In every field of interest there is a growing number of subscription boxes. You pay a certain amount (generally every month), and the company sends you a box of random products. Some companies have a pool of merchandise so that there is some variety, while others have a specific package so that all who order that box will get the exact same thing. Food, dog toys, tech items — if you’re interested in something, chances are, someone has made a mystery box of it.
For anime fans, there are essentially four main categories: food, anime, geek, and kawaii/culture. Food is self-explanatory, sending international fans some of the treats Japan has to offer. Anime boxes usually contain a range of merchandise from several series, often centered around a monthly theme. Geek boxes gathers other Western media along with video games. The last group includes general or a specific type of Japanese merchandise (fashion, stationary, etc.), often focusing on cute or fun items.
So where can you get a monthly dose of Japan? You might be familiar with some places, but I’ve compiled a list of these subscription offerings below.
Please keep these things in mind:
- This is not an endorsement of any of these retailers nor does this list provide any reviews.
- Depending on when you sign up, it could be a month before you receive your first box.
- Most places will ship internationally (and some will ship anywhere for free), but some countries may be excluded.
- Lots of subscription places pop up, and lots go out of business. I’ve tried to vet these and weeded out many defunct places that appear on Google or other lists. Keep track of your subscriptions and make sure to file a claim with your credit card or PayPal account if the seller suddenly stops communicating or the company goes under.
- Prices below show the range from the lowest possible price to the highest possible price. Many of the lowest prices shown are smaller versions of their main boxes and require a multi-month subscription to get that price.
- It’s up to you to balance the subscription savings versus the hassle of trying to get your money back if the seller disappears.
- You can view samples of boxes on their website or search places like YouTube. Keep in mind many reviewers received a free or discounted box to be an ambassador for the brand.
- Factor in shipping costs. Some places are very reasonable while others push it out of “about the same price as going to the movies” to “too much to risk” territory.
- Even though places claim you are getting a great value, remember that you are also most likely going to get items you have no interest in or could find cheaper elsewhere. You can’t put a price on the fun of opening up a mystery box though, and you may discover new tastes or interests that you wouldn’t have tried otherwise.
- Be aware that several other Japanese-inspired boxes feature fanmade or unofficial merchandise.
- Most stores will sell back crates or individual items through their online stores. This may be a better option for many fans, but you run the risk of it selling out.
- If you are a new subscriber, search for any coupons or offers to lower the price. Most places will offer a discount to lure you in. Companies may also send coupons to returning subscribers, so you may want to keep receiving emails in case you want to start up your subscription again.
On to the list!
Table of Contents
- Akibento
- Anime Bento
- Bokksu
- Boxychan
- Comic Realm
- EsianMall
- Gacha Crate
- Gotta Catch ‘Em All Monthly
- Japan Candy Box
- Japan Crate
- Kawaii Box
- Kizuna Box
- Loot Anime
- Loot Crate Sanrio
- Lootaku
- Manga Spice Cafe
- My Geek Box
- My Japan Box
- Neko Box
- Oyatsubox
- Pop in a Box
- Q Box
- Skoshbox
- Tokyotreat
- Tokyotrove
- The Otaku Box
Akibento
Type: Anime
Cost: $26 to $26.95 month
Shipping: $6
Each Akibento delivery features a selection of anime merchandise, some exclusive to Akibento.
Anime Bento
Type: Anime, Food
Cost: $30 to $35 month
Shipping: $7+
Anime Bento boxes contain a mixture of anime merchandise and food products. You can also buy Chibi Bento for $20 to get some previous items.
Bokksu
Type: Food
Cost: $16 to $39 a month
Shipping: Free
Bokkusu includes tea and snacks every month.
Boxychan
Type: Anime, Geek, Kawaii/Culture
Cost: $25 a month
Shipping: Free
Boxychan offers several subscriptions, including an anime-themed one. Their mystery boxes and gift sets which feature even more themes like Final Fantasy and Gudetama. If you are buying one of these options, then there’s a $5.99 shipping fee.
Comic Realm
Type: Anime, Geek
Cost: $18.32 to $149.99 a month
Shipping: $4.99
While Comic Realm focuses on English comics, their cheapest option can include manga.
EsianMall
Type: Anime, Geek, Kawaii/Culture
Cost: $13.95 to $24.95 a month
Shipping: Free
EsianMall gives you a quiz when you sign up so that they can try to cater to your preferences.
