Undergoing renewal. Purchase available via AmazonUS or Ebook.

FAQ online shop frequently asked questions

  • - IMPORTANT - International Shipping Notice Update (updated: 12.07.2023)

    1. International Shipping Notice

    2. Please be informed of the following service adjustments to international shipping.

      Under new measures adopted by the Japanese government, the Japan national postal provider, Japan Post, has temporarily suspended the acceptance and delivery of mail items destined to various countries/territories.
      For more information, please click here: https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/information/overview_en.html

      At this moment, Japan Post still not receiving orders to be sent to Russia etc. the orders to be send to these countries and areas made will be processed once shipping services resume. Additionally, the registered mails to some countries (the United States, Canada, etc.) are not available. Please refer to the above link.

      We apologize for any inconvenience caused and thank you for understanding.

      In light of international shipping delays and/or suspension, we would like to provide all our a+u subscribers only a complimentary digital copy of the a+u issue. To receive your free copy, please follow the following steps:

      ① Create an account with our official ebook newsstand, Zinio, for free via the website here: https://www.zinio.com/. You may also wish to download the Zinio app for quicker access on mobile devices: https://www.zinio.com/jp/desktop/reader

      ② Send us an email at ja-business@japan-architect.co.jp with “Subscriber Complimentary ebook” as the subject heading, or by replying to this email, and provide us your

      i. Zinio username, that is, your registered email address for the Zinio account, and
      ii. Customer/Order Number located on your invoice or order confirmation email (you would have received this during the time you purchased your subscription). If you have trouble locating this number, please let us know.

      ③ We will send a digital copy into your account. Enjoy your ebook from your PC desktops, tablets, or mobile devices!

      Please continue to monitor our webpage here to be notified of all updates. For further inquiries or assistance required, please contact us via this email address.

      For up-to-date shipping information, please continue to monitor this page.

      For all other inquiries and assistance required, please contact us via the Inquiry Form located at the bottom of the page. We appreciate your cooperation in this period.

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We only accept payment by paypal. If you would like to pay using a different method, please contact us via the inquiry form located at the bottom of this page for more information.

  • Where do I order your publications?

    You can purchase publications through our online shop or from bookstores. For more information, please contact us via the inquiry form located at the bottom of this page.

  • In what currency will I be charged?

    All payment transactions will be handled in YEN through paypal. If your credit card account is in a currency other than YEN, you may be charged at a different exchange rate than what is quoted on our website. You may also be subjected to a foreign currency transaction fee. Please consult your bank or credit card provider if you are unsure. We will not be responsible for any charges your bank or issuing credit card company may charge you.

  • What shipping options are available? How long does shipping normally take?

      As of March 2024, due to logistical considerations, we exclusively offer Registered Airmail for all shipments. This method includes a tracking number and typically takes 4-8 weeks for the products to arrive.

  • I am living in Japan right now. Could I purchase your products through this online shop?

    No, this online shop is only for customers residing outside Japan. If you would like to place orders from Japan, please visit our Japanese website shinkenchiku.online.

  • How can I purchase your magazines and books that are only sold in Japan?

    If you would like to purchase products that are not available for sale through this website, please drop us an email or via the inquiry form located at the bottom of this page. We would be happy to assist you in English.

  • Can I return/change my order?

    As a general rule, we do not offer exchanges or refunds. Once your order has been placed, it is not possible to alter, cancel the order, combine additional orders into one shipment, or separate orders into multiple shipments.

    If the item delivered is not the item ordered, or is soiled, ripped, or otherwise damaged, please send us an email with photographic proof of the faulty item and we will send a replacement at no additional cost. In the event the item is out of stock or is out of print and no replacement is available, payment will be refunded in full.

    In the event that the wrong item has been delivered, we will cover the shipping costs incurred for returning* the item.

    *If more than 4 weeks has elapsed since the dispatch of the item by airmail, or more than 7 days have elapsed since the dispatch of the item by air courier, exchanges or return of products is not allowed.
    *Exchanges and returns of items are only possible for unused items.

  • How do I change the address for my subscription? - IMPORTANT -

    Please inform us your new delivery and/or address via email at least 2 weeks prior to the publication of the next issue. We are not liable to send replacement copies should the items be delivered to the incorrect address.

  • How do I change my account information?

    You can change your account information at the upper-right corner of the website (login required).

  • How secure is my online order?

    When purchasing online using your credit card, all of your information is entered into a SSL secure web page. Your information is then SSL-encrypted and sent directly to our credit card provider’s network, where your card and transaction is authorized and approved. Your credit card information is not stored on our servers. If you still do not wish to transmit your credit card details via the website, you are welcome to send them by email too.

  • Does the online shop issue receipts?

    Currently, the online shop does not issue receipts. When you make a purchase through the online shop, your payment is processed through the credit card company. Please refer to the statement you receive from your credit card company.

  • How long do products stay in the Shopping Cart?

    What you put in the Shopping Cart remains there until you log out or close your browser. Please be aware that you will be automatically logged out if you do not access the site for a certain period time.

  • Is it possible to have multiple member accounts?

    You need a unique email address to create an account. It is possible for one person to register more than one account, but you cannot register with the same email address.

  • Are you planning to reprint a+u February 1998 Extra Edition Peter Zumthor?

    We have received many inquiries regarding this, but there are no plans to print another edition.

  • Receiving Reminders

    Please be advised that customs duties or consumption taxes may be imposed on international mail depending on the value and quantity. In these cases, the addressee may also be charged customs handling fees.
    https://www.post.japanpost.jp/int/question/25_en.html

  • Our official international partner distributors and bookstores

    The good news – magazines are still available for purchase through our official international partner distributors and bookstores, while stocks last.

    Here are some resources you may wish to refer to in making your online purchase:

    Printed paper issues (a+u, JA, Shinkenchiku, and Jutakutokushu)
    For purchase from
    – Europe and major EU regions: Idea Books
    – Europe and major EU regions for a+u subscription: Bruil & van de Staaij
    – North America (USA and Canada): ACC
    – All other regions: Please send us an inquiry

    Digital issues
    – Zinio for selected a+u titles
    – Zinio or Fujisan for JA titles
    – Zinio or Fujisan for Shinkenchiku
    – Zinio or Fujisan for Jutakutokushu

Inquiry Form