I'll be getting stationed in Japan for a few months and the base I'm going to has a bowling alley. I'm curious if there's a way I can see whats on the international market for Japan ahead of time that way I'll know what I want when I get there. I've seen international brand bowling so I've seen some stuff but curious if there's other ways?  I also have a few shipping questions for sending it back home when I leave there

Most, if not all, military installations will have a post office on them regardless if they are stateside or overseas.  They should be able to handle all of your shipping needs.

The only concern I would have would be finding the cardboard boxes for the 2nd layer of protection, i.e. 9x9x9 boxes.  If you have an idea of how many balls you plan on purchasing, I would suggest you bring the cardboard boxes with you and a roll or two of packing tape to ensure you have it.  For example if you plan on purchasing 4 balls, talk with your local pro shop about getting an empty case from them and using that to mail your purchases back.

Another suggestion is to use the Japanese postal system or maybe there is a UPS or FedEx or DHL office in the local area (of the base) that you can use.

Bottom line...there should be no reason for you to not be able to ship some bowling balls back.

It may depending on where in Japan you are stationed.  If you are interested in the overseas market, you may have better luck going to a local non-military center.  When I was in the Marine Corps, the base pro shops got their equipment from the U.S. since MWR had contracts with U.S. distributors.  It may have changed since I was in though (1990-2000).

This is good information if had planned on purchasing from an on-base pro shop.  My original reply was based on you going to an off-base pro shop to make your purchases.

I'll on kadena AFB. There is a pro shop on base but I may go in town to get something overseas

I'll on kadena AFB. There is a pro shop on base but I may go in town to get something overseas

They might have some overseas equipment in the base pro shop (worth a look), but my guess is that they will carry only U.S. releases.  Your best bet would be to go to an off base pro shop.

I can guarantee that Kadena has a post office that you will be able to ship your purchases.  Once again you might want to bring some cardboard boxes with you just so you have them on hand in case the post office doesn't have any or the pro shop is stingy with theirs.