The Koetsu distributor in the US might not honor any warranty on these cartridges, but Koetsu the company in Tokyo might well do so, if the cartridge was sourced in Japan. I bought an Urushi in person from a reputable salon in Tokyo, and when I got home I found the cantilever was misaligned. I had a certificate of warranty from the selling dealer, and Koetsu honored it. Within a few weeks I got back a new cartridge. I don't know whether this seller offers any sort of warranty that resembles what I received, but in his case he might exchange a brand new item if it is defective out of the box.
