Okay, if you know me, then you know I'm all about Asian culture, but specifically Japan. I've been in love with the country, its language, the snacks, the music, the history, and everything else since I was a youngster making my dad tape Sailor Moon so I could watch it later. No, not DVR. I'm talking pop a VHS tape in the VCR and hit record while its playing. If you're real slick, and have to the time, you could stop recording and start back up again to skip commercials. That was always risky though, as you might forget to start recording again! Anyway, a little off topic there. The gist is, I love Japan.
I went to Tokyo back in 2009, as my first international trip ever (unless you count Canada, but we're so close to it that I don't....sorry Canada), and was even more sold. I even tried to move there afterward to teach English, but it didn't end up working out. Before visiting I often purchased items from Japan, mostly candy but also merchandise from my favorite band at the time Gazette, but it increased after discovering specific things I enjoyed while I was over there. But, that stuff is not cheap and the shipping is no joke either, so I had to stop after awhile. Luckily Rochester has an abundance of Asian markets around where I could stock up on certain things, though it was no internet selection that's for sure. Eventually I stopped altogether as adulting happened other things to buy.
Enter Japan Crate. I think I saw an ad for this on Facebook or Instagram and clearly it piqued my interest so I checked it out. I loved the idea of getting a box full of Japanese goodies to try, so I looked at the options and selected the Premium crate for $35 a month and free shipping. What does that $35 get you each month? 18-20 full size candy and snacks, 1 japan exclusive drink, monthly bonus item (typically I get a full bag of Kit-Kats, but there's also been special DBZ and Pokemon collectibles so far too), a DIY kit, and a booklet telling you what everything is. They also do promotions sometimes with other brands and you get a bonus item from that too...plus the boxes are themed to whatever the promotion is. For example, they celebrated the reboot of Fruitsbasket with a pink box with all of the main characters on it and I believe some collectible pins. I'm not a fan of the series, but my friend is, so she got to enjoy those. Don't feel like shelling out 35 bucks a month? No biggie, Japan Crate has you covered.
For $25 you get the Original Crate, with 10 items and none of that specialty stuff...also it appears you don't get a drink either. Which, actually, have been some of my favorite parts of the boxes I have gotten- think Weird flavored Coke and Pepsi, coffee in a can, cheese tea, melon soda, etc. But its still a ton of items for the price. Considering some snacks and candies can go for $10 on their own, plus shipping, its still a good deal. Lastly, if you really just want a little sample of what Japan Crate has to offer, you can grab the Mini Crate consisting of 5 items for $12. Honestly, for me, I think the premium is the best value and I enjoy the little perks that come with it. Its also good for when there are items I can't stand, I still have plenty of back ups that make the box still feel worth it and I can pass the reject snacks onto my friends that do enjoy them. For example, I hate fake strawberry stuff, but February's crate (and my first one ever) was nearly ALL strawberry stuff. I figured it was a one off thing, but was worried about my March box. No worries there, I think I thoroughly enjoyed everything in that one and I was hooked; been getting these ever since.
Do you prefer to make meals rather than succumb to a snack attack? Then the Umai Crate will have you fed and happy for $30 a month. This $30 will get you 8-10 quality noodles, a bonus culinary item, a recipe card, free shipping, and of course a translation, explanation, and instruction booklet in English.
If you prefer to receive a bunch of usable kawaii stuff to your door every month, their DokiDoki crate has your back on that one. The site doesn't give as much information as the Japan Crate, but has no other price option beside $35 and looks like it comes with cute plushies, notebooks, wearables, and household items. To give you an idea of what brands you can expect in this crate, for the month of March 2020 they are featuring items from Hello Kitty, Rilakkuma, Mochishiba, and Cardcaptor Sakura.
Lastly, if you can't get enough of those Gachapon capsules, thier Gacha Gacha Crate will keep your collection growing. At $28 a month you will receive 6 different Gachapon capsules at your door filled with anything from useful items, characters you know and love, silly figures and cute little things. I don't know much, or really anything I guess, about Gochapon so I have no idea if this is a good deal. It seems like it would be because the staff hand pick the capsules and its a good way to collect them from all over Japan without going there yourself.
If you have a subscription to any of these crates or plan to subscribe now, let us know in the comments! I would love to hear more about your experiences, especially with any of the three I don't subscribe to!
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