Every Filipino who has worked in Japan and plans to go home soon knows that the return trip home won’t be complete without the traditional pasalubong (souvenirs) in a Balikbayan box.
Unfortunately, there are Filipinos in Japan who can’t make it home yet. So, the longing to connect with their loved ones intensifies even more at the thought of their favorite souvenirs from Japan.
After all, emotions just hit Filipinos differently when it comes to a Balikbayan box. Whether you’re the giver or the recipient, the excitement of preparing and opening a Balikbayan box filled with goodies from Japan is unparalleled for many Filipino families.
However, preparing the Balikbayan box requires time and effort. You also have to be aware of government regulations. Sometimes, you even have to ask favor from your kamag-anak (relatives) to do this task.
Buti na lang may mas madaling paaran para sa’yo kababayan!
You can now combine the power of Japanese online shopping and a Balikbayan box company to get your own Balikbayan box from Japan. And you don’t have to ask your Tita in Japan to pack the box on your behalf.In this article, we’ll show you exactly how with the help of ZenMarket. Tara na!
What is a Balikbayan Box?
A Balikbayan Box is a practical, traditional, and sentimental gift that overseas Filipinos (referred to as balikbayan which literally translates to ‘a returnee to the country’) send to their families back home.
Balikbayan boxes in a Filipino small business in suburban Sydney, Australia. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.
You may compare a Balikbayan box to a gift basket. This time though the pasalubong are placed inside large cardboard boxes. These are then shipped to the family’s address in the Philippines. Typically, migrant Filipinos include these items in preparing their Balikbayan boxes:
- Canned goods and other packaged food
- Detergent powder and toiletries
- Sweets, treats, chocolates, and toys
- Fragrances, cosmetics, and body/hair products
- Clothes, shoes, and bags
On the contrary, those preparing the Balikbayan boxes must also not send prohibited items and exceed a certain number/volume of the included items.
Why do Filipinos love Balikbayan Boxes?
Filipinos love Balikbayan boxes for their economical, practical, and sentimental purposes.
At an initial glance, a Balikbayan box appears to be merely a collection of random items placed inside a box and then sent via cargo or freight through the help of a Balikbayan box company. For overseas Filipinos, however, a Balikbayan box represents a profound tradition of personalized and selfless giving. Simply put, it’s love in a box.
How do you pack love into a box? | Filipino "balikbayan" boxes. Video courtesy of The Strait Times’ official YouTube channel.
More specifically, some of the most important reasons why overseas Filipinos send Balikbayan boxes are:
- Overseas Filipinos (OFW), such as those in Japan, send Balikbayan boxes to support the material and monetary needs of their families at home.
- Sending Balikbayan boxes is less expensive. It’s more convenient compared to using regular cargo or carrying the pasalubong as flight baggage.
- Balikbayan boxes offer an emotional and personalized connection between overseas Filipino worker and their loved ones.
How can Filipinos send Balikbayan boxes from Japan?
Preparing and sending a Balikbayan box is quite straightforward but may be exhausting. In typical Filipino tradition, the entire process could look like this:
- Overseas Filipinos contact their families. Then, they take note of the family members’ special requests and needs.
- With an idea of what to include in the Balikbayan box, overseas Filipinos may likely head over to a Japanese thrift shop and do a shopping spree.
- Next, they’ll sort and pack the items in a box. In many cases, they’ll include a love letter for each family member.
A personalized message written on a Balikbayan box. Photo courtesy of The Straits Times.
- Once everything’s packed in a box, they’ll bring the box to a Balikbayan box company or a shipping services firm. They complete the requested information and pay to have the company deliver the goods to the Philippines.
- Finally, the waiting game begins for the recipients. It usually takes 3-6 weeks from the date of shipment for most Balikbayan box companies to complete the delivery.
Such has been the tale for most migrant Filipinos in Japan when sending their Balikbayan boxes. Fortunately, with today’s technology, they and their families back home can change that narrative.
Why Get Your Balikbayan Box from Japan with ZenMarket?
What if you wanted a Balikbayan box filled with Japanese goods? And what if wala kang kamag-anak sa Japan? Huwag kang mag-alala dahil puwedeng-puwede ka nang mag-padala ng iyong sariling balikbayan box. Even if you’re in the Philippines; even without your Tita.
Enter ZenMarket!
ZenMarket is a proxy shopping service that allows you to shop from Japanese stores and get your items shipped directly to the Philippines.
How to use ZenMarket? | ZenMarket Explainer. Video courtesy of ZenMarket’s official YouTube channel.
Hindi mo na kailangan ng middleman! At hindi mo na kailangang maghintay sa kay Nanay or Tita mo! But here’s the best part—you do the shopping from home while ZenMarket takes care of packing and delivering the Balikbayan box. Here are more reasons why you should choose ZenMarket to get your own Balikbayan box from Japan:
- Exclusive and Rare Goods from Japan for Your Balikbayan Box
One of the biggest perks of using ZenMarket is access to exclusive and rare items from Japan. From anime merchandise, and limited-edition sneakers, to authentic Japanese snacks—mabibili mo lahat ito at mailalagay mo sa iyong Balikbayan box!
