FAQs
A few simple notes to guide you through our products and the experience of shopping with iromizu.
About iromizu and Our Made in Japan Products
Why shop with iromizu?
We treasure independent makers and family workshops, many of them carrying craft traditions recognised by the Japanese government and practised for generations. We don't carry everything; we choose objects that earn their place in a home because they enhance the texture of a moment. For instance, the weight of a cup that makes you linger over morning coffee, the scent of incense that softens a long evening, the brushwork on a plate that makes you pause mid-bite and notice your dinner differently. Our five collections are built around those moments, not product categories.
We write proper care instructions, tell the story behind the makers and their crafts, and stand behind everything we sell from our UK base. If you're looking for objects rooted in Japanese craft that bring calm and meaning to everyday life, that's what we're here for.
Are all your products made in Japan?
Yes, every product on iromizu is made in Japan. We source directly from trusted makers and suppliers, never from anonymous marketplaces, and we prioritise independent workshops and family businesses connected to Japan's recognised traditional crafts. We visit Japan regularly to find products with a story, a material worth touching, and the kind of care you notice when you hold them. If you'd like more background on a specific product or maker, message us and we'll gladly share what we know.
What is a METI-recognised traditional craft?
METI, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, formally recognises craft traditions that have been practised for at least 100 years, remain primarily handmade, and are rooted in a specific region using local materials. Japan has over 240 such designations, and several run through our shop like Takaoka copper casting from Toyama (Nousaku), and Ōdate magewappa bentwood from Akita (Kurikyu), among others.
It isn't a ranking but a promise that the methods behind these objects are historically grounded and still alive. When we say a piece comes from a METI-recognised tradition, we mean the hands shaping it are working the way hands have worked for generations, in the same place, with the same care.
What is a Master of Traditional Crafts?
A METI-certified Traditional Craftsman is an individual artisan who has practised a designated craft for at least 12 years and passed a national skills examination. It recognises one person's hands and judgement, not a company or a product line. Contemporary Master Craftsman is the highest living-craft title the Japanese government bestows, it is an even rare honour. Kurikyu's Shunji Kurimori and Osaka Suzuki's Tatsumasa Imai both carry this distinction and we are proud to showcase their crafts on iromizu.
What it means in practice is quietly simple: the person who made your teapot, your tin tumbler, or your bentwood cup has spent a working lifetime refining a single craft. This tends to show in the weight, the finish, and the feeling of the object in your hands.
Do you restock items?
Many of our items are produced in small batches by individual makers.
Restock timing varies depending on production schedules, and some pieces may not return once sold out. If there is a specific item you are interested in, feel free to contact us.
I’m new to Japanese homeware. Where should I start?
We recommend starting with one or two pieces you will use every day, such as a cup, bowl, or chopstick set.
You can also explore our curated Moment Collections like Everyday Banquet or Brew Time, designed to help you discover by lifestyle rather than by product type.
Product Care & Usage
How should I care for my Japanese craft items?
Treat them with the same gentle care as the shokunin who made them.
For example:
- ceramics (e.g. Kutani-yaki 九谷焼): hand-wash with mild soap and avoid microwaves.
- Wooden pieces (e.g bentwood) : occasional oiling with food-safe mineral oil.
Each product page includes specific care instructions under the “Care Instructions” section, as requirements may vary by maker and material.
We also include care tips with every order, and our blog has detailed guides to help your treasures last generations.
Will my piece look exactly like the photo?
Because many of our products are handmade, each piece carries slight variations in colour, glaze, size, or texture. For instance, a brushstroke that lands a little differently, a glaze that pools deeper on one side. These aren't flaws, they're the quiet proof that a person made this, not a machine. It's part of what makes the object yours.
Are your products microwave and dishwasher safe?
This depends on the individual item. On each product page, you will find clear care notes (e.g. “dishwasher safe”, “hand‑wash recommended”, or “not suitable for microwave”).
If you are unsure, feel free to ask us!
Shipping & Returns
Where do you ship from?
All orders ship from our UK warehouse so no customs delays or extra fees for UK customers.
How long does delivery take?
All delivery will be handled swiftly once received and we aim to have your order shipped out within 1 business day for next day delivery.
What are your shipping costs?
- Free shipping on orders over £70
- £6 flat rate for orders below £70
- To celebrate our opening, for orders placed between 28 April 2026 and 10 May 2026 (both days inclusive), the free shipping threshold will be £50 instead.
There may be extra fee for weekend delivery. Shipping options and any additional fees (e.g. weekend delivery) are shown at checkout. For more details, visit our "Shipping" page.
What is your returns policy?
We want you to feel relaxed about trying Japanese products at home, so you can return unused items in their original condition within 14 days of delivery.
Please visit our Return & Refund page and submit the request form if needed.
What if my item arrives damaged?
We are heartbroken to hear that and please contact us via the online form as soon as possible with photos, and we'll arrange a replacement or refund promptly—no fuss.
Limited, hand‑finished items may show subtle variations in glaze, colour, or texture – these are part of the craft and may not be considered faults.
Do you ship internationally?
Currently, we only deliver within the United Kingdom.
Orders, Gifts & Support
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit/debit cards, PayPal, and Google Pay for seamless checkout. All transactions are secured with SSL encryption, ensuring your details are safe as you embark on your ritual-finding journey.
Are your prices inclusive of VAT?
All prices are inclusive of VAT. There are no hidden charges at checkout for U.K. orders.
How can I contact you?
Whether it’s about how to care for your product received, products suggestions, or other general inquiries, we would love to be in touch.
Email us at general@iromizu.co.uk,
DM us on our Instagram account, or
use our live chat (weekdays 9am-5pm GMT).
Expect a warm, human response — no bots and not responded by AI.
Do you offer gift wrapping or messages?
Yes, many of our items can be wrapped in simple, Japanese‑inspired packaging, and you can add a short gift message at checkout.
We favour minimal, paper-based wrapping that feels thoughtful and refined. If it is for a specific occasion (housewarming, wedding, thank‑you), let us know and we can suggest pieces that carry a particular sentiment.