Amazon Japan: How To Shop in English | 10 Things To Know To Shop on Amazon Japan in English – Japan Truly
Here’s everything you need to know about how to shop in English on Amazon Japan. Read on to find the guide to Amazon Japan: How to shop in English.
Amazon is an online marketplace that everybody is well aware of. This website really needs no introduction. Amazon Japan is known to provide a variety of services to its customers in Japan that include shopping, Prime Video, delivery options, Amazon Music, and more.
For a foreigner, using Amazon Japan may seem to be quite overwhelming because the page loads up in Japanese. However, if you do not know, Amazon Japan gives you the option of displaying the pages in English.
Continue reading and I will tell you how you can use Amazon Japan and how you can shop in English. Make the most out of your Amazon Japan account by following this guide.
How to Shop in English on Amazon Japan
Adjusting Language And Currency Settings on Amazon Japan
The default Amazon Japan page when you first visit it is in Japanese. This is because the language setting has automatically been set depending on the location. Fortunately, it is extremely easy to change the navigation account settings into Japanese. However, this does not change or translate the product descriptions and reviews. You will have to do those individually.
To change the language settings, you have two options. The first option is to go to the flag icon on top of the website. The second option is to scroll down to the bottom of the page and find the language and country settings.
In both of these options, you get the option to change the language from Japanese to English in the language menu. There are also certain pages or services that allow you to toggle currencies. This is an option that lets your credit card be charged either in Japanese Yen or your home currency. This is extremely helpful if you have a Credit Card that has high foreign transaction fees.
Here are the steps that you can follow:
- Go to Your Account.
- Under Settings, click on Change Language Settings.
- On the language settings page, click on the radio button 日本語 , English, or 简体中文, then save your changes.
When you are logged into the website with the language you have selected, it becomes the default language for your browsing and shopping experience. You will also be able to receive communications from Amazon Japan in your preferred language. However, as mentioned before, there are certain features for messaging that may not be available in English.
Certain products may also not have the language switching functions for multilingual users manuals. If you would like to confirm any detail about the product, you can directly contact the manufacturer.
Searching for Products on Amazon Japan in English
You may think that using Amazon Japan to search for your products can be extremely overwhelming because everything is in Japanese. Yes, it can be difficult to use this service to find out the product that you want. Here are the options that you can try to make the search easier:
Search for the Product on Amazon Japan in English
It is possible that the product you are looking for will appear even when you are searching in English. This is especially true if what you are looking for is a Western item. Since these items usually have English names, searching for them is extremely easy.
Use the Google Translate To Translate Amazon Product name From Japanese To English
Google Translate has its own limitations so this option is more of a hit-and-miss method. However, it is definitely worth trying. If you are trying to look for a product or a brand name, you can always try translating the name using the Google Translate option.
Ask Family Friends or Colleagues to Provide a Translation
This is the most successful way of finding out the product name or brand name. You can explain exactly what you are looking for to your family or friends and they will give you the proper translation. With this method, you can easily search for what you want on Amazon Japan.
Search by the Product Number on Amazon Japan
If the product that you are looking for is listed on your home country’s Amazon site, you will easily be able to search the same on Amazon Japan using the product number. This method occasionally works, however, it is also possible that you may not be able to find the product since many sellers change the product number based on the country. This is again a hit-and-miss method that may or may not work.
Ask a Forum for the Best Search Phrase for a Product on Amazon Japan
If everything else fails and you are still not able to find the product, you can always enter an expat forum group on Facebook. You can use these groups to figure out the best search phrase for the product you are looking for.
Creating an Account on Amazon Japan
Creating an account on Amazon Japan may be slightly different from the one on amazon.com. For example, on the Japanese signup page, you will be asked to provide your name’s pronunciation much like any official Japanese document that you may have filled out, such as at the bank.
However, the one easy thing about filling up your name on Amazon Japan is that you can simply type out the name in English characters without trying to type it in katakana.
You can also add your International address to the account if you would like the order to be shipped to your home country. However, international shipping is extremely expensive because Amazon Japan uses the services of standard courier service providers like DHL and FedEx.
Picking up Amazon Japan Packages at a Convenience Store
Before we begin, a very important thing to note is that you must pick up your package from the convenience store within 7 days or the store will return it back to Amazon.
One of the great features provided by Amazon Japan is that you can simply have your package is delivered to your nearest convenience store. This is a great option if you are going on a domestic trip or if you need your order to be sent to a remote area that the courier services do not have access to. There are, however, a few drawbacks to the service that includes the following:
- Make sure that your purchase is small because the convenience store will have limited storage space.
- Try to make sure that you are buying most of the products from the same Amazon seller so that multiple items can be boxed and sent together.
If you would like your parcel to be delivered to your nearest convenience store, proceed to Amazon Japan’s checkout page as you normally would, and next to your shipping address you will find an option to choose a pickup location.
If you still have not added in your default shipping address, then change the option to choose a new store. Firstly, you will have to choose the prefecture or city and then your desired pickup location from the convenience stores that are unlisted.
Depending on the area, you may find multiple options to choose from so be very precise when you are selecting your prefecture or city. Once you have selected your desired store, you can simply complete the process as you normally would do.
It is also quite easy to pick up the package at the convenience store. Take a screenshot of the confirmation code and tracking number that was emailed to you by Amazon Japan. You can also get the same by your order section on your Amazon Japan account.
At the convenience store, you will need to enter this information at a touchscreen terminal or show the same to the store clerk who will then help you with the pickup process.
Guide to Amazon Japan Services
In addition to Amazon Prime, Amazon Japan provides its customers with these three other services
- Amazon Fresh
- Amazon Prime Video
- Amazon Prime Music
For Prime members, shipping is free. This is a very convenient way to make sure that your orders are delivered to you at an affordable cost.
Amazon Fresh
Amazon Fresh is a grocery service that helps to deliver fresh food right to your doorstep. The orders can be delivered in as little time as two hours, which makes it perfect if you are a very busy person. You can add items to your cart at your own leisure and schedule a delivery time that is perfect for you.
Amazon Prime Video and Music
The other services provided by Amazon Japan include Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Music. Amazon Prime video contains shows and movies from third-party media as well as Amazon Prime originals that you can watch. Amazon Prime Video also contains a huge number of titles that you can enjoy at a minimum subscription cost. Amazon Music also lets you enjoy exclusive music with your prime membership benefit.
Simplify your shopping experience with Amazon Japan!
Amazon Japan basically targets the Japanese market and its Japanese customers, but this in no way means that foreigners living in Japan cannot take full advantage of the website. Even if you are Western expats living in Japan, you can easily access the Amazon Japan website in English. The entire process, right from setting up your account to completing your order, is very much English-friendly. I hope this guide helped you navigate your Amazon Japan account without overwhelming and confusing yourself.
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Hiya! I’m the main author of Japan Truly. I love everything Japan and love testing out Japanese products, be it skincare and makeup or gadgets! You’ll find reviews of some of the best selling Japanese products (tried and tested) right here!
