Who is the expert here on buying jackets from Japan?

[Kuro]

I am considering getting an RMC jacket, one of the Buco jackets, I feel like I am interested in the J-31 in a size 42.

The J-31 is like nothing I own, and like nothing else, from my perspective, so I am interested in it. Out of the two that I have found being actively made, I like the RMC version. I just have to get over the cost...

Enough of that... How would I go about this? Or would I contact a dealer in the US to order one, like Standard and Strange? Global Rakuten?

Thanks for any and all advice!

 

[Captain Sensible]

Get a proxy buyer from Japan is probably the cheapest way

 

[Guppy]

Fly to a city with a store and try on in person. Buy only if it fits perfectly.

 

[Kuro]

The fly to a city and try one on could happen... I was stationed in Yokosuka Japan for a couple of years on the USS Independence back in 1993 to 1995. Japan had a huge influence on me as that was my first duty station in the Navy.

I know my Wife would like to visit Japan. I just don't have the foresight as to when I could make that happen.

As for a proxy buyer, I understand the concept, where do I look for one?

 

[Captain Sensible]

Back in the day, about 10 years ago, I used private(ish) proxies; just some guys based in JP linked through a forum, fee was about 10% overall. Now there are pro services buyee, fromjapan and the like but often the fees add up so any savings are eaten into. I guess it depends what price you can get from S&S, how much value you place on returnability etc. or if you can actually order through global rakuten - sometimes they are tricky actually shipping globally.

There is a live thread going about a guy going to Japan, did you see? Perhaps an option.

 

[John Lever]

I have used Juno@bidservice. Great service highly recommended.

 

[Kuro]

I have used Juno@bidservice. Great service highly recommended.

Awesome, thank you!

 

[Blackadder]

I am considering getting an RMC jacket, one of the Buco jackets, I feel like I am interested in the J-31 in a size 42.

The J-31 is like nothing I own, and like nothing else, from my perspective, so I am interested in it. Out of the two that I have found being actively made, I like the RMC version. I just have to get over the cost...

Enough of that... How would I go about this? Or would I contact a dealer in the US to order one, like Standard and Strange? Global Rakuten?

Thanks for any and all advice!

It may not be possible to get a refund if purchased through proxy service or even directly from Japanese shops. The return policy is quite different in Japan. For example, see the return policy of these two RM dealers in Japan. In principle, they will not accept return unless there are defects or they shipped the wrong item.
https://www.barnstormer.jp/law.html
https://www.realmccoys-nagoya.co.jp/?mode=sk
It is a norm for these small shops to accept return or exchange only of defective goods. This shop even specifically stated that the natural marks and/or scratches on leather products and marks and/or scratches made during stitching are inherent and therefore not considered defects.
https://mcfly-store.com/pages/特定商取引法に基づく表記

 

[Kuro]

It may not be possible to get a refund if purchased through proxy service or even directly from Japanese shops. The return policy is quite different in Japan. For example, see the return policy of these two RM dealers in Japan. In principle, they will not accept return unless there are defects or they shipped the wrong item.
https://www.barnstormer.jp/law.html
https://www.realmccoys-nagoya.co.jp/?mode=sk
It is a norm for these small shops to accept return or exchange only of defective goods. This shop even specifically stated that the natural marks and/or scratches on leather products and marks and/or scratches made during stitching are inherent and therefore not considered defects.
https://mcfly-store.com/pages/特定商取引法に基づく表記

This is valuable information. I understand the commitment and liability of purchasing a jacket from Japan. This is the only way I know to get a J-31 that I am aware of.

P.S. I was looking at Barnstormer earlier today, they list that they ship out of country, and have an English blog page.

 

[Blackadder]

This is valuable information. I understand the commitment and liability of purchasing a jacket from Japan. This is the only way I know to get a J-31 that I am aware of.

P.S. I was looking at Barnstormer earlier today, they list that they ship out of country, and have an English blog page.

RM does not allow Japanese dealers to sell to overseas.

 

[Guppy]

It may not be possible to get a refund if purchased through proxy service or even directly from Japanese shops. The return policy is quite different in Japan. For example, see the return policy of these two RM dealers in Japan. In principle, they will not accept return unless there are defects or they shipped the wrong item.
https://www.barnstormer.jp/law.html
https://www.realmccoys-nagoya.co.jp/?mode=sk
It is a norm for these small shops to accept return or exchange only of defective goods. This shop even specifically stated that the natural marks and/or scratches on leather products and marks and/or scratches made during stitching are inherent and therefore not considered defects.
https://mcfly-store.com/pages/特定商取引法に基づく表記

That's why I suggested going in person and trying on. Plus, travel is awesome, and everyone should experience Japan. I haven't yet, but I would like to.

