Dear Tortoise supporters,

First of all, we really appreciate your quick reaction for Japan relief. We wish we were in the store and could share the appreciation face to face.

When the quake happened, we were in Tokyo to visit my (keiko's) family.
We just thought the quake was big enough to break the house in front of us but after shaking for pretty long time, it turned out no damage happened.

This earthquake brought the gigantic Tsunami but in Tokyo it brought paralyzed traffic so many of our friends and acquaintances could not get home or had to walk home for many hours. Also from tomorrow, to save electricity in Tokyo, there is planned "blackout" by region.

We've contacted our craftsman in northern part of Japan to ask for their safety and also to tell your warm thoughts towards vendors for Tortoise and so far we have received only relieved news.

Tortoise will continue to do fund raising projects every weekend until the end of May. We are looking into different charity groups. We will keep updating our blog regarding the events and funds so please continue to check it. Thank you so much to everyone for their overwhelming kindness and support. blog event

During our absence, our assistants whose families and friends are in Japan work hard and plan the fund raising projects as much as they can.
Please stop by and say hello to them.

We look forward to seeing you when we get back to US.

Keiko and Taku Shinomoto -owners (Mar.13.2011)