Traditional Japanese Crafts Get Closer to the World Online Shop "JCRAFTS.com"

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The JCRAFTS Project announced today that it will open its renewed online shop JCRAFTS.com (http://www.jcrafts.com/) on November 1, 2012. JCRAFTS.com is an online shop that sells more than 4,300 products from rare traditional crafts made by highly skilled Japanese artisans to stylish Japanese accessories that are perfect for the modern lifestyle. These products can be purchased by customers in more than 120 countries worldwide.

Traditional Japanese manufacturing techniques passed down from generation to generation have been applied to modern world-famous Japanese technologies. This fact has recently gained attention in Japan, and traditional crafts and the artisans who create them are currently attracting a renewed focus as the source of Japan's manufacturing culture.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the root of the spirit of the Japanese people, which helped to cope with the tragedy of last year's Great East Japan Earthquake in a calm and sincere manner and which received high praise from around the world, is closely related to the identity of the Japanese manufacturing culture that values details, exquisite care and subtlety.

JCRAFTS.com initially opened on January 30, 2012 to introduce such world-class traditional Japanese arts and crafts to the world. The site sells various traditional crafts with more than 4,300 items and provides information on the traditional culture and lifestyles behind each item. The site also carries many rare items that are difficult to obtain even in Japan. These authentic craft items are made available through the site to customers around the world.

With the complete renewal of the site, the overall ease of use has been improved and four new product categories have been added to let customers find traditional crafts and information more easily. Recommended items have been selected for each new category: First Class, Daily, Special and Gift.

To celebrate the renewal opening, all customers who purchase more than JPY10,000 worth of products on JCRAFTS.com between November 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012 will receive a free "Origami Booklet" (with English translation) which lets you create beautiful works of traditional Japanese origami. Another promotional program is scheduled for December 2012. Please visit JCRAFTS.com and experience the world of unique traditional crafts that you won't find any place else.

Recommended Products from the Four Product Categories:

< Category: First Class > Awa Ningyo Joruri Wooden Puppet (Girl)
Puppet used in Awa Ningyo Joruri, a traditional Japanese puppet performance. They are precious since only four puppets are made in a year.
JPY1,300,000 (USD16,294.81)

< Category: Daily > High-Quality Ebony Finish Brush Set With Case
Kumano brushes are popular worldwide for use as makeup brushes. Their beautiful but functional design makes them popular as a gift.
JPY30,000 (USD376.03)

< Category: Special > Sewing Box "Miyabi" – Black Yuzen Dye
A large sewing box made with colorful Kyo Yuzen dye. It can be used for various purposes such as for storing accessories.
JPY4,650 (USD58.29)

< Category: Gift > Edo Kiriko Crystal Aperitif Glass
Edo Kiriko glass is made using techniques which date back roughly 200 years. This aperitif glass is perfect for use in celebrations and as a gift.
JPY18,750-JPY19,750 (USD235.02 - USD247.56)


About JCRAFTS.com
■World's largest-class online shopping site for traditional Japanese crafts. Available to customers in more than 120 countries, including:
		Asia: China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, India etc.
		Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, etc.
		North America: United States, Canada
		Europe: United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain, etc.
■Site supports English, Chinese (Traditional/Simplified) and Japanese.
■Large selection of more than 4,300 products from various regions in Japan
■Accepted forms of payment: Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, Diners), PayPal^® and Alipay^®
■FREE shipping for total purchases of more than JPY12,000 (Asia) or JPY20,000 (North America and Oceania)
■JCRAFTS Official Facebook Page: providing daily posts on traditional Japanese culture
(https://www.facebook.com/Jcrafts.Japan)
■Click here to view the "Introduction to JCRAFTS" movie on YouTube:　http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9IYjlcB6MM&feature=relmfu