iStore is PhotoGuide Japan and PHOTOGUIDE.JP's online shop where anything and everything we sell online is processed here. Whether it's for books, proxy bidding for auctions, wallpaper image downloads, or the sale of online ad space at PhotoGuide Japan, all paying customers and orders will be processed through this iStore. We basically ship from Japan to other countries.

iStore FAQ

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept PayPal (preferred), money orders, cash, credit cards (via PayPal), and bank/wire transfers to our bank account in Japan. All payments from outside Japan must be in US dollars. For customers in Japan, yen payment will be accepted through bank transfer. Learn more...

What shipping methods do you use?

SAL (Surface Air Lift) is our standard shipping method from Japan to overseas. It is faster than boat mail and cheaper than air mail. Shipping via air mail or EMS is available at extra cost. Learn more...

What can't I buy through ProxyShop?

Items which are too large or too heavy to ship, such as auto parts (fenders, wheels, etc.) and large furniture. Anything hazardous like compressed gas or flammable materials, perishable items like raw and frozen foods, and live animals. And anything that is illegal in Japan or in your country.

What are the objectives of iStore?

1. To offer a valued public service which can generate income to help defray the cost of maintaining and improving the PhotoGuide Japan Web site.

2. To help support and promote Japan's photographic and art community by selling their books, magazines, etc.

3. To promote and make available worthy and interesting Japanese photography-related goods not widely known or available outside Japan.

4. To further enhance the reputation, value, and usefulness of PhotoGuide Japan and PHOTOGUIDE.JP as a Web site and resource.

5. To get a general idea of overseas customer preferences regarding Japanese photography and other goods.

6. To fulfill a niche demand for such a service.

7. To gain experience in electronic commerce.

8. To help the Japanese economy which is in recession.

What are the benefits of iStore?

- You can buy both new and old (used or vintage) merchandise in Japan through us.

- Everything is in English, and you can order while communicating in English.

- You can buy stuff at auctions and almost any other online shop in Japan. You just find it, and we buy it and ship it to you.

- You can receive personalized attention when you have any questions or requests concerning any merchandise. We can search auctions for any item you are looking for. We can explain the auction's description, etc.

- You can find and purchase interesting Japanese photography books not offered by major English-speaking online bookstores like Amazon.com.

- iStore Catalogs provide a highly selective lineup of merchandise as well as book reviews to aid your purchasing decisions.

- Since we are based in Tokyo, Japan, we can give you the latest information (in English) on Japanese photo books. We have access to Japan's largest online databases of books published in Japan. We can tell you which books are available and which books are out of print. We are fluent in Japanese and can obtain and offer the information you need in English.

What are your qualifications for offering this service?

1. We are totally bilingual (speaking, reading, and writing) in English and Japanese. We can offer this service in native-level English while serving you from Japan. We also have no problems communicating in Japanese with retailers, suppliers, companies, and auction sellers here in Japan. We can also search online for books using the vast Japanese book databases including Japanese auction sites. In these ways, we can usually find that you are looking for.

2. We are quite familiar with the photography scene in Japan and can pick out the items which may be of interest overseas. We are highly selective in what we offer. This is to ensure a high degree of customer satisfaction with your purchases.

3. PhotoGuide Japan is licensed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Public Safety Commission (i.e., the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department) as a commercial dealer of secondhand merchandise (Permit No. 307729803587). We can legally sell secondhand books and almost anything else.

4. We are honest, trustworthy, and law-abiding citizens out to contribute to the photographic community and society at large. Although this is a profit-making service, making a profit is not the primary goal. Our primary goal is to offer a valued public service and Japanese photography-related information in English, something which no one else is able to offer.

Can I trust you?

No one ever asks us this question any more since our sterling reputation has spread far and wide. But we'll answer it anyway. Of course you can trust us! Although we are only a mom-and-pop operation, we're not scam artists. We're here for the public good and for the long term.

Take a look at our Web site PhotoGuide Japan and then judge for yourself whether we can be trusted or not. We intend to work hard to establish a solid reputation for offering interesting and quality products. Since April 1998, we have served many satisfied customers.