FAQs
About Kuramae Creations
What is Kuramae Creations?
Kuramae Creations is your destination to discover and shop authentic Japanese illustration prints. Each piece is thoughtfully curated from emerging artists across Japan and shipped worldwide.
Where is Kuramae Creations based?
Kuramae Creations is based in Tokyo, Japan. All prints are produced in-house and shipped directly from Japan.
How do you work with artists?
We partner with talented local artists in Japan to share their work with the world. Artists create, and we take care of printing and shipping everything in-house from Japan!
How can I contact you?
Feel free to reach out to us anytime through our contact form. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
Products & Sizing
What type of prints do you offer?
We use high-resolution Giclée printing to capture every detail of the artwork with exceptional clarity and richness. Each print is carefully color-adjusted in collaboration with the artist for the best finish, and we use premium Japan-made paper to bring out the beauty of each piece.
What is Giclée print?
A giclée print is a high-quality fine art print made with specialized inkjet printers. The word “giclée” comes from French, meaning “to spray,” describing how the ink is applied in tiny droplets for incredible detail and color depth. Giclée prints are loved by artists and collectors because they capture the richness, texture, and vibrancy of the original artwork with outstanding precision.
How long does Giclée prints last?
Thanks to advanced printing technology and high-quality materials, Giclée prints are made to last a very long time. When kept in good conditions, our prints can maintain their vibrant colors and details for over 100 to 200 years. We use carefully selected papers and pigment-based inks to ensure outstanding durability. While our prints offer strong resistance to light exposure, we recommend avoiding prolonged direct sunlight to help preserve their beauty even longer.
How is the paper quality?
We use premium fine art paper with a rich, textured surface that brings out the depth and character of each print. Made from high-quality cotton, the paper offers a soft, luxurious feel and is designed for long-term preservation.
The textured finish (0.54 mm thick) creates a unique sense of depth and dimension, making it ideal for showcasing artwork with an artistic, painting-like look. It's perfect for anyone looking to add a refined, gallery-quality touch to their space.
How accurate are the product colors?
We do our best to make sure the colors you see online match the final prints as closely as possible. However, colors can look slightly different depending on your screen settings (like brightness, color calibration, and device type).
If you have any questions about colors or would like more details before ordering, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help!
Are the prints framed?
Currently, prints are shipped unframed. This allows you to choose a frame that fits your personal space and style. We may offer framing options in the future.
What sizes are available?
Our prints are mainly available in A3 (29.7 × 42.0 cm / 11.7 × 16.5 in) and A4 (21.0 × 29.7 cm / 8.3 × 11.7 in), with a few pieces also offered in A2 (42.0 × 59.4 cm / 16.5 × 23.4 in).
Some artworks have been carefully resized from the original pieces to fit these formats while preserving image quality and detail.
Do you have any recommendations for framing?
While we currently don’t offer framing services, our prints are sized to fit standard A2, A3, or A4 frames, making it easy to find a style you love.
When selecting a frame, we recommend:
- Keeping it simple to let the artwork shine.
- Considering a mat board (white or off-white) for a more elevated, gallery-like look.
- Choosing UV-protective glass if possible, to help preserve the colors.
- Matching the frame to the artwork’s mood:
→ Lighter frames for soft or pastel artworks.
→ Darker frames or dark-toned wood frames work well for stronger, bolder pieces.
→ Natural wood frames to enhance colorful or pop-style art.
When framing, the goal is to have the frame and artwork complement each other, not compete. Avoid frames that are too flashy or too similar in color to the artwork. Sometimes a little contrast, like a dark frame with a bright piece, can make the art stand out beautifully.
For more detailed advice, feel free to reach out to us through our contact form.
Do you offer custom sizes?
At the moment, we only offer standard sizes listed on each product page. However, if you have a special request, feel free to contact us — we’ll do our best to help.
Orders
How do I track my order?
You can easily track your order by clicking on the Track My Order tab at the top of our website. Simply enter your order details, and you’ll get real-time updates on your shipment.
Can I change or cancel my order after placing it?
Once an order is placed, we’re usually unable to make changes to it.
If you need to cancel your order, please contact us through our contact form as soon as possible. If your order hasn’t been prepared for shipping yet, we’ll do our best to cancel it for you. After cancellation, you can simply place a new order if needed.
Can I change the delivery address after placing my order?
If your order has not yet been shipped, please contact us as soon as possible through our contact form. We'll do our best to update your delivery address before dispatch.
If your order has already been shipped, you may still be able to adjust the delivery address depending on the shipping carrier’s services.
Once your package is dispatched, you’ll receive a tracking link and details by email. Many carriers offer options such as:
- Changing the delivery address
- Rescheduling the delivery date
- Redirecting the package to a pickup location
- Holding the package if you're not available
If you have any questions or need help, feel free to reach out to us anytime!
What if I entered incorrect information during checkout?
If you realize that you’ve entered incorrect information such as your delivery address, billing address, email address, or phone number, please reach out to us through our Contact Form as soon as possible. We’ll do our best to update your details before your order is shipped out.
If your order has already been dispatched, unfortunately we may not be able to make changes. Please note that incorrect information could affect the delivery of your order, and any additional costs incurred may be your responsibility.
We recommend double-checking your information carefully at checkout to help ensure a smooth delivery experience!
I didn’t receive an order confirmation, what should I do?
Order confirmations are typically sent within a few minutes after you complete your purchase.
If you don’t see it in your inbox, please make sure to check your spam or junk folder just in case.
If you haven’t received your order confirmation within 24 hours, please reach out to us through our Contact Form. We’ll be happy to assist you.
Can I place a company order?