- Anime Merchandise: Whether you're a fan of My Hero Academia or Demon Slayer, you can find exclusive merch na hindi available sa mga local stores. Here’s a quick guide to help you find top Japanese online shops for anime/manga merch.
- Fashion Finds: Get the latest trends straight from Japan's fashion districts like Shibuya and Harajuku.
- Electronics: Find and purchase exclusive gadgets and tech items from Japanese brands.
- Amazing Deals Direct from Japanese Stores
Maraming sales at discounts ang available sa Japan na hindi mo makikita sa ibang bansa! With ZenMarket, you can take advantage of these deals directly from Japanese stores.
- Discounts and Sales: Japanese stores often have seasonal sales. Catch these deals and save money!
- Secondhand Shops: Japan is known for its thrift shops. Surely, you can find quality secondhand items for a fraction of the price.
- Bargain Hunting: Use ZenMarket to find bargains on everything from clothes to electronics.
Also, to have a seamless online shopping experience, be sure to check our guide on Pitfalls of Japan Online Shopping and How to Avoid Them.
- Share Pasalubong with Family and Friends
Buying from Japan isn't just about getting cool stuff for yourself. You can share these unique items with your loved ones.
- Pasabuy: Organize a "pasabuy" with your friends and family. Ask them to chip in for the shipping costs while getting their favorite Japanese items.
- Gifts and Provisions: Surprise your loved ones with unique gifts from Japan. Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or just because gusto mo lang ipakita ang pagmamahal para pamilya mo!
- Group Buys: Pool your orders with friends to save on shipping costs and bulk prices. Tulad ng sabi ni Tita mo, “The more, the merrier!”
Buy Anime Figures Now
How to Use ZenMarket to Get Your Balikbayan Box from Japan?
Using ZenMarket to get your Balikbayan box is easy! In fact, we’ve written a detailed guide to help you get started buying from Japan. Be sure to check our explainer here.
Here’s a summarized step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Sign Up for a Free ZenMarket Account
Firstly, create an account on ZenMarket’s website. It’s free and only takes a few minutes. And yes, “Legit na legit po ang ZenMarket!” Why not check out this video review from a Filipina ZenMarket customer?
My Experience with ZenMarket | REVIEW. Video courtesy of JM Cabunilas’ official YouTube channel.
Step 2: Browse Japanese Stores
ZenMarket lets you shop from multiple Japanese online stores like Rakuten, Mercari, JDirectItems Auction, and Amazon Japan. You can also use ZenMarket’s own catalog to find items that you want to include in your Balikbayan box. You can also check this guide to help you find Japanese products online.
Step 3: Place Your Order
Once you find the items you want, place your order through ZenMarket. ZenMarket’s team will handle the purchase for you. Don’t worry about language barriers—ZenMarket’s team can communicate with the Japanese sellers for you.
Step 4: Consolidate Your Items
If you’re buying from multiple stores, ZenMarket can consolidate your items into one package. (pagsamasamahin sa isang box) This helps you save on shipping costs.
Step 5: Ship to the Philippines
Lastly, choose your preferred shipping method. ZenMarket offers various shipping options, from economical sea freight to fast air freight. This ensures your package arrives safely at your doorstep.
Sign Up Now!
What else is in store for me with ZenMarket?
Aside from the reasons mentioned above, ZenMarket offers additional perks to help you in your shopping experience:
- Customer Support
ZenMarket’s customer service, although the Filipino language is not supported yet, is available in English and many other languages. This makes it easy for you to ask questions or resolve issues.
- Secure Payment
Also, ZenMarket supports multiple payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, bank transfers, and Gcash for Filipino users. You can choose which payment works best for you.
- Transparent Fees
ZenMarket’s fees are transparent, so you know exactly what you’re paying for. See our calculator, for example, to help you determine the total costs.
To find out what else is in store for you with ZenMarket, you can check out our FAQ post.
Conclusion
Balikbayan boxes are tangible symbols of the overseas Filipinos’ love for their families. With today’s technology, migrant Filipinos can take advantage of online shopping to buy goods directly from Japan and Balikbayan box companies to deliver these items.
Fortunately, ZenMarket combines online shopping and delivery services of Balikbayan boxes from Japan. Now, you can enjoy the thrill of receiving a Balikbayan box filled with exclusive Japanese goodies.
No need to wait for your Tita’s next shipment! Whether you’re looking for rare anime merchandise, fashionable clothing, or unique electronics, ZenMarket has you covered from browsing to delivery.
Start shopping today! Share the joy of Japanese items with your family and friends in the Philippines. It’s time to put love in the Balikbayan box.
*This blog is written by a Filipino freelancer. Currently, no one on staff who can speak Tagalog, so please direct your inquiries in English. Thank you very much for your patience.
Have you signed up for ZenMarket yet?
ZenMarket is the place to get your hands on goods directly from Japan!
Sign up for FREE now