Learn how to place a Request on Otsukai and check what makes your Request more likely to receive offers that appeal to you. 


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How do I place a Request?


Otsukai App

  1. Please create an account and log into Otsukai

  2. On the app, tap the orange + button at the bottom of the screen.

  3. Add information to describe what you are looking for. In order to add pics, you will need to give the app permission to access your camera roll. 

  4. Once everything is filled out, tap Create


Is posting a Request already legally binding? / From which point on does my Request become an obligatory order?

Please use this service only if you are willing to purchase the requested items. It becomes a legally binding contract from the time you accept an offer and pay for it.


How do I upload a 'Reference image'?

Once you are on the Make a Request screen on the app, tap the pink box with a + inside in order to upload pictures. You will need to make sure the app has permission to access your camera roll.


I can’t upload a picture. / My picture doesn’t show up.

If you can’t upload a picture the file may be too big. Please try another one smaller than 10 MB, or just leave it blank. A picture is not a required detail. 


What kind of reference link is needed? / What should the link include?

We recommend a link that describes the item in more detail. This could be a link to the official website of the item's manufacturer, Tweets from an official Twitter or anything else you think will make searching for the item easier.

What makes a good Request?

A good Request will be short, simple, and to the point. Remember, most of the Friends are not proficient in English, so unnecessary information may cause confusion.

Things we like:

+ Series name

+ Character name (even better if you can describe what the character looks like e.g 'the one with blue hair')

+ Item description
+ A photo / reference URL

+ If relevant, the name of the event the item was sold at
+ If there are multiple items in the picture you uploaded, please circle / describe the item you want


Things we don't like:

- Very vague descriptions (e.g 'I want any Totoro' or 'a figure from any anime')

- Unnecessary information (e.g 'This is for my friend' / 'I looked but could not find it anywhere' / 'I love this character!')

- Haggling (i.e. asking for discounts). You are welcome to state your budget in the description and we can accept you asking for small discounts in certain cases. However, if the item offered is expensive, it is mostly because the ITEM is expensive. There is no way to reduce the price in these cases. 

- Constantly editing your description to change your preferred price. (This will not make the item cheaper)

- Requests for non-Japanese items (Kpop stuff is okay only if it's Japan-exclusive)

- Making the same Request multiple times within a few days (this may cause us to suspend your account)


Can I Contact the Friend Directly?

All contact with the Friends must be made via Otsukai.


It is against the Otsukai rules to share any personal contact information such as email addresses, Twitter/Discord handles, etc. This is for the safety of both you and the Friends, as Otsukai are unable to assist you if any problems occur with your order if you have been communicating outside Otsukai.


Otsukai provides ways for you to communicate with the Friends both during your order and before you make a purchase.


Before you make a purchase:

You can use the Comment feature on your Request to add information or ask questions about offers you have received. Read more about comments here.


During your order:

You can use the Errand Message feature to communicate with the Friend directly while your Errand is in progress. Read more about Errand messages here.


Comments and Errand messages are visible to the Otsukai admins, and Otsukai reserves the right to remove any comments or messages which violate our rules at any time.

Comments and Errand messages are currently not available on the Otsukai app. If you would like to use these features, please visit Otsukai on your browser.