New products added from 3 manufacturers

Ever since the earthquake a lot of people here in Tokyo have been refraining from going out and about, but recently many young people have been dressing up in spring fashions just like old times. So how are all of you doing?

This time we have added new products from 3 manufacturers: Bodyline, Clearstone, and m.i.a costume.

We especially recommend the second edition of the popular Teens Ever brand of high school girls' uniforms made by Clearstone.
The lineup is a bit late and perhaps somewhat out of season, but new designs for various items such as blouses, skirts, sweaters, etc. are making their debut.

There are also some new and unique products here:
http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/products_new/

Also, right now we are holding a sale of 20% to 99% off the regular price of items in the Bargain Bin.
Most items are 30% off. Since this is such a good deal, make sure to check it out!

Bargain Booth
http://www.cosmates.jp/shop/index/cPath/238/


Well, as many of you may know, recently the level of the accident at the nuclear power plant in Fukushima was determined to be level 7, the same level as Chernobyl.

Because of this many people are overreacting, and are hesitant to buy Japanese-made products, even such products as electrical appliances and clothing.

Recently in Tokyo, 2 to 3 times the normal amount of radiation (0.10 µSv per hour) has been observed.
http://chottomatte.net/2011/04/01/tokyo-radiation-levels-daily-updates-april/

To have an effect on one's health, it is said that one must be exposed to 100 mSv=100,000 µSv over the course of a whole year, but if one is exposed to the current levels of radiation for one whole year, it would only add up to about 1/114 of that.
Therefore, these levels wouldn't have any kind of effect on one's health.

The risk of cancer from 100 mSv will raise by 0.5%. This is the farther lower level than the one of possible harm that tobacco incurs.
Worrying about this level of radiation is like worrying about the risk of cancer that comes with wearing clothes that have been exposed to tobacco smoke.

Initially we were very worried because we did not know much about the radiation, but at least now we know that there are no concerns about health risks in Tokyo.

Now, alongside the negative effects caused by worries about the original earthquake, the tsunami, and the nuclear power plant accident, rumors of this fourth threat are causing even more damage.
With this overreaction to the radiation levels, it is more important now than ever to support Japan by continuing to buy Japanese products!

Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Charity Sale

We realize that many people may have already made contributions toward relief efforts for the victims of the Eastern Japan earthquakes, but our store will also be contributing by holding a charity sale.

The charity sale will continue until April 11th (Japan time).

The sale started on April 6th. Since the earthquake occurred on March 11th, 20% of all profits made during the month from then until April 11th will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross.

Therefore, if you have already purchased products during that time, then you have already made a donation.

Japan Red Cross Society
http://www.jrc.or.jp/english/index.html

We will make an official announcement of the total donation amount later, along with a copy of the receipt from the Japanese Red Cross.

Thank you so much for all your help!

Effects of the Earthquake and Nuclear Power Plant Accidents

Our sincerest apologies for the recent long break we had to take. We are very grateful for all of the emails of sympathy and encouragement we received.

As you know, because of the major earthquake and resulting tsunami that occurred off of Miyagi Prefecture and the recent nuclear power plant accidents in Fukushima, the situation in Japan (especially Eastern Japan) has become very serious.

However, our office is located in Tokyo, which is more than 300km (about 185 miles) away from Miyagi Prefecture, so the earthquake caused us very little damage.

Even though the Fukushima nuclear plant is located more than 200km (about 125 miles) away, and the level of radioactive material that was dispersed is very low and does not pose an danger to health, there was a lot of uncertainty.

By way of precaution, we temporarily stopped sales and distribution for the week of the 15th through the 22nd in order to ensure the safety of our employees.

Since our company does not have any deals with manufacturers in the Tohoku region, the earthquakes, tsunami, and nuclear power plant accidents have not had a direct effect on our business.

Also, many of our products are produced in China, so it is highly unlikely that the dispersion of radioactive material would pose any kind of safety hazard.

As another precaution, the following is a list of the locations of the distribution centers and production centers of our leading manufacturers. The distribution locations are on the left, and the production locations are on the right.

Bodyline
Chiba, Japan --- China

Clearstone
Chiba, Japan --- China

Bewith
Chiba, Japan --- China

Studio A&T
Chiba, Japan --- China

Funplusfriend
China --- China

Spica
Saitama, Japan --- Japan

Joybank
Okayaka, Japan --- China

Love Laugh
Kyoto, Japan --- Japan



**** About Buyer Protection ****

Are you aware of Paypal Buyer Protection?
With Paypal Buyer Protection, you are guaranteed to get your money back even if an item you purchase does not arrive or you have some other kind of trouble with the seller.

http://www.paypal-apac.com/buyerprotection/security-centre.html

So even if something you buy does not arrive because the company you purchase it from is affected by a large earthquake, tsunami, nuclear power plant accident, or some other major disaster, if you paid using Paypal, they will reimburse the costs of any monetary damage you may receive. Many credit card companies offer the same protection, as well.

So in other words, as long as you pay by credit card or Paypal, you can shop with complete confidence.

Japan is a country of many natural disasters, but as long as you pay using Paypal or credit card, shopping on Japanese websites is completely safe.

Japan's economy is in very serious trouble right now.

Please help Japan by buying Japanese products!