E-readers are now mainstream, and Kobo is one of the top choices for beginners. Founded in Canada in 2009 and acquired by Rakuten in 2012, the brand has released many popular models.
In Singapore, Kobo devices can be pricey. The trick? Buy from Rakuten Japan and ship with Buy&Ship—you’ll get better prices and more model options.
Tip: Rakuten Books works best with Amex or JCB cards. No card? Shop via Rakuten’s Yamada Denki store or use Buy&Ship’s free Japan proxy service.
Table of Contents
→ Popular Kobo eReaders Comparison
→ Recommended Kobo Models & Price Comparison
→ Member Reviews & Unboxing
→ How to Buy Kobo eReaders on Rakuten Japan
→ How to order Kobo and Ship to Singapore for less
I. Popular Kobo eReaders Comparison
| Model | Elipsa 2E | Sage | Libra Colour | Clara Colour | Clara BW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local Price | S$630(Included Stylus) | S$420 | S$339.9 | S$240 | S$210 |
| Japan Price | S$420 | S$242 | S$262 | S$218 | S$198 |
| Screen | 10.3″ E Ink Carta™ 1200 | 8″ E Ink Carta™ 1200 | 7″ E Ink Kaleido™ 3 | 6″ E Ink Kaleido™ 3 | 6″ Anti-glare E Ink Carta™ 1300 HD |
| Resolution | 1404×1872 (227ppi) | 1440×1920 (300ppi) | 1264×1680 (B/W 300ppi / Colour 150ppi) | 1072×1448 (B/W 300ppi / Colour 150ppi) | 1072×1448 (300ppi) (B/W 300ppi) |
| Storage | ~32GB | ~32GB | ~32GB | ~16GB | ~16GB |
| Weight | ~390g | ~240g | ~199.5g | ~174g | ~174g |
| Stylus Support | Supports Kobo Stylus 2 (note-taking & drawing) | Supports Kobo Stylus 2 (note-taking & drawing) | Supports Kobo Stylus 2 (note-taking & drawing) | N/A | N/A |
II. Recommended Kobo Models & Price Comparison
Kobo Libra Colour – 7” Colour E-Reader
- 2024 colour-screen release
- E Ink Kaleido™ 3 display
- Sync with Dropbox / Google Drive
- Adjustable light & colour temperature
- IPX8 waterproof
- Works with Stylus 2 for notes & highlights
Local Price: S$339.9
Rakuten Japan Price: S$262（JPY30,142）
Kobo Elipsa 2E – 10.3” eReader + Stylus
- Large display for reading & note-taking
- Faster processor, smoother performance
- Stylus 2 included (highlight, sketch, annotate)
- Bluetooth support for audiobooks
Local Bundle Price: S$630
Rakuten Japan Price: S$420（JPY48,419）
Kobo Sage – 8” eReader
- Flagship model with sharp Carta™ 1200 display
- Faster page turns, improved contrast
- Dark mode for eye comfort
- Works with Stylus 2
Local Price: S$420
Rakuten Japan Price: S$242（JPY27,870）
Kobo Clara BW & Clara Colour – 6” Compact Models
- Compact and lightweight (174g)
- Up to 12,000 books (16GB storage)
- Supports Bluetooth audiobooks
- A new colour edition has recently launched
- Clara Colour: waterproof, Kaleido™ 3 screen
- Clara BW: classic anti-glare Carta™ 1300
Clara Colour Local Price:：S$240
Rakuten Japan Price: S$218（JPY25,033）
Kobo Elipsa Stylus Replacement Nibs
- Protects screen from scratches
- Smooth writing, paper-like feel
- Easy erase with side button
Local: not available
Rakuten Japan Price: S$11（JPY1,257）
Note: Product prices, quantities etc. may change due to sales. All credits are due to all of the brands featured in the article unless otherwise specified.
III. Member Reviews & Unboxing
Over 300 Buy&Ship members have already bought their Kobo devices via our Japan proxy shopping service and shared their experiences. Browse through their reviews to find the model that best fits your reading lifestyle—without overspending.
IV. How to Buy Kobo eReaders on Rakuten Japan
Step 1
Go to Buy&Ship website to log in or register as a member.
Step 2
Fill in your first and last name, email address and set your account password. Click “Sign Up” once details are completed.
Step 3
Browse on Rakuten Japan to pick your favourite item, you can add item into your cart or checkout immediately.
Step 4
Go to your shopping cart, select “茨城県 (Ibaraki Prefecture)” as the shipping location from the upper right corner.
Check and make sure correct items are added into cart, and proceed.
Step 5
Sign into your Rakuten account. If you’re not a Rakuten member, you can register as a member below by filling in the form.
Learn more: Step-by-Step Guide on Rakuten and How to Register As Member
Step 6
Fill in delivery address. Go to the “Overseas Warehouse Address” on your Buy&Ship member centre and select “Japan” to view the information of Buyandship’s Japan warehouse.
In the name session, please enter your name and Buy&Ship membership number (e.g. SGXXXXXX). For the “フリガナ“, you need to convert your name into Japanese Katakana (click here to convert). Once it’s converted, copy and paste it onto the name bar.
Step 7
You can choose whether to register as a member on Rakuten. If you don’t want to register, you can click the second box “楽天会員に登録しない”.
It’s highly recommended to register as a member if you shop often on Rakuten as you can save payment and shipping details on your account for faster checkout next time, and earn points!
Set your password if you proceed with registration.
Step 8
Proceed onto payment page, fill in your credit card information to settle the payment, and then click “次へ”.
Step 9
Confirm your order information, and then click “OK” (the red box shown). You’ll receive email confirmation once order is submitted.
Step 10
Once you’ve received a shipping notification email from Rakuten, go to your member centre and declare the shipment on Buy&Ship to receive your package as soon as possible!
V. How to order Kobo and Ship to Singapore for less
✅ Use Buy&Ship Proxy Service（fastest and most convenient）
- Submit your order: Provide the product link, quantity, color, and other specifications.）
- Receive a quote: The Buy&Ship team will send you a quote and a payment notification.
- After you pay, Buy&Ship will place the order for you and have it shipped to our overseas warehouse.
- Consolidate and ship: Once your item arrives, you can consolidate it with other packages.
- Finalize delivery: After your final payment is complete, Your order will be delivered directly to your home address.