We are still waiting to hear from our friends and colleagues at Koyo Tool Company in Osaka (marked by the balloon with the A). They were a fairly safe distance from the quake epicenter (roughly where you see the black circle) and far from the ravages of the Tsunami, but we still haven’t heard from them, so we are concerned. We will let you know when we do.
Bonsai nurseries
We also haven’t heard anything about any Japanese bonsai growers. Many are in the Omiya area (green circle northeast of Tokyo), which is quite close to the epicenter of the quake, though most likely a safe enough distance inland from the Tsumani.
Donating to the Japanese Red Cross
Here’s a link to the Japanese Red Cross if you would like to help.
Stone Lantern’s and Bonsai Bark’s commitment
We will donate 10% of all sales of any Japanese products we carry for the rest of this month. We just lowered the prices on all of our Koyo and Okatsune tools to wholesale levels. These lower prices should help sell Japanese tools, which means more donations as well as more business for our Japanese colleagues.
Ever since I heard about the quake and tsunami, I have been wondering about the renowned nurseries and bonsai masters. I am interested in what has happened to their facilities, their trees and their students, especially those from North America, in addition to themselves. If you do hear anything, please publish whatever it is.
Thanks, Fred