Marketplace · Core Guide

How to Buy from Rakuma Japan from Overseas

Rakuma (ラクマ) is Rakuten’s flea market — Japan’s second-biggest after Mercari, and often cheaper for the same items. Here’s how to buy from it from overseas.

Quick answer: Rakuma is a fixed-price flea market that sells only to buyers with a Japanese address and payment, so overseas shoppers use a proxy. It’s often slightly cheaper than Mercari with less competition — but Mercari has more stock, so check both.

What Rakuma is

The flea-market app from Rakuten, with the same kinds of used and new goods as Mercari — anime goods, fashion, cards, collectibles — often at lower prices and with fewer buyers competing.

Rakuma vs Mercari

Rakuma usually has lower selling fees and less competition, so items can be cheaper or linger longer; Mercari has more inventory. The smart move: check both (see our comparison).

How to order with a proxy

  1. Find the item and copy the URL.
  2. Send to a proxy for a quote.
  3. Confirm condition (a proxy can ask the seller in Japanese).
  4. Approve, pay, and have it forwarded internationally.

Cost & shipping

Total = item + (domestic shipping) + proxy fee + international shipping + possible customs. Most items are everyday-sized, so shipping is moderate; estimate before buying.

FAQ

Is Rakuma cheaper than Mercari?

Often slightly, with lower fees and less competition — but Mercari has more inventory. Check both.

Does Rakuma ship internationally?

No — Japan-only, so use a proxy.

Do I need Rakuten points?

No — a proxy buys with its own payment; you pay the proxy.

Last updated: June 2026. General info; not affiliated with Rakuten. Verify details before buying.