Package stuck in Japan, need some help

[Tim Evans]

I am looking for a reference to a reliable agent residing in Japan that can help me with a shipping problem. I bought a kozuka with a kogatana blade attached using Buyee. Buyee only uses DHL for international shipping (Japan to US in this case) however, DHL will not ship a "knife" internationally, so I need to find an alternative. I am thinking have Buyee ship to an agent in Japan, who will then ship the package to me. So, does anyone have a recommendation for someone, preferably a native English speaker or very fluent, that I can contact for this service? 

 

Thank you in advance for your input!

 

Tim Evans

[anguilla1980]

I wish you luck on finding a proxy in Japan. For shipping, you will need to use UPS, as of today, that's the best option.

[atm]

I recommend contacting Robert Hughes. He lives in Kamakura and he’s @Keichodo.

[ROKUJURO]

I have made the best experience with Kelly Schmidt:  

                  kschmidt1127@gmail.com

[Lewis B]

Or Paul Kremers (Tsuba.info) or Pablo Kuntz (Unique Japan)

[John C]

5 hours ago, Tim Evans said:

DHL will not ship a "knife" internationally

Tim:

This blurb from DHL's website discussing the things they ship suggests they will ship a knife. I wonder if labeling it as "cutlery" would change anything. 

 

 

Kappabashi

Kappabashi shopping street, located near Ueno Park in Tokyo, is often called "Kitchen Town." This unique district appeals to professional chefs, restaurant owners, and food enthusiasts seeking authentic and professional-grade culinary tools. It offers a wide and diverse range of specialized equipment not easily found elsewhere.

What is Kappabashi famous for?

Specialized, Fragile, and Heavy Items: This includes hand-forged knives (Hōchō), high-quality ceramics, and lacquerware. These goods require careful international shipping from Japan due to their fragility and significant value.

Realistic Food Samples (Sampuru): The street is famous for these highly detailed models. While not heavy, their detailed and delicate nature means they require extensive protective packaging when shipping.

 

John C.

[Tensho]

Did EMS stop again? I had a koshirae, and 2 tsuba shipped to me without issue within the last 2 months.

[The Forest Ninja]

Buyee is weird at times. Been ordering regularly almost for about 2 years.

Sometimes some items aren't allowed and yet the same type item from another

Buyee vendor is allowed. I've had this issue with JNats and Tamahagane.

[Tim Evans]

The rejection of the package seems to be with DHL rather than Buyee. From the DHL website under Hazardous Goods and Unacceptable Shipments: 

 

For our domestic network, switchblade knives (defined by USPS as knives that open automatically via a button, inertia, or gravity); all knives for international shipment due to import restrictions in many destinations and transit countries.

 

Caught me by surprise since Buyee did not seem to have a problem with buying it.