The Japanese Shop FAQs

About The Company

Who owns the Company?

The Japanese Shop Ltd is a family business privately owned by the two directors, Jez and Hiromi Willard.

How and why did it start?

It started in November 1998 after Jez spent a memorable year living and working in Osaka, Japan and returned to the UK (with Hiromi) with several presents for family and friends. The response that they received to the gifts inspired them to start The Japanese Shop.

Does the Company operate a franchise option?

Interested parties should contact Jez Willard at jez@thejapaneseshop.co.uk.

About The Services

If I am not happy, can I return the goods?

Yes, provided that they are undamaged, in their original packaging and within 28 days of purchase, we will be happy to arrange an exchange or a full refund if you prefer. We pride ourselves on our level of service and want you to be absolutely delighted with your order, please feel free to contact Jez Willard, Managing Director, at jez@thejapaneseshop.co.uk or on his personal mobile phone on 07771 650601 if you are in anyway less than delighted.

Do you charge for gift-wrapping?

Not usually, we endeavour to gift-wrap all orders free of charge in a beautiful Japanese wrapping paper and affix a small origami bird to the corner which we feel gives the gift an extra special look! (We regularly receive several compliments about our origami birds!) We do however make a small charge for gift wrapping trade orders.

How long does it take to deliver an item?

Most orders received before about 2:00pm are despatched on the day of receipt and will arrive within 3-5 days if you select the £3.99 delivery option, or within 1-2 days if you select the £7.99 option.

For more information about delivery options please visit our Customer Service section.

Do you ship overseas?

Yes regularly! We would just charge you the same as what a carrier would charge us. That charge obviously depends upon the weight and delivery time required. We suggest that you place your order through the website and select the international delivery option, we will then prepare your order and advise you of the delivery charge which you can then decide if that is acceptable and whether to proceed and confirm the order or not.

Read more on delivery options in our Customer Service section.

Many of your gifts appear to be very fragile, can I be confident in having them delivered safely?

Yes. The key to safe delivery is careful packaging and we take a great deal of care to ensure that your gift arrives safely as well as quickly. This sometimes results in a relatively small gift being delivered in a very large box! Please remember that we take responsibility for the safe arrival of your gift, if it does arrive damaged, we would arrange a replacement for you at our cost.

Can I send an item to another address?

Sure! Just indicate the actual delivery address on the online orderform and we will send the receipt to you and the gift directly to the recipient.

If I am not comfortable with ordering on the web, can I telephone an order through?

Yes, just call 01423 545020. (or +44-1423-545020 if calling from overseas)

Do you supply to the trade?

Yes, please email customerservice@thejapaneseshop.co.uk or call us on (01423) 545020.

Do you supply corporate gifts?

Yes, please email customerservice@thejapaneseshop.co.uk or call us on (01423) 545020.

Will you translate some Japanese writing for me?

Yes if we can! The amount that we charge for this service will depend on the amount of work involved, a lot of small translation work we do currently we do for free!

About The Products

Why sets of five?

Because the Japanese believe that four is unlucky (much like our thirteen) and therefore tend to avoid it where possible. Where we do sell sets in fours it is because they have still been made in Japan but for the western market.

Why is the cat lucky in Japanese culture?

Many years ago a Zen Buddhist Priest was struggling to attract visitors to his temple until one day he befriended a stray cat which wandered into the grounds of his temple. The cat duly began sitting at the entrance to the temple which attracted the attention of the passing local people who in turn began visiting his temple, much to the delight of the Priest!

The lucky cat or ‘maneki neko' has since been considered to be lucky in Japanese culture for many years, and can be seen even to this day in many homes and businesses throughout Japan. It is said that the white cat invites happiness, the black cat protects you from illness, the gold cat brings you riches and the pink cat brings you love!

Are the Kokeshi dolls like Russian dolls?

Similar, although they do not have smaller dolls inside them like the Russian ones. The Kokeshi dolls were traditionally hand-made by farmers in northern Japan as presents for their children and grand-children and the flowers and designs depict those in the local community where they lived.

Are the Kimono real?

Our Kimono are made in Japan, are also known as ‘Yukata' (or some cotton ones as ‘Nemaki' and are styled on the traditional Japanese kimono, but made from a lighter weight, more practical fabric. A ‘real' Kimono is made from a very thick silk (almost like a quilt) and would typically cost in excess of a £5,000! In Japan you would usually require professional assistance to actually put it on!

How should you clean a Kimono?

We sell Kimono made from cotton, polyester and silk and they all have different washing instructions, please follow the guidelines on the label. Alternatively, you can find additional information in our Kimono Washing Guidelines section.

Are the Kimono all one size?

No, generally speaking they come in three sizes, ¾ length (to the knee) or 'Happi Coats' which will fit ladies size 8 to16, full-length (to the ankle) or 'Kimono' which will fit sizes 10 to 18 and a Kimono XL which is also ankle length but cut more generously and will fit sizes 18 to 22. Most mens Kimono are also available in the two lengths and are cut more generously and slightly longer. If in doubt we suggest a longer length which can easily be shortened to suit.

Are the swords real?

They are real swords but do not have a live (sharp) blade and are really only for display purposes.

Can your tableware products be used in a dishwasher or microwave?

Most of our Japanese tableware is perfectly safe to use in a dishwasher or microwave, except the crackleglaze range, which because of the sensitivity of the glaze, we recommend is not suitable.

Other General Questions

Is Sushi always raw fish?

No, this is an extremely common misconception! Sushi is actually a small block of vinegared rice which is typically accompanied by vegetables, seafood, egg or fish which can be either raw or cooked! Sushi is very easy to make (we sell all the ingredients required!), extremely healthy and delicious! Incidentally, raw fish only is called Sashimi!