Frequently Asked Questions

You've got questions and we've got answers! Read on for more information!

If you don't find the answers you're looking for, click the button at the bottom to contact us or send as an email directly at the address listed below!

About

What do I get in my box?

Nakama Noodles: Your Nakama Noodles box includes at least 8 noodle packs, cups, and bowls. Ramen will always be the main focus, but delicious soba and udon noodles are included as well!

Do you provide allergy information for each box?

Yes, we do! Scan the QR code on each month’s ‘Thank you’ card and you’ll find our item guide with information about the common allergens for each product that we have translated from the manufacturer's allergen list.

You’ll also find a brief description of each item and, when needed, translated instructions on how to prepare the products.

Do you provide custom boxes to fit dietary restrictions?

Unfortunately, we don’t offer customizations for our boxes. However, we have plenty of Japanese products at MiauMall that fit all kinds of dietary restrictions.

Do you have any vegan, kosher, or halal boxes?

Unfortunately, we don’t have vegan, kosher, or halal options in our boxes, but you can check the main MiauMall website for snacks and noodles that fit a variety of diets.

Can I purchase previous boxes?

While you can’t purchase previous boxes, you can still purchase individual items included in previous boxes while supplies last at MiauMall. Check out "Boxes>Past Boxes" to see what's available!

Can I customize my box?

Unfortunately, we do not allow customized boxes. If you sign up for our newsletter, you can get a sneak peek at the next month's selection.

We change the contents of the box each month, so there's always something new! Feel free to contact us anytime if you have a question about your upcoming noodles.

Help! My ramen is expired!

No worries! Here’s all you have to do to fix it. Just contact customer service with a photo of the expired item and we will refund 750 JPY per item* in your original payment currency, subject to the exchange rate on the date of refund.

*Only applies if the item expired before it was delivered

Managing My Subscription

What is My Account?

Your Account Page is your way of checking your orders, sending invite codes, and managing your subscription! For those with subscriptions, your My Page is important for keeping track of your subscriptions and their shipment status.

Can I skip a month?

Sure! We’re open to different situations and we are more than happy to work with you! To skip a month, please contact us directly through the Contact Us page.* 

When skipping a month, be sure to do so well before 9:00am on the first day of the month of your desired skip. (Ex.: If you wish to skip your April 2024 box, contact us well before 9:00am April 1). This will help to ensure that our team has time to put that information into our system.**

Be aware that you will not receive that month’s box and will only receive the following month’s box. (Ex. If you skip your December 2023 box, your next shipment will be the January 2024 box and not the December 2023 box).

Be aware that the end of your subscription will be pushed back by one month in the event of a skip. (Ex.: If your subscription’s initial end was scheduled for June 2024, your new last box will be the July 2024 box.)

*Generally, we only allow one skip per customer per subscription, but you can still contact us and we can work to find a solution.
**As we only reply during working hours in our Japanese office, please be sure to contact us with enough time to make the change. Generally, we will get back to you within 3 business days (except in the case of the Japanese New Years holiday [December 28 to January 3] and the Golden Week Holiday [May 3 to May 5]).

How do I cancel my subscription?

You can cancel your subscription from your My Account. Following the instructions on the page will submit a request for a refund. The request should be approved after about one business day. Once the cancellation is approved, you will receive a refund to your original payment method within a week. While the total cost of the boxes you have already received cannot be refunded, we can refund the amount you have not received. However, the amount refunded will be the total that you paid minus the full price of each box. For example, if you get a 3-month subscription at $143.85 USD and receive one box, the full price of the box ($49.95 USD) will be deducted. The final refund will then be $93.90 USD.

How do I reactivate my canceled subscription?

Once a subscription is cancelled or expires, you can't reactivate it through your My Account page. However, you can buy a new subscription of your choice just like before to get more tasty goodies delivered to your door!

How do I change my shipping address?

First, change your shipping address on your account. Then, contact Customer Service to make sure that you have the correct address for your active subscription.

Billing & Payment

Does the shipping fee cover customs fee and tax?

Canada: As of September 17, 2024, GST/HST (5-15% of the purchase price, depending on your province or territory of residence) will be collected at checkout. Please note that GST/HST does not cover British Columbia Provincial Sales Tax (7%), Manitoba Retail Sales Tax (7%), Saskatchewan Provincial Sales Tax (6%), or Quebec Sales Tax (9.975%). Customers who receive an invoice for these provincial sales taxes are advised to contact Customer Service for reimbursement.

European Union: As of September 17, 2024, VAT (17-27% of the purchase price, depending on your country of residence) will be collected at checkout.

For all other customers, tax is included in the cost of your order. If you receive an invoice for customs fees or taxes from your shipping carrier, please contact Customer Service for reimbursement with a copy of the invoice you received.

Can I purchase a single box without subscribing?

Technically, you have to make a subscription. However, it is totally okay to sign up for a 1-month non-renew subscription which will allow you to get a single box.

What is your refund policy?

