What is Kataban?

Japanese games are labeled only in Japanese, and many were never sold outside Japan. Kataban (kataban means product code in Japanese) helps you find and buy them even if you can't read Japanese. Type a game's English name, and Kataban gives you its official Japanese title, the product code printed on the cartridge or disc, and links to buy it from Japan.

How to use it

Buying online, from outside Japan

1. Type the game you want — English is fine.
2. Kataban shows the matching Japanese release, with its Japanese title and product code.
3. Follow a store link to the listing on Buyee — they ship worldwide.
4. Buyee buys the item in Japan on your behalf and holds it at their Japan warehouse — you don't deal with the seller directly.
5. You pay Buyee, not the store: item price plus Buyee's service fee. International shipping is added when they ship to you, and customs duties may apply depending on your country.

Inside a store in Japan (Book-Off, Hard-Off, Suruga-ya…)

1. Type the game you want.
2. Tap "Show to shop staff" — Kataban puts the Japanese title and product code on a clean screen you can show a clerk.
3. Or match the product code and Japanese title yourself on the shelf.
4. Most Book-Off stores take major credit cards, but not all — bring cash as backup.
5. For shelf labels, condition notes, or anything else Kataban doesn't cover, your phone's built-in translation camera (Google Translate or Google Lens) gives an instant read.

Kataban is free to use. Some store links are affiliate links — see the note at the bottom of the page.