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Note about this section:

This section presents some companies who can help you carry out your japanese bathtub project.
It includes contractors that previously installed ofuros for our clients or design offices. The list includes also some carpenters specialized in japanese traditional buildings in case you need to … build around your ofuro.
I am afraid it is not a comprehensive list: it does not cover many cities and countries but from 2017/2 I will work to gather here more information about the actual installation of a japanese bathtub.
Please do not hesitate to contact us by email if you cannot find the advise you are looking for.

make payments thru the internet!

A client just sent us a payment for his tub thru AZIMO.
I was not aware of this option. I checked out the homepage and it seems like they have a very convenient currency conversion rate and a flat fee of 12 GBP for transaction.
I did not know this option existed, but from now on I would recommend to check it out bevore doing your bank wire transfer or payment thru paypal!

Apparently AZIMO is available for people holding a bank account in europe.
But there are many other options such as
WORLD REMIT
It may be convenient to use the automatic comparison tool here below:
https://www.finder.com/international-money-transfers/send-money-to-japan

Please comment here below if you find a convenient option which may be useful for other people!

bank transfer or paypal?

I am planning to make the payment tomorrow. I’m not yet sure how – do you have experience of British clients paying JPY directly? Is a payment with PayPal an option?

Your bank will make the conversion and detract the relative amount in GBP from your account. Wire transfer is the system used more often, also by British clients.

We can also accept paypal but the fee for transaction is 4% on the transferred amount, which makes it more expensive in this case.

Considering that the wire transfer fee is 6500 JPY, consider that a Paypal payment is more convenient for purchases below 150,000 JPY (about 1500 USD).
For larger amounts, wire transfer is more convenient.

ofuro for a doctor

We received the information request in january and the confirmation one week later.
When we sent the pictures of the completed tub, the client was in Africa as she works as a doctor!
I am so honored to have among my customers people who are so soft spoken yet dynamic, positive thinking and caring! I hope that this ofuro will help her to heal the scars and refill the batteries to successfully tackle everyday challenge!

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asnaro tub for NY

The tub was ordered thru an architect in NY. It is going to be installed in a niche with 25mm clearance on 3 sides. The wall is finished with hand made tiles… I am dying to see the photos of the installation once completed!

Click more to see additional pictures and the specs of the ofuro.
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Jon Ensign Design – Portland OR

Jonathan lived in Japan for five years from 1988 to 1993.
He is based in Portland – Oregon and is specialized in the design and execution of landscaping project. Contact Jon for planning and building your japanese garden garden, garden pavilion, tea house, bath house or for a chat about Japan and Japanese traditional architecture.
See also this post:
https://bartokdesign.com/blog/japanese-ridge-beam-on-washington-shore.php
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Takumi Company – Seattle

Introduction:
As better explained by Dale himself in the comment below, Takumi company is not probably suitable just to install an ofuro. Dale is a real carpenter-SENSEI (toryo) and specialized in traditional carpentry and wood joining.
Asking him to install an ofuro would be like a little like … asking Chopin if he gives private piano lessons…! Anyway Dale is very friendly and helpful and I am sure he will introduce you a reliable plumber in the Seattle area.

Of course if you have the plan to build an authentic japanese house, shrine, or cabinet in the Seattle area, do not search any further!

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round tub for switzerland

Also in this case, the client contacted us in july and confirmed the order in november.
If you pardon me the obviousness, july is a hot season… for hot tubs!

It is a very poetic, very clean round tub. We often use sawara wood for barrel construction ofuro but the client was sure about choosing hinoki!

Click on more to see more pictures and updates (->about the the round cover)
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sawing planks for Germany tub

Yoshiaki started today to prepare the material for a new tub going to Germany.
Next week the carpenter will actually start construction and we are planning to be able to ship by the end of february.
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The lumber when cut releases a wonderful scent!
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Cutting to size and removing the sap-wood.
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