  • We can provide a refund or compensation in the case of an undelivered box if a box does not arrive within 45 days of shipment. Once 45 days have passed, you can reach out to Customer Service for a refund or compensation. However, this does not include delays caused by the customer (i.e. wrong delivery address, package returned due to absence, etc.).
  • If you are dissatisfied with the service and would like to cancel the rest of your multi-month subscription, you can cancel for a partial refund. To do so, please go to your [My Page]→[View Orders] and click [Cancel Order]. This will submit a request for a refund. The request should be approved after about one business day. Once the cancellation is approved, you will receive a refund to your original payment method within a week. While the total cost of the boxes you have already received cannot be refunded, we can refund the amount you have not received. However, the amount refunded will be the total that you paid minus the full price of each box. For example, if you get a 3-month subscription and receive one box, the full price of the box will be deducted. The final refund will cover the cost of two boxes.
  • We do not provide full refunds or compensation under other circumstances.

I am having a payment error and cannot subscribe!

  1. First, check to confirm that you’re using a compatible payment method. Available payment methods for subscriptions may differ from those available to MiauMall.
  2. If the payment method is valid but you are still experiencing an error, try again after 10 minutes. There may be a temporary error on the site.
  3. If the problem persists, please contact customer service and we will work to find a solution.

Why is my renewal date moved forward?

After your initial payment, the payment cycle / renewal cycle will then start on the 1st, as this is the start of the new box cycle. This is so that you can get your next box as soon as possible.

How do I apply a coupon code? Can I use more than one coupon code?

Applying a coupon is easy. Just apply the coupon code at checkout before you make your subscription and you're all set! Unfortunately, you can only use one at a time.

What payment methods can I use?

We accept major credit cards, PayPal, and Shop Pay!

What currency are you using?

To ensure consistent pricing, we currently base our prices in United States dollars. We take care of the currency conversion, so you will only be charged in your local currency without additional conversion fees.

When will I be charged?

You will be charged immediately and we will immediately fill your box with tasty items!

Upon auto-renewal at the end of a pre-paid subscription, you will then be charged at the beginning of every month.

When I sign up for a 3, 6 or 12 month plans, is it all charged upfront?

Yes, the total is charged in full upon subscribing. If you choose an auto-renew plan, your plan will automatically renew month-to-month at the end of the initial subscription period.

When is the cut-off date?

The cut-off date for each month’s box is 0:00PST on the 1st of each month. For example, if you finish the subscription process on 23:59PST on May 31st, you will receive May’s advertised box. However, if you subscribe at 0:00 on June 1st, you will receive the new June box and can no longer receive May’s box.

Shipping

Notice of Restricted Import Items for Nakama Noodles

Although ramen is usually fine for import, some countries/areas, such as China at the time of writing, have regulations that restrict the import of pork and pork-related products and may affect whether or not it can be imported into your country/area. As some ramen types contain pork or pork extract, please check your country/area’s import laws before purchase as we cannot be responsible for any losses that may occur with importing food items.

Shipping methods

  • For most countries, we use the express couriers FedEx and DHL to ship your package.
  • For China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau/Macao, and Taiwan), we use domestic express delivery couriers such as Shentong, Zhongtong, Yunda, and SF Express.
  • The courier may depend on the situation and region. You can contact our Customer Service for your exact situation.
  • Delivery estimates: Boxes usually arrive within two weeks (or 10 business days) via FedEx. However, the actual delivery time may change depending on the location (especially remote locations) and situation or season.

*At the moment, we cannot ship to remote areas as determined by our courier. To check if you're eligible for shipping, just enter your postal code in the designated check area on the cart page.

How much is the shipping fee?

Shipping is covered by MiauMall, so don’t worry about the cost of shipping for the box.*

*At the moment, we cannot ship to remote areas as determined by our courier. To check if you're eligible for shipping, just enter your postal code in the designated check area on the cart page.

My box is missing an item or is damaged/broken. What should I do?

  • If you have an item that is damaged to the point of being inedible (i.e. smashed packaging), here’s all you have to do to fix it. Just contact customer service with a photo of the broken item and we will refund 750 JPY per item* in your original payment currency, subject to the exchange rate on the date of refund.

*Melted contents or easily breakable snacks (i.e. cookies, chips, senbei, etc.) do not qualify.

  • If there is an item missing, please check the Noodle Guide to find the name of the item you are missing. Contact Customer Service with a picture of the whole box and its contents and provide the photo. We will refund 750 JPY per missing item in your original payment currency, subject to the exchange rate on the date of refund. This must be done within 7 days of delivery.

Can you ship to Japan?

Because our main focus is providing Japanese snacks, noodles, and other goods to the rest of the world, we do not ship within Japan.

Help! My box has not arrived yet!

Oh no! If your box hasn’t arrived yet, please take the following steps. (1) Check and confirm the shipping date. (2) Contact us so that we can follow up with the courier. (3) Be on the lookout for updates from us. (4) If delivery exceeds 45 days after the date of shipment, contact us and we will begin the refund or reimbursement process for that month’s box. *Not applicable for shipping delays caused by the user.

