Yes, orders are still processed as usual. We strongly advise that you provide a home address rather than a business address.
Please see the statement below for more information about delivery delays depending on your country.
Major Shipping Updates and Special Operations due to global situation
Exceptional times call for exceptional measures.
Through this difficult time, SoKawaii is committed to do its best in order to keep sending you good vibes and cute things from Japan. First the COVID-19 pandemic then the Ukrainian/Russian conflict have caused many countries to take measures such as stopping acceptance of inbound postal items due to considerable suspension and reduction of flights from/to Japan.
From April 2nd 2020, Japan Post has temporarily suspended multiple shipping services, including the one we use to ship your SoKawaii. During this time, we’ll make some adjustments to keep sending your box and spread our love for kawaii.
Update from May 8, 2022 - May boxes shipping delayed
Due to China's COVID lockdowns causing supply issues, shipments of our May 'Crane Game Prizes' box will be delayed. Shipping date is postponed from May 8th to May 18th-25th. Boxes will slowly be dispatched during this week.
Update from April 15, 2022 - Australia
Orders for Australia are reopening starting this month. Shipping will slowly resume starting next month. Pending boxes will be shipped without any additional fee.
Update from April 15, 2022 - Canada
Orders are now reopened for Canada. Starting from the May 2022 box, we will be using trackable Airmail Shipping instead of the previous Standard shipping option (free of charge and without tracking). With this alternative shipping option customers are able to track the shipment of their box and receive it quickly and safely.
Shipping fee to receive your box to Canada will be US$11,99 per box. Please make sure to double-check your country's customs regulations. Each country has different rules regarding the customs fee and import taxes. If you get charged for any customs fees or taxes, we won't be ableto cover it. Please keep in mind that we do not have control over the import taxes because these taxes are charged by your own local government.
Current subscribers have two options in order to receive their pending boxes. They can choose the shipping method boxes here.
Update from April 5, 2022 - Europe
New subscribers from countries in Europe where shipping via Airmail is temporarily suspended can still place an order. Please be aware that all orders will be shipped via Surface method (by boat - 8 to 12 weeks) with tracking. Your subscription will switch back to regular Airmail shipping method as soon as restrictions are lifted. Current subscribers can choose to receive their pending boxes through Surface method, or to wait until the boxes can be shipped by Airmail again. Please reach out to our support team if you choose the first option. At this moment, we are still waiting for updates from Japan Post and reviewing other solutions to be able to ship your pending boxes as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and support!
Update from March 8, 2022 - Europe
Due to the unstable situation in Ukraine that causes many flight suspension, all shipments to Europe are now suspended until further notice. Please see the official statement here for reference. We will keep you updated as soon as the restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, your subscription is still active and all boxes starting with the March 2022 box, will be held and dispatched as soon as the service resumes. Be assured that we are doing our best to find another method to ship your boxes as soon as possible. We will keep this page updated as soon as we have more information.
Update from January 3, 2022 - Canada & Australia
We are sorry to inform you that due to the current COVID-19 situation, all shipments to Canada and Australia are now suspended until further notice. Please see the official statement here for reference. We will keep you updated as soon as the restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, your subscription is still active and all boxes will be held and dispatched as soon as the service resumes. Be assured that we are doing our best to find another method to ship your boxes as soon as possible. We will keep this page updated as soon as we have more information.
Update from November 16, 2021 - Italy
We are sorry to inform you that due to the current COVID-19 situation, all shipments to Italy are now suspended until further notice. Please see the official statement here for reference. We will keep you updated as soon as the restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, your subscription is still active and all boxes will be held and dispatched as soon as the service resumes.
Update from May 26, 2021 - USA
Japan Post will resume EMS service (Japan Post Express Mail Service) to the United States effective June 1st. Starting with the June box, we will ship your boxes to the USA using DHL Express shipping method and/or EMS depending on the situation. Please be assured that the current shipping fee ($11,99/box) will remain the same weither we use one method or the other. Please feel free to read the official Japan Post statement here.
Update from June 23, 2020
Japan Post resumed parcel acceptance using the AirMail shipping method only for certain countries. The list below has been updated. Starting with the 2020 August box, all current and new subscriptions will be automatically shipped with AirMail including tracking and insurance option (except for the countries where the Express shipping method is still the only option available). See the lists below for reference.
Overall situation
List of countries where shipments via AirMail are available: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada*, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherland*, Norway, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom*
Other countries
For countries not listed above, subscriptions and shipments are still available with Express shipping method for additional shipping fee.
Situation by country*
Canada
Since shipping with tracking has been suspended to Canada, your box will be shipped by Airmail standard shipping with no tracking for free. Please note that the $3 shipping fee will be refunded once your box has been dispatched. You won't be able to track your box until it arrives at its destination. However, we already used this shipping method before and it's not an issue. Also, you will still receive the shipping notification when it's dispatched from our warehouse.
In order to answer your questions, please read the FAQ below before reaching us. Our customer service is handling an exceptional volume of requests due to the situation so please be patient and avoid sending the same message on multiple channels. Thank you for your understanding.
Are the orders still being shipped?
Is my country on the list of restricted countries?
Please read the last update in the statement above to see if your country is on the list of the affected countries.
Is the estimated delivery time impacted by the COVID-19?
Yes. Due to the global reduction of flights and some post office restrictions, considerable delivery delays are expected for outbound mail items to other countries/territories.Please note that estimated delivery time using Express method is around 3 to 4 days once your box is being processed and shipped.
My box has been returned, what should I do?
No action is required on your side. Our team will handle the redelivery and you will be advised as soon as your box has been processed and is ready to be shipped again.
I don't have a tracking number, how do I know if my box has been returned?
If your box has been returned to us, you will be informed by email as soon as we process and resend your box.
Our customer service is handling an exceptional volume of requests due to the situation. Please, don't reach out to ask where your box is, since unfortunately we can't track your box either if it was shipped without a tracking number. If your box hasn't been returned by Japan Post, it's on its way but may take a few more days to get to you. Thank you for your patience.
How long should I expect to wait for my box to be shipped back to me?
Returned April boxes are currently being processed and will be re-shipped by Express method around May 11. Estimated delivery times will be around 3 to 4 days after shipping. May boxes are scheduled to be shipped around May 16.
Is there a risk my box is carrying COVID-19?
We understand your concern regarding this matter.
We also kindly invite you to read this Q&A on the COVID-19 from the World Health Organization regarding the safety of your international parcels. As mentioned, "The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low and the risk of catching the virus that causes COVID-19 from a package that has been moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperature is also low."
Please be assured that the safety of our employees and customers remains our first priority and therefore we are doing everything we can to manage and respond with effective measures in order to help prevent the spread of infections. We also strongly encourage you to follow responsible health procedures to protect yourself and the people you come into contact with.
We will keep the information on this page updated.
Thank you for your understanding and support during this hard time. Stay safe!
The SoKawaii Team
Any further assistance? Feel free to contact our support, we will reply within 48-72 hours!
