Like many people throughout the world, I continue to feel the emotional pain experienced by Japanese citizens, businesses, social organizations and relief support workers.  First an earthquake, followed by the deadly tsunami and now the nuclear disaster.  Having worked with many Japanese companies over the years, I know they are strong and resilient people, so I was not surprised when I read (online) the following announcement from a senior executive at their Post Office.

Three weeks after the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, Japan Post has announce their operations are 90% back to normal.   “Mail network and delivery have also been recovered, not only in coverage but also in speed.  Domestic transportation are now functioning as usual with some local exceptions due to the lack or serious destruction of roads.  We are now delivering mail to all addressees, even if they are kept in temporary  shelters (schools, public buildings or hotels.)  Very sadly, nearly 30,000 people are dead or missed, to whom we cannot deliver mails”, stated Shuuji Oobu Sy, from Japan Post.

The relief effort currently underway is enormous – both in its size and even more importantly in its global support.  Our world is truly one community, regardless of the language we may speak or our political or religious background.  At Sharper™, we believe we are part of this community, so to do our part we have worked with our designer friends to launch  a motivational line of cards, available in postcard, laser card and greeting card formats, of which all proceeds will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross Society.  These cards use simple imagery and compelling words to convey the strength of not only the Japanese people, but all of the organizations supporting this country as it first buries its citizens - and then with enormous  strength and resolve rebuilds its towns and infrastructure.  Visit www.e-sharper.com/Japan to view the collection.

Japanese Red Cross Society
(http://www.jrc.or.jp/english/index.html).