Refund policy

We are always striving to provide you with best quality budo products that Japan has to offer, but we understand that sometimes you might not be satisfied with your purchase. 

The following policy is to ensure that you have a fair opportunity to return goods you are not happy with and protect you in case of an error.  We want to be as transparent as possible and be fair to both parties.

Can I return a purchase?

If you receive an item that you are not satisfied with or perhaps did not fit or is the wrong size, then it is perfectly acceptable for the item to be returned for either a refund or exchanged for an item of the same value.

All we ask is that the items are fairly returned in the following conditions.

• The return is applied for within 14 days of the delivery of the purchase.  Please see the application forms below.
• The product is returned in its original packaging with accompanying tags and labels.  This includes the white threads on certain uniforms and bogu that keep pleats and parts in place, if these are cut it cannot be returned.
• The product has not been washed.
• The product was not used.  It is perfectly acceptable to try the items on to check the size, but if the product was used in training, we cannot accept a return.
• The product is undamaged and in its original condition.  This also means making sure that when you return them that you take care to package the product, so it is not damaged in transit.

We inspect all returned products when they arrive and will contact you if there any issues.  Please feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions or need anything clarifying, we are here to help!

*New* customers from the USA can now return products to our return center in Florida.

What cannot be returned or exchanged?

All items that are a generic size and can be returned to inventory are eligible to be returned or exchanged, but items that have been made to order or customized with embroidery or engravings cannot.

This is because these items have been specially made or modified to a specific person's requirements which prevents them from being returned to our inventory.  We do not accept returns on the following items.

• Products which are made to order - including iaito, custom bogu, uniforms and wooden weapons and other such items.  This is because as soon as we receive the order materials and the time of our craftsmen are consumed which cannot be returned.  They also cannot be sold as normal stock.
• Products that have been embroidered or engraved or modified from their standard sizes.  This includes hakama that have had their obi extended for example.
• Items that are on clearance or part of a promotional sale cannot be returned or refunded.  This includes limited edition runs of items.
• Products that were not bought through our website or were purchased from another retailer.  Please use the return policy of the place where you purchased the item.
• Items, such as masks, tabi, and any other items that are warn on bare skin

If you are uncertain of the size or fit of one of these items, please contact us for details and sizing information.

How do I apply for a return or refund?

To keep things a simple and transparent as possible we a specific option for Exchanges and Returns as part of our contact form.

You can find our contact form here.

Simply choose "Yes" regarding the pre-existing order option,  then provide us with the Order Number and finally select Exchanging or Returning My Order.  This will mean your request will be directed straight to our customer service team who will be able to help resolve the situation with you.

When it comes to return shipping expenses who pays depends on the nature of the claim.

• When you have decided that you do not like the purchase or want to exchange for a different size we ask for you to cover the shipping costs.
• Though we try our utmost to provide the best possible level of service, mistakes can happen.  If we deliver a product with a fault or have made an error then we will cover all the return expenses and provide either a full refund or re-make the order, according to your preference.

Once the application has been submitted, we will reply to it within 3 working days (we are closed on weekends and Japanese national holidays).  We will then provide you with the return labels for shipping the products back to us or discuss the matter further if clarification is needed.

If a package is refused due to settling import fees or should there be a refusal to provide specific information or other requirements to allow for the package delivery and the package is returned to us, it will not be eligible for refund.

How am I refunded?

Our default method is to refund your order with the same method in which you paid. Shipping fees are included in the product prices and are non-refundable. The shipping fees will be deducted from the refunded amount. 

You can request an exchange for an identical product of a different size or a different item of the same value.  In case of an exchange shipping fees will be calculated separately. Finally, you can receive store credit equal to the value of the item (minus the shipping fees) to use for a different purchase.

How do I cancel my Order before it is shipped?

It is easy to place an order, but sometimes you change your mind afterwards and you want to cancel or change your order.  Because we try to provide the fastest possible service and turn-around time for orders, this can be a difficult situation.

• You may cancel your order before it has been processed by contacting us using the email you placed the order with and quoting the order number and your request.
• We cannot guarantee cancellation for requests made not using the customer’s registered account email.

When can my order no longer be cancelled?

In practical terms, we cannot guarantee to cancel an order once it has been processed by our staff.  This is because the order is then sent immediately to our warehouses and the items are packed up that day.  Many orders are even picked up and shipped the same day they are ordered.  

Please refer to the following order process to see when you can cancel or amend your order.

1. You place your order and receive an "Order Confirmed" email from us.  Cancellation and Order Modifications are possible by request.
2. Our staff process your order the next working day in Japan from 09:00.  Once processed you will receive an "Order Processed" email.  Cancellation and Order Modifications are no longer possible to guarantee.
3. Your order will be picked and packed once the order has been processed and sent to our shipping staff.  Once packed cancellations and modifications are no longer possible.

It is a good idea to make sure your contact details in your account are accurate and that you are not diverting our emails to a spam folder.

Thank you for your understanding and if you have any questions regarding our returns or cancellation policy please don’t hesitate to contact us.