When does my box ship and how long will it take to arrive?

We will ship your box as soon as possible, usually shipping within 3-5 business days. Boxes usually arrive within two weeks (or 10 business days). However, the actual delivery time may change depending on the location (especially remote locations) and situation or season.

Return policy

Should a pack be returned, we will contact you directly to offer solutions for you to receive your box.

Missing pack: Should a pack not be delivered a month after you received the shipping confirmation email, please reach out to us so that we can assist you and make sure you get your favorite box!

Miscellaneous

How much does Nakama Noodles cost?

It depends on which plan you choose. For a 1-month subscription, the cost is $43 USD. For a 3-month subscription, the cost is $42 per box. For a 6-month subscription, the cost is $41 per box. For a 12-month subscription, the cost is $40 per box (Your first month's box is practically free!).

Where is MiauMall based?

MiauMall is based in Osaka, Japan. Our office is in Suita City in a neighborhood called Esaka.

Do the MiauMall Boxes have free shipping?

Yup! We’ve got you covered for the shipping costs of your boxes!

Who owns Nakama Noodles?

Nakama Noodles is owned by MiauMall, an amazing platform for buying high-quality Japanese goods.

When did you start Nakama Noodles?

Nakama Noodles was created in 2023.

Do I need an account to order?

Yes, it is necessary to create an account. It will allow you to manage your delivery address, check the status of your order as well as retrieve the pack's tracking information.

How do subscriptions work?

You can choose the duration you want to be subscribed for, and if you want it to automatically renew or not. You'll then receive one new pack with exciting products from Japan on a monthly basis until your subscription ends!

Do I need to subscribe?

Yes, but it's possible to only make a one-time purchase by choosing a 1-month subscription.

Review Rewards

We'd love to hear from you! Please leave us a review on our product page and get ¥150 JPY (≈$1 USD)* off your next subscription AND get one (1) entry to win a free Nakama Noodles box drawn every month! See "Survey Rewards" below for more details on the draw.

We only have a few simple requirements for the review:

  1. The review must be 50 characters or more.
  2. The review must be approved by the Nakama Noodles team. It must be truthful, respectful, and safe for work (no inappropriate or vulgar language).
  3. The review has to be honest. That's right! We want to hear any valid praise or critiques you have so that we can continue to please and improve.
  4. This offer applies to only one (1) review per monthly box per customer. But if you ordered multiple boxes, you can write a review for each purchased month to earn more!

Once our staff has reviewed your review, you will receive an email with your ¥150 JPY coupon. It may take a few days for our staff to review your review. You will not receive this email if it does not fulfill the abovementioned requirements.

Please also note:

  • The actual amount of the coupon may differ depending on the conversion rate of the day the coupon is received.
  • Reviews made via Shop may take longer than expected to receive the Review Coupon email.

Survey Rewards

Your honest insights mean a lot to us. That's why, in exchange for sharing your thoughts in our survey, we offer you a chance to win a free Nakama Noodles Box! After our staff reviews your survey submission, you will have TWO name entries in the draw!

The Survey
  • The estimated time to fill out the survey is about 5 minutes. 
  • We'd appreciate you answering our survey with complete honesty as well as answering our optional questions.
Prize Details:

First Place Winner:

The first-place winner will receive a one-time voucher code for a complimentary one-month Nakama Noodles box. This voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and can be applied to any future one-month box subscription.

Please note:

  • The voucher cannot be used for an existing subscription, combined with other orders, or used alongside other coupons.
  • The voucher is only applicable to the current month's theme. For example, if the current month is January 2024, the voucher can be redeemed for the January edition. If you wish to apply it to a future month's box, please wait until that month to use the voucher.

Second Place Winner:

The second-place winner will receive a 10% discount coupon for a new one-month subscription. This coupon is valid for 12 months from the date of issue and can be applied to any future one-month box subscription.

Please note:

  • The coupon cannot be used for an existing subscription, combined with other orders, or used alongside other coupons.
Contest Rules:
  • The entry deadline is 11:59 PM PST on the day before the winner announcement, which usually falls within the last or second-to-last week of the month. The exact deadline date will be specified in the giveaway announcement email.
  • You must be 18 years or older to participate.
  • Only previous purchasers of Nakama Noodles of the past 6 months—including subscribers of all plans—can qualify for this contest. 
  • Even if you've ordered multiple boxes, you may only enter one survey per month before the entry deadline.

If you do not meet the requirements set forth in the rules above, you will not be entered into the draw.

The Announcement:

The winner will be announced to all email newsletter subscribers on the date specified in the giveaway announcement email, which usually falls within the last or second-to-last week of the month.  

The winner will receive the voucher to their provided email address, so be sure to be on the lookout to see if you're the one!

Please ensure that the email address you submit at the end of this form is the same as the one you used to purchase your Nakama Noodles box. Otherwise, you will not be able to receive your voucher code if you are chosen as the winner.

Not what you're looking for?

Click here to go to the customer support page or email us at service@miauboxjapan.com!

Ask Us Here!