FAQ
Here are some common FAQ from our customers.
What is the benefit of purchasing from Sankei International?
Quality, Straight from the Source: When you purchase Budo equipment directly from Japan, you're getting gear crafted by makers who have dedicated generations to their craft. Sankei adhere to strict traditional standards, ensuring every Shinai, Bokken, or Gi & Hakama and not limited to meets the highest expectations of our customers.
A Smaller Footprint for the Planet: Purchasing directly from Sankei means your order travels one clear, consolidated route to your door. Compared to goods that are first shipped to an overseas warehouse, repackaged, and then redistributed, direct purchasing significantly reduces the number of transport legs involved — lowering carbon emissions and making your practice a little kinder to the environment.
Do you offer free shipping?
Why We Believe in Transparent, Honest Pricing
You may notice that many online retailers advertise "free shipping" - and while it sounds appealing, it's worth understanding what's really going on behind that offer.
Free shipping is not actually free. It is a well-known retail strategy where the cost of shipping is simply built into the retail price of the product. In other words, you are still paying for shipping - it's just hidden. In many cases, you end up paying more than you need to, because the inflated product price is calculated to cover shipping costs for every customer, regardless of where they are located.
At Sankei International, we believe in honest, transparent pricing. We charge for our products at their true value, and shipping is calculated separately based on your actual location and order size. This means:
- You pay a fair price for the product itself.
- You pay only for the shipping you actually need.
- You never subsidise someone else's delivery costs.
We also constantly review our prices to ensure we remain competitive in an ever-changing market. The cost of international freight, currency fluctuations, and supplier pricing can all shift; and we work hard to reflect the best possible value for our customers at all times.
On occasions where we do offer free shipping, we will always be upfront about why, whether it's a promotional event, a seasonal offer, or a reward for our loyal customers. You will never be left wondering what's included in the price and what isn't.
We think you deserve to know exactly what you're paying for. Our approach may look different from "free shipping" retailers at first glance, but in most cases our total cost is equal to or less than what you would pay elsewhere for identical products - with the added assurance of receiving authentic, direct-from-Japan Budo equipment at a genuinely fair price.
Transparency is part of the respect we have for our customers and the Budo community.
What are the benefits of a 正藍染 (Shō-ai-zome) dyed Gi & Hakama besides its highest standard of colour and quality?
The Natural Tradition of 正藍染 (Shō-ai-zome) Dyeing
At the heart of traditional Japanese Budo attire lies not just craftsmanship, but centuries of wisdom, and nowhere is this more evident than in the art of 正藍染 (Shō-ai-zome), a traditional natural indigo dyeing process that has been practiced in Japan for generations.
Unlike modern synthetic chemical dyes used in mass-produced Gi and Hakama, 正藍染 uses pure, natural indigo derived from the fermented leaves of the Polygonum tinctorium plant. This time-honoured process produces the deep, rich blue that is synonymous with traditional Budo practice - and it carries benefits that go far beyond aesthetics.
A Kinder Choice for Your Body
For practitioners who experience skin sensitivities, allergic reactions, or irritation from chemically dyed Gi and Hakama, 正藍染 garments can make a meaningful difference. Synthetic dyes contain a range of chemical compounds that may trigger:
- Skin rashes, redness, or persistent irritation
- Contact dermatitis from prolonged wear
- Sensitivities associated with autoimmune conditions, where the body is more reactive to foreign chemical compounds
Because 正藍染 relies entirely on natural plant-based pigments with no harsh synthetic chemicals, it is a far gentler option for those with sensitive skin or compromised immune systems. Many practitioners who have struggled with conventional dyed uniforms find genuine relief making the switch.
More Than Just a Dye
Natural indigo is also known for its traditional antibacterial properties, making 正藍染 garments not only kinder to the skin but also a practical and hygienic choice for regular, intensive practice.