FAQs

How do I get in touch with you about my order or questions I may have?

You can email us at akari@noguchi.org or give us a call at 718-721-2308.

I would like to visit the Shop to browse Akari but admission tickets are sold out. Can I still visit the Shop?

Please contact tickets@noguchi.org for inquiries about visiting the Shop specifically. Provide the preferred date and time, the names of all guests, and a contact phone number. Review Museum hours and visitor information at noguchi.org/visit.

How do I assemble my Akari light sculpture?

Please take a look at our assembly guide (PDF).

What kind of lightbulb can I use with my Akari?

Akari are wired for use with 120 Volt electrical systems. If you are outside of the United States you will need to use a voltage converter.

Akari take any standard sized (E26 base) light bulb. For use with incandescent bulbs, table lamps should not exceed 60 watts, medium sized floor and ceiling lamps should not exceed 75 watts, and very large ceiling lamps should not exceed 100 watts. When using CFL or LED bulbs please check the packaging for equivalence to incandescent limits.

What are the differences in wiring options for Akari ceiling models?

The Plug-in kit is 18 feet long and plugs into any standard 120 volt wall outlet. It includes a thumb switch placed at 4 feet from the plug, and an adjustable cord grip to hang your Akari shade from.

The Hard-wire kit comes in 6 foot or 20 foot lengths. These kits must be wired directly into a junction box in your ceiling and may require an electrician or building supervisor to install. They include a domed white canopy to mount to the ceiling, and an adjustable cord grip to hang your Akari shade from.

Are Akari UL listed?

Akari light sculptures are not UL listed. The model 13A, 14A, UF4 series, UF5 series, and all BB1, BB2, and BB3 stands are custom wired and are not UL recognized. Electrical kits and components for all other Akari models are UL recognized.

Who are the authorized retailers of Akari in the United States?

The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum (The Noguchi Museum) is the sole distributor of Akari light sculptures in North America (United States, Canada, and Mexico). Any other company claiming to sell Noguchi's Akari in North America is not authorized to do so. 

How do I purchase Akari outside of North America?

The Noguchi Museum does not ship outside of North America or to freight forwarding companies.

Ozeki & Co. is the distributor for Japan. 

Vitra is the distributor for Europe, the Middle East, Australia and New Zealand.

Information about additional retailers in those countries can be found on their websites or by contacting them directly. 

We recognize the interest in Akari goes beyond these countries. As a handmade object with limited production, there are limitations to our international distribution. Should additional countries be added to the Akari distribution, we will update this page. 

Contact us with any questions or for international inquiries about non-Akari products. 

Do you offer a trade discount?

We do not offer a trade or designer discount.

Please note that the Noguchi Museum's membership program is for individuals interested in supporting the Museum. Member discounts are not transferable, and are for personal, noncommercial use only. We do not extend the membership discount on Akari for professional or client projects or to resell. If the Museum feels that any member’s orders are not for personal use, we reserve the right to cancel and refund memberships and Akari orders.

For professionals purchasing Akari at the retail price for client projects, resale certificates are accepted for the purposes of tax exemption from orders and they can be provided to us via email with your request to place an order.

We are happy to provide quotes, but are not able to hold or reserve stock.

Do you have a wholesale program?

We do not currently offer Akari for resale except to select art institutions that the Museum is partnered with for special exhibitions.

The Akari that I’m looking for is out of stock, when will it be available again?

We receive shipments of Akari every two to three months. Enter your email into the out-of-stock sign up form on the item page to be notified when it is restocked.

How do I maintain my Akari and clean the shade?

Akari light sculptures should not be placed near any sources of heat or in outdoor conditions. For cleaning and maintenance, it is best to avoid liquid cleaners. We suggest using a microfiber cloth or a dry paintbrush to remove dust. Any dry dusting tool can be used as long as it is not rough/textured. For stain or dirt removal, use a lightly adhesive cleaning tape, white play-doh or other semi-tacky clay, art-gum eraser, or cornstarch for oils.

For minor repairs of the shade we suggest using a translucent, archival tape such as Filmoplast P or Lineco Mending Tissue.

Can I purchase a replacement shade for an Akari that I already own?

Although many of our customers have enjoyed their Akari light sculptures for 30+ years, please keep in mind that as with any object made from paper, they will eventually fade and may deteriorate. We offer replacement shades for BB1, BB2, and BB3 models only. Contact us for current availability and pricing.

How can I recognize an authentic Akari light sculpture?

All genuine Akari are stamped with the red sun and moon logo, and contemporary models also feature the “I. Noguchi” signature. Isamu Noguchi designed the Akari logo combining a stylized sun and crescent moon like the Japanese ideograph it is based on (明). Trademarked in 1955, the sun and moon logo marks all authentic Akari light sculptures.