Frequently Asked Questions

It's Japanese: Aka = red & Tako = octopus.

All of the artwork is watermarked because it is actually illegal to reproduce the images electronically. As an authorized reseller, I wish to show people what they are buying but putting copies of books and artwork on the internet actually goes against copyright law. Adding a watermark prevents people from printing out the artwork but still allows them to preview what they are purchasing.

If you wish to view the artworks without the watermark, please purchase the book/artwork. There are no watermarks in real life. ^_^

AkaTako.net is designed and maintained by Katie directly. Owner, operator of all the things!! This brand new Drupal 10 upgrade was GREATLY helped along by the expertise of Amit K. who is a talented freelancer. He answered all my questions and fixed all of the things that I couldn't figure out on my own.

Check your spam folder! Many email programs (especially Gmail and Hotmail) automatically mark emails as spam and send it to your spam folder. If you don't see the email in your spam folder or if there's just too much to look through please email info AT akatako.net directly AND add the email address to your address book.

Any and all emails are usually responded to within 48 hours.

As a last resort, email akatako.net AT gmail.com OR contact via the facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/akatako2

If any item says "signed" that means that the artist themselves signed it by hand. I will never list a stamped or mechanically printed signature as "signed".

All items listed on AkaTako are in brand new, perfect condition unless otherwise stated. If an item is used, slightly damaged, or less than perfect the condition will always be explicitly described in the description.

It is always possible to request! Just send an email to info@akatako.net with the name of the artist you like and a brief description of what you are hoping for. AkaTako.net will get in touch with the artist or their agent and let you know if it is possible and what the cost would be.

Yes! AkaTako.net works directly with artists and galleries in Japan to bring you original works of art. Many of them have been reproduced as prints, posters, and in books but any item listed as an "original" is a one of a kind original created by the artist themselves.

Almost all of the items on AkaTako are made in Japan by local galleries or publishers who I have worked with for many years. Many artists also offer AkaTako their small goods that are only available during local exhibitions. And AkaTako produces many exclusive items themselves!

The "slow boat" shipping option is a special reduced rate available for people in EU member states + UK and Switzerland and the USA. Instead of paying for shipping your one single order from the EU to USA or from USA to the EU+ you can join your order to a once a month consolidated package.

Consolidated packages contain orders from many people. Higher weight = better price! Orders are gathered together and then shipped to the appropriate destination as close to the 15th of each month as is possible. After the consolidated box arrives it is separated out and individual shipping labels are applied.

example 1: USA client wants to buy a book that is only in stock at the Germany location. In the shopping cart, choose Economy or Expedited shipping to go directly DE→USA with standard transit times. Or choose SLOW BOAT option to join the monthly consolidated box of several orders. It will leave Germany close to the 15th of the month, arrive to AkaTako USA and be unpacked, and then get a local shipping label with either Economy or Expedited shipping depending on your choice.

example 2: EU+ client buys a book that is only available from the USA location. Shipping to EU member states must be VAT compliant so it needs to go to AkaTako Germany location first. More info here. Your only choice is the SLOW BOAT option. You may contact me if you wish to have other options!

*If you want to purchase something and think that the "slow boat" option could be applicable please contact me to find out what is possible.

AkaTako's website automatically calculates the appropriate VAT due on orders for all EU member states. You will be charged different tax rates based on the type of item - book, original artwork, magazine, sticker, etc. 

• Products shipping from the Berlin, Germany, location to EU member states are straightforward.
• Products shipping from the Colorado, USA, location to EU member states are a little complicated. They must first be sent from USA to AkaTako's Berlin location (I get charged wholesale import VAT here). Then they are sent from Berlin to you (this is the "EU VAT" part here). 
• If you are in a rush and you don't want to go US→DE→EU please contact me for some options! It is possible to ship directly US→EU with a little effort. The taxes would not be collected by AkaTako and you would be required to pay import taxes and VAT before or during delivery of the parcel.

Please read more about the available shipping options from the USA location to EU member states.

First, please take a deep breath. Everything will be ok.

Next, please take a good look around the outdoor area of your home. Packages are sometimes left in hidden and unexpected areas. If you definitely can't find it, please send me an email with your order number and arrival details. If the order was "delivered" by your local post office, please visit your local post as soon as possible. Show them the tracking and explain the situation. Sometimes the package is being held at the post office.

Please wait for a reply to your initial email to AkaTako so that you know all of the options. We've shipped tens of thousands of parcels and we know the procedures.

