Manga Lovers Turn to Online Sources | Collecting Amid High Shipping Costs
Edited By
Jasmine Lee
Fans of Japanese manga are rediscovering the joys of collecting their favorite volumes online, despite some challenges with shipping prices. As of July 2025, a growing number of people are purchasing their manga from Japanese online retailers like CDJapan and Amazon Japan.
The Shift to Online Shopping
People are eager to snag Japanese editions of their favorite series. "Where did u buy WSJ magazines online???" one person inquired, highlighting a common interest in accessing these unique publications.
Expensive Shipping Deters Collectors
The shipping fees, however, are a significant concern. A commenter mentioned, "Bulk buying makes it justified, but if you buy one volume or a few, shipping by weight is like $50+." Many enthusiasts are opting to purchase several volumes at once to mitigate costs. For example, one collector shared that they spent $80-90 for multiple items, but ordering individually would inflate that cost to around $50 for a single magazine.
"I remember when we got those big volumes in English once a month in the mail," a collector reminisced. This nostalgia illustrates the emotional connection these fans have with collecting.
The Search for Hard-to-Find Titles
The scarcity of certain titles is also a hot topic. In particular, the inability to find specific editions, like Ping Pong, has frustrated some collectors: "the reason I don’t have Ping Pong is shipping." This sentiment reflects the ongoing challenges of securing sought-after series.
Key Insights from the Community
📦 Many fans source their manga from CDJapan and Amazon Japan.
💸 Bulk purchases can justify high shipping costs—buying in larger quantities is becoming a common practice.
📚 Some collectibles, especially popular magazines, sell out quickly, often leaving individuals scrambling for options.
Collectors continue to embrace the world of manga, despite barriers like shipping fees and limited availability of certain volumes. As this community grows, so does the economy surrounding it.
Looking to the Future
As the manga community adjusts to the ups and downs of online shopping, experts predict a continuing growth in digital sales. There’s a strong chance that platforms like CDJapan and Amazon Japan will further dominate, as people seek to save on costs by bulk-buying. Additionally, within the next few years, we may see the emergence of manga subscription services that offer free shipping, which could change how enthusiasts acquire their favorite titles, making it more convenient. With increasing dialogue on forums about shipping challenges, the hope that publishers will respond by lowering prices is also present, leading to a potential reduction in shipping costs for individual volumes.
A Blast from the Past
The current situation resembles the 1990s rise of CD retailers that faced scrutiny over shipping fees, with many music fans banding together to buy albums in bulk. This practice not only eased financial strain but also fostered a sense of community among collectors. Just like those music lovers, manga fans today are creating a lifeline through coordination on user boards, trading tips for better deals and sharing nostalgic moments, reminding each other of a simpler time in fandom.