Gacha Crate
Type: Anime, Kawaii/Culture
Cost: $20 to $41 a month
Shipping: $6 to $12
Gacha Crate, as its name implies, sends subscribers several different capsule toys each month. There’s a cute (kawaii) and a cool (kakkoii) version, or you can buy both.
Gotta Catch ‘Em All Monthly
Type: Anime, Kawaii/Culture
Cost: $15.57 to $49.99 a month
Shipping: $7+
Featuring Pokémon goodies, if you choose any level besides the Mini Box, you can select the target age range and gender to help customize your box.
Japan Candy Box
Type: Food
Cost: $17.90 to $19.90 a month
Shipping: Free
Run by Blippo Kawaii Shop, Japan Candy Box centers around candies and sweets.
Japan Crate
Type: Food, Kawaii/Culture
Cost: $22.50 a month to $30 a month
Shipping: Free
Japan Crate has a few options, including a beauty box. Their Doki Doki Crate made news after sending out bootleg merchandise in 2016, but they have switched suppliers.
Kawaii Box
Type: Kawaii/Culture
Cost: $17.90 to $19.90 a month
Shipping: Free
Also run by Blippo Kawaii Shop, Kawaii Box features cute items from Sanrio and other goodies from Japan and Korea.
Kizuna Box
Type: Food, Kawaii/Culture
Cost: $13.75 to $34.99 a month
Shipping: $13
Kizuna Box includes 100% made-in-Japan snacks or homegoods.
Loot Anime
Type: Anime
Cost: $25.95 to $28.95 a month
Shipping: $5.00
Loot Anime features a lot of exclusive items, the theme changing each month. Crunchyroll Premium subscribers get a $5 a month discount.
Loot Crate Sanrio
Type: Kawaii/Culture
Cost: $35.99 to $39.99 quarterly
Shipping: $5.00
Run by the same company as Loot Anime, their Sanrio Crate comes out every three months.
Lootaku
Type: Geek
Cost: $42.83 to $44.99 a month
Shipping: $14.18
Unlike most of these other offerings, Lootaku is not limited to Japanese merchandise.
Manga Spice Cafe
Type: Anime, Food
Cost: $36 a month
Shipping: $3.95
This box includes three English-language Volume 1’s of different manga and some snacks. Manga Spice Cafe also includes a mini-guide with author information. PayPal is the only accepted payment method.
My Geek Box
Type: Geek
Cost: $16.99 to $28.99 a month
Shipping: Free
This is another mixed box, and My Geek Box also has a kids version for younger fans.
My Japan Box
Type: Anime, Food, Kawaii/Culture
Cost: $25 a month to $99 a crate
Shipping: Free
My Japan Box has several options. You can subscribe to selection options as often as once a month or buy one-time deluxe packages. They have food, general merchandise, and anime themed boxes.
Neko Box
Type: Kawaii/Culture
Cost: $35.99 to $41.99 a month
Shipping: $12 – $18
Unlike most other subscriptions listed here, Neko Box bundles ceramics and housewares. They also offer a stationary-filled box starting at $17.50 + $5.50 shipping.
Oyatsubox
Type: Food
Cost: $29.99 a month
Shipping: Free
Shipping twice a month, Oyatsubox includes Japanese snacks centered around a theme and one capsule toy.
Pop in a Box
Type: Geek
Cost: $9.99 to $94.99 a month
Shipping: $3.99
Each month, Pop in a Box will send you one to twelve Funko POP figures not in your collection by giving POPs thumbs up/down. Their animation package can include anime POPs.
Q Box
Type: Anime, Kawaii/Culture
Cost: $22.95 to $24.95 a month
Shipping: $5
Q Box often features Disney merchandise along with anime and Japanese characters.
Skoshbox
Type: Food
Cost: $10.84 to $35 a month
Shipping: Free
Skoshbox has teamed up with Tokyo Otaku Mode, so subscribers will earn TOM points and coupons the longer they’re subscribed.
TokyoTreat
Type: Food
Cost: $22.50 to $35 a month
Shipping: Free
TokyoTreat has two levels, but only the Premium box includes a snack featuring anime characters.
TokyoTrove
Type: Food, Kawaii/Culture
Cost: $9.58 to $34 a month
Shipping: Free
The main TokyoTrove boxes has a full and a mini version, but they also offer a T-shirt and food option. They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
The Otaku Box
Type: Anime
Cost: $34.95 to $99.95 a month
Shipping: $5
Boxes are not themed. Subscribers vote for series to receive merchandise. Upgrading subscriptions get more personalization and the possibility of requesting hentai merchandise.