Refund policy

Refund Policy — Life with Kogei

All works available on Life with Kogei are unique, handcrafted pieces created by Japanese artisans. Due to their singular and irreplaceable nature, we apply a strict return policy as described below.

1. General Principle — Final Sales

Unless an error has been made on our part, all sales are final. We do not accept returns, exchanges, or refunds for personal convenience.

2. Incorrect Item Shipped

If you receive a work different from the one you ordered, please contact us within 7 days of receipt at: info@lifewithkogei.jp

We will arrange the return of the incorrect piece and ship the correct one in accordance with the instructions provided by email.

3. Damage in Transit

We package every work with the utmost care. However, if your parcel arrives damaged:

  • Photograph the packaging and the artwork immediately upon receipt
  • Contact us within 7 days with your photos
  • We will assess the situation and propose an appropriate solution

We cannot accept returns or issue refunds for damage caused during customs inspection or opening.

4. Right of Withdrawal — European Union (14 Days)

In accordance with EU consumer law, customers residing in the European Union have the right to withdraw from their purchase within 14 days of receiving their order, without providing any reason.

To exercise this right:

  • The work must be returned in its original condition, unused, in its original packaging
  • Proof of purchase is required
  • Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer
  • Please contact us in advance at: info@lifewithkogei.jp

⚠️ Important exception: Unique handcrafted artworks may be exempt from the right of withdrawal under applicable EU consumer regulations covering goods made to the consumer's specifications or clearly personalised items. Please contact us if you have any questions.

5. Claims Deadline

No return, exchange, or refund request will be accepted more than 180 days after the order date.

6. Customs and Delivery

Depending on your country and chosen shipping method, your parcel may be held at customs before delivery to your address. Customs authorities will contact you directly. If you do not receive this notification, please contact your local customs office using the provided tracking number.

⚠️ Deliveries via forwarding addresses or freight forwarders: If you use a package forwarding service or a "C/O [transport company]" address, please note that we cannot be held responsible for damage, loss, or delays occurring after the initial delivery to the forwarding agent. Liability transfers upon handover to that third party.

7. Fraud Prevention

All our shipments are made with a Japan Post EMS tracking number. In the event of a dispute regarding the non-receipt of a parcel, confirmed as delivered by postal tracking records, we reserve the right to contest any refund request or chargeback with our payment provider and to submit shipping and delivery evidence accordingly.

8. Contact

For any return-related inquiry: 📧 info@lifewithkogei.jp 📬 Return address: 505 Higashimonzen-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8345, Japan