Work out what a parcel from abroad will cost you at the door in Japan: import duty, consumption tax and the carrier's fee. For personal use, Japan values your parcel at 60 percent of the price, and if that comes to 10,000 yen or less, duty and tax are usually zero. These are estimates. Always verify with Japan Customs.
The 16,666 yen rule
Because customs values a personal parcel at 60 percent of the price, goods worth up to about 16,666 yen (60 percent of which is 10,000 yen) are usually duty and tax free. Above that, duty applies by category and then 10 percent consumption tax applies on the value plus duty. A few categories, such as leather goods, knitwear, rice, dairy and tobacco, do not get the 10,000 yen exemption and are taxed under the general tariff from the first yen. See the 16,666 yen rule and simplified duty rates.
Estimate only, not tax advice. The carrier assesses the actual charge and rules change. Verify with Japan Customs.