As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with some insight into the shipping of alcohol from Japan to the USA. It is important to note that shipping alcoholic beverages by mail is prohibited by United States postal laws. This means that you cannot simply package up your favorite Japanese sake or whisky and send it through the mail to someone in the USA.
The laws and regulations surrounding the importation of alcohol into the United States are quite strict. In order to bring alcoholic beverages into the country, the importer must be at least 21 years old. Additionally, there are limits on the amount of alcohol that can be brought in for personal use without incurring additional taxes or duties.
If you are interested in sending alcohol from Japan to someone in the USA, there are alternative options available. One option is to use a private shipping company that specializes in the transportation of alcohol. These companies are familiar with the regulations and can help ensure that your package arrives safely and legally.
Another option is to purchase the alcohol from a retailer or online shop that offers international shipping. Many retailers have systems in place to handle the legalities of shipping alcohol across borders. However, it is important to note that the recipient of the package must still be at least 21 years old in order to legally receive the alcohol.
In my personal experience, I have encountered situations where individuals have attempted to ship alcohol through the mail, only to have the package seized by customs or returned to the sender. It can be frustrating and costly to have your carefully chosen bottles of sake or rare craft beer confiscated.
While you cannot send alcohol in the mail from Japan to the USA, there are alternative options available. Using a private shipping company or purchasing from a retailer that offers international shipping can help you navigate the regulations and ensure that your alcohol arrives safely and legally. However, it is important to always abide by the laws and regulations of both the sending and receiving countries to avoid any legal issues.