Yes! We welcome wholesale orders from offices, hotels, shops, and other commercial spaces.
You can now place a company or B2B order directly through our Wholesale Portal on the website. Once registered and approved, you’ll gain access to exclusive pricing and volume discounts.
Please note:
- Wholesale pricing is available for orders of 10 units or more.
- Volume discounts increase at 30 and 100 units.
What should I do if my order is delayed?
If your order is delayed, we recommend first checking the tracking information provided by the shipping courier for any updates.
Sometimes parcels may be delayed due to customs processing or missing paperwork required for importing the goods.
If you still have concerns after checking the tracking details, please feel free to reach out to us through our Contact Form or via email at sales@kuramaecreations.com. we’re happy to assist you.
Shipping
What are your delivery times?
Once your order is placed, please allow 1–3 business days for us to carefully process and prepare your shipment.
We ship worldwide from Japan using trusted international couriers like FedEx. Estimated delivery times are as follows:
USA & Canada:
- Economy: 13–20 business days
- Standard: 5-14 business days
- Priority: 2–6 business days
Europe & Oceania:
- Economy: 12–20 business days
- Standard: 5–10 business days
- Priority: 2–7 business days
Asia:
- Standard: 8–12 business days
- Priority: 2–5 business days
Please note that delivery times are estimates and may vary depending on your location and local customs procedures. Deliveries to remote areas may take a little longer.
Do you offer Economy, Standard, or Priority shipping?
We ship worldwide using trusted international couriers like Japan Post, FedEx, and DHL.
Depending on your location, you’ll be able to choose between Economy, Standard, and Priority shipping options at checkout. For most destinations in Asia, we only offer Standard and Priority options.
Please note:
- Available shipping methods for your location will appear during checkout.
- Some orders may ship in multiple parcels due to volume or size.
- All parcels will be linked to the same tracking number, but they may arrive separately on different days.
What happens if I’m not home when my order is delivered?
If you’re not home at the time of delivery, the courier will either attempt a re-delivery or leave you instructions on how to reschedule or collect your parcel.
In many cases, if your order is eligible for the courier’s On Demand Delivery (ODD) service, you may be able to:
- Reschedule the delivery for a different day
- Change the delivery address
- Redirect the parcel to a nearby pickup point
- Have the parcel delivered to a neighbor
- Request the courier to hold your delivery for a few days if you’re away
You’ll receive instructions by email or SMS if ODD is available for your shipment.
Please note that if you authorize delivery without a signature, it will be at your own risk and we cannot take responsibility for any loss or damage after delivery.
How much is the shipping cost?
Shipping rates vary based on your location, the shipping method you select (Economy, Standard, or Priority), and the size of your order.
You’ll see the available options and exact cost during checkout.
Please note that local taxes and/or import duties may apply depending on your country’s regulations. These are not included in the shipping cost and are the responsibility of the customer.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide from Japan!
We work with trusted international couriers like Japan Post, DHL, and FedEx to ensure safe and reliable delivery.
Returns
How do I return my order?
We offer a 30-day return policy if you change your mind.
Please contact us within 30 days of receiving your order, and we will guide you through the return process.
To be eligible for a return:
- The item must be in the same condition you received it, unused and unmarked.
- It must be returned in the original packaging or a similar protective tube or box.
- Proof of purchase (your order confirmation) is required.
Returns will need to be sent to our Japan returns address. You can always contact us for any return question via our contact form.
Can I exchange an item?
If you would like to exchange an item, please first initiate a return by following our return instructions.
Once your return is on its way, you can place a new order for the item you would like instead. This way, you’ll receive your new piece as quickly as possible.
Do you offer free return shipping?
For change-of-mind returns, customers are responsible for the return shipping costs.
However, if you receive an item that is damaged, defective, or incorrect, we will cover the return shipping. In that case, please contact us as soon as possible and we’ll be happy to assist you.
What should I do if my order arrives damaged, incorrect, or missing an item?
We take great care in packing and shipping your order safely. However, if your item arrives damaged, if you receive the wrong item, or if an item is missing from your order, please contact us as soon as possible.
We’ll be happy to arrange a replacement for any damaged, incorrect, or missing item.
If you prefer not to receive a replacement, you may return the item following our standard return process.
Please make sure to take clear photos of the package and the item(s) you received upon arrival, as we may need them to assist you with your claim.
When will I receive my refund?
Once we have received your returned item, we aim to process your refund within 7 days but no later than 14 days. As soon as your refund has been processed, we will send you a confirmation email.
Refunds will be issued to the original payment method used for your order. Please note that depending on your bank or payment provider, it may take up to 10 business days for the amount to appear in your account.
If you haven’t seen your refund after 14 days, please contact us via our contact form with your order number and return tracking information, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major payment methods to make your checkout smooth and easy. You can pay using: VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Do you charge in Japanese yen or local currency?
All orders are charged in Japanese yen (JPY). For your convenience, you may see prices displayed in your local currency while browsing, but the final checkout and payment will be processed in JPY.
Please note that your bank or credit card provider may apply a currency conversion fee.
Is my payment information secure?
Yes, your payment is completely secure.
We use trusted providers like Shopify Payments, with industry-standard encryption to protect your information. Your full credit card details are never stored on our servers.
I’m getting an error message when trying to pay, what should I do?
If you receive an error message when trying to complete your payment, it might have been declined by your bank for various reasons. We recommend reaching out to your bank first, as they can often resolve the issue. Sometimes simply trying again later can also help.
If the issue persists or seems unrelated to your payment method, please take a screenshot of the error message and reach out to us through our contact form or via email at sales@kuramaecreations.com. We’ll be happy to assist you.