If you are shipping to an EU member state you will not be charged VAT or import taxes. More info.

If you are shipping to the USA you will not be charged any taxes.

If you are shipping anywhere outside of these two zones it is pretty likely that you will be charged import taxes and duties before/during the delivery process. You are responsible for paying these fees directly yourself. 

Packages are usually shipped within 3 business days (excludes holidays and weekends).

Please take a look at the shipping page for a detailed explanation.

If your package has tracking available you will receive the tracking number in an automated email at the time your package is shipped. Please remember to check your email's spam folder if you don't receive it. Please email info @ akatako.net if you have not received the tracking number.

ECONOMY SHIPPING rarely includes tracking.
EXPEDITED SHIPPING always includes tracking.

If you selected a shipping service with insurance (like Expedited Shipping), just email info AT akatako.net describing the condition of the package. Please don't throw anything away! I will put in a claim with insurance on your behalf and either refund the price of the item OR replace the item based on your preference. You must notify AkaTako that there is a problem less than 30 days after your order is delivered. Insurance has an expiration date!

If you chose the cheapo shipping option with no insurance (Economy Shipping) there is not much that can be done. AkaTako.net packages items very carefully but if the post is horribly abusive to the package sometimes it cannot be helped. If you are concerned about damage please pick a shipping option that includes insurance (Expedited!). 

If you are buying things and nervous about insurance, please contact me and I can give you a custom shipping quote with full insurance.

Oh no! Please let me know your order number and what you actually received. Photos are helpful. :)

Your order will be corrected at no cost to you - likely with a prepaid shipping label so you can send the wrong thing back to me (you are required to pack it back up and drop it off to a shipping point). Then the correct item you actually ordered will be sent to you.

An item which is available on back order means that AkaTako has run out of stock but already placed a re-order with the publisher/manufacturer. If you order a back order item, it is reserved for you and will ship to you as soon as it arrives to AkaTako (the approximate arrival date should be listed in the beginning of the description).

Please note that if you buy a combination of back order and in stock items, your entire order will wait to ship in one parcel after the back order item arrives. If you don't want to wait, please place separate orders for back order items (which wait to ship) and in stock items (which can ship right away).

AkaTako is based in the Berlin, Germany, so all prices are shown in euros €.
If your bank or credit card is not in euros €, you may be charged a currency conversion fee by your financial institution. AkaTako has no control over this. Please check with your bank or credit card before purchasing. 

Check currency conversion rates and get an estimate of what you will be charged in your native currency.

An item which is available for pre-order means that AkaTako has already ordered the item and has a ship date but the item is not yet in AkaTako's hands. If you order a pre-order item, it is reserved for you and will ship to you as soon as it arrives to AkaTako (the date should be listed in the beginning of the description). Sometimes a pre-order item sells out before it even arrives to AkaTako!

Please note that if you buy a combination of back order and in stock items, your entire order will wait to ship in one parcel after the back order item arrives. If you don't want to wait, please place separate orders for back order items (which wait to ship) and in stock items (which can ship right away).

Stripe Payments are available. Options are determined by your location. 
PayPal is available.
Higher priced items can be paid for by bank transfer or wire, please email info AT akatako.net for details.

Sooooooooooooooooon. I'm working on it. :)

Probably. AkaTako will certainly try! Just send an email to info@akatako.net with a description of what you are looking for. If I can find it, I'll send you an email with a price/description. If I am unable to find it I will keep your email address and let you know if I find it in the future.

Please read EU consumer rights information here.

All other regions: all sales are final. Most of the items on AkaTako are rare and many are one of a kind. If you are unsure of your purchase or have questions, please contact me for advice before you purchase.

The condition of each item is carefully described (if it is not brand new). Please read the item's description and feel free to email if you have questions or want detailed close-up photos before purchasing.

If you return an order or item without authorization, your refund will be subject to a minimum 15% restocking fee. This fee covers loss of payment processing fees, loss of time preparing your parcel, etc. The restocking fee might be increased at the AkaTako's discretion if the item comes back in anything other than the same condition in which it was sent.

If the item is temporarily sold out, just click "Notify Me" (button at top right) to be added to a wait list. You'll be notified when it's back in stock and have the opportunity to buy it before it is even back on the website.

If the item is permanently sold out, you can still click to be notified but it is unlikely that it will ever be available again. IF it becomes available again you will be notified via email.

"Notify Me" requests are always confirmed via email that I have received your request. Please be sure to check your spam email AND add info@akatako.net to your address book so that you receive notifications.