 

[Blackadder]

Also trouble with the J-31 is that the last batch of J-31 was released in 2018. It has been more than a year and I think only the RM stores themselves may have some in stock.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

A few years ago I was able to order a RMC jacket directly from Japan to the US, but that isn't possible anymore as far as I am aware. Best option is to go to a RMC store in person and try the jackets on. Their stores are quite nice.

Option 2 is to proxy buy and option 3 is to just order through Standard and Strange by DM on Instagram or through their email. With additional proxy pricing, I do not know which is cheaper, but going through S&S would almost certainly be cheaper.

As @Blackadder pointed out, the J-31 has not been made since 2018. RMC and Freewheelers annoyingly do this sometimes- they make a great jacket or use a great leather and then stop releasing it for some reason.

 

[Kuro]

Deeper into the Barnstormer webpage this is found:

"We cannot send abroad items "THE REAL McCOY'S" and "IRON HEART"."

 

[Will Zach]

Japanese cuts/sizings are somewhat tricky. I was told that I will definitely need to size down one, maybe two sizes. Then I went to the RMC store in Tokyo, and tried on their Buco J-100. The size that fit was 40. I also wear 40 in the US. Same in the Freewheelers Desolation Row store. 42 Speed Master was too big for me, while 40 was perfect. Not sure what it means other than it may depend on the body type. Mine is small-boned, maybe kinda like Asian. Best to make a trip, like @Colin G in the other thread. It is a blast - I and missus go to Japan every year - we are certified, rabid Japan-philes.

 

[Kuro]

I assume that whichever way I end up purchasing a jacket, it will be measured as most jackets are before I spend money.

I unfortunately cannot make a trip to Japan just to purchase a jacket, as awesome as that would be, however it may be possible in the future. (I just remembered that I know a person living in Japan...)

So measurements are the next best thing. If that does not work, well, I guess someone gets a deal! And if it does fit, I probably will sell two of my jackets to offset. Another win for everyone I assume!

As for the availability of this jacket, I understand it may not be available, but I have found a 42 just looking around, so they are out there. Worse case, I patiently wait for a pre-owned one to show up for sale.

 

[Mich486]

I suggest using ZenMarket.jp as a proxy service. The fee is fixed at 300yen whatever you buy. Not sure if RMC would ship to them though but you can give it a go.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[58panheadfan]

Maybe FW "Centinela" their J-31 interpreation could be an option

http://the-rising.co.jp/?action=item_detail&id=4839

or try to get one from RCM directly using a proxy*

https://www.realmccoys.co.jp/catalog/products/detail.php?product_id=4228&pg=

*As far as I am informed, however, the proxy should be a private person (with an address in Japan). As soon as RMC see that a pro proxy service is placing an order, no delivery will be made.

 

[Blackadder]

Another similar jacket is the Toys McCoy Eight ball but it was also released in Winter 2018.
There are a couple of TMC on yahoo auction jp now.

 

[Carlos840]

It may not be possible to get a refund if purchased through proxy service or even directly from Japanese shops. The return policy is quite different in Japan. For example, see the return policy of these two RM dealers in Japan. In principle, they will not accept return unless there are defects or they shipped the wrong item.
https://www.barnstormer.jp/law.html
https://www.realmccoys-nagoya.co.jp/?mode=sk
It is a norm for these small shops to accept return or exchange only of defective goods. This shop even specifically stated that the natural marks and/or scratches on leather products and marks and/or scratches made during stitching are inherent and therefore not considered defects.
https://mcfly-store.com/pages/特定商取引法に基づく表記

This has been my experience.
I bought a San Mateo from Mirror Ball in japan, they recommended i order the same size as my LaBrea (42) saying it would fit the same. On arrival the SanMateo was much much smaller and didn't fit.
I contacted the store asking if they would consider exchanging the jacket for a size 44, acknowledging the fact that their policy said no returns, but mentioning that i had ordered the 42 following their advice.
I sent three emails, all were ignored when they had always answered within hours beforehand.
NO returns means NO returns, don't even ask...