extremely transparent. Reach out by email or WhatsApp and we'll work up a comprehensive estimate that includes the cost of your goods, our reasonable sourcing and handling charge, and the fee for shipping.

In the event of items lost or damaged during shipping, Lantern cannot make refunds but will take every effort to coordinate reimbursement from the shipping company.

How do I get in touch?

Reach us by email at finditforme [at] lanternjapan.com or on WhatsApp at +81 90-7909-1047. Contact details are on the main page, including a QR code you can scan to add us to your WhatsApp. We do not use AI chat bots or any other form of automated reply system, so all your communications will be answered by a human being.