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Since July 2021 (EU) and January 2021 (UK), all goods imported from outside the European Union and the United Kingdom are subject to VAT upon arrival — regardless of value. The previous low-value VAT exemption has been removed. This means that when ordering from Japan, import VAT will apply even for small purchases. How VAT Is Collected When your parcel arrives in your country: The carrier submits the shipment to customs. Local VAT is calculated based on your country’s rate.

What Changed in U.S. Import Policy in 2025? In August 2025, a major shift occurred in U.S. import policy. For decades, the United States allowed duty-free entry for parcels valued under $800 under the “de minimis” rule. This exemption enabled affordable international shipping for small businesses and individual consumers. That exemption has now ended. Every commercial shipment entering the United States from Japan is subject to formal customs processing — regardless of value.

From Aug 29, 2025, the U.S. will tax all goods from Japan, ending the $800 duty-free limit. See how this impacts prices, duties, and shipping options for customers.

December 25, 2025– January 5, 2026 (Japan Time) To thank our community for supporting authentic kintsugi and the traditional materials behind it, we’re hosting a members-only 12 Days of Kintsugi Christmas Giveaway . This campaign is designed for those working with traditional kintsugi materials, including urushi lacquer and Japanese-made kintsugi tools. Each day highlights a practical studio item drawn from our regular collection of kintsugi supplies . This page serves as t

In our latest guide, we explain how urushi allergy works, why reactions happen even when the surface feels dry, and the most effective safety precautions to take before and after your kintsugi practice. You’ll learn how to set up a safe workspace, how to protect your skin, how to clean tools correctly, and what to know about “hypoallergenic urushi” products.

Beyond Tokyo & Kyoto. More than just a urushi & kintsugi workshop. In October 2025, five participants traveled to the mountainous town of Daigo in Ibaraki Prefecture to experience the living world of urushi lacquer. With crisp autumn air, gentle morning mist, and the earliest hints of fall foliage brushing the mountains, this year’s Japan Urushi Forestry & Kintsugi Travel Workshop felt as intimate, inspiring and deeply personal as in 2024. A Small Cohort, A Deeper Journey