Japon » keith

Back from June buying trip

keith — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:21:27 +0000

Took an extra two weeks to fill the container as it was tough going to find interesting affordable stock.
Fortunately we managed to fill a 40 footer which should leave within the week for
Fremantle and with a liitle luck we will take delivery late July.
Loads of marvelous stock of great variety from Mandolins to a Waterwheel!
Irrigate your pond!
Complete with the proper handle not the bunch of bamboo sticks this one has for the operator.
A piece of history, watch it on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpWfBluNLJo

Japan Buying Trip May 2010

keith — Thu, 06 May 2010 06:49:08 +0000

I will be leaving for Japan Friday week to source more authentic treasures.
If you have any special requirement please email me with details
and photos if you have them as a photo is worth a 1000 words.
keith@japon.com.au

Japan December 2009

keith — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:59:02 +0000

Getting lots of treasures.
With no help from Mastercard.
Yesterday it was raining cats and dogs as we drove the 370 kilometre round trip to a traders auction for more treasures.
Today its a beautiful crystal clear day in Hitachi so its ideal as a packing day.
The view from our packing area is shown above as is a Kimono made by National Living Treasure in 1926 owned and almost worshipped by by our kimono trader, typical traders auction characters, Mabo And Atsu’s children and Atsu’s sisters traditional wedding in November.

Well: about Mastercard
What fun and games they create along with a whole heap of angst.
I arrived in Japan seven ago and after a few days my cash ran out so of to the 7/11 ATM as per usual: BUT!
I then began what felt like endless trips to various Japanese ATM’s, Japan Post Office and banks trying to get cash.
Thinking it was a temporary problem or me being technical luddite I persevered for much to long before I gave up and called the ANZ.
After hours on the phone to the ANZ and Mastercard I get told Mastercard changes to software has created a software glitch that causes all ATM’s in Japan to reject Mastercard credit cards ucustomers attempts to withdraw cash.
Then after another hour and a half on the Mastercard International line organising emergency cash providing them with my blood group and DNA I am eventually informed that Mastercard cannot deliver emergency cash in Japan, this the second largest economy in the world, but get this: 200 other countries would be OK and by the way thank you for using Mastercard and is there anything else we do can do for you! Go figure.
Don’t rely on Mastercard not to leave you stranded in a foreign country whistling dixie and singing for your supper.
Lucky my friends here were happy to lend me cash otherwise i would have been in serious trouble.
Anyway after serious bleeting the ANZ they offered a solution, unlike Mastercard and today the ANZ Cash Card they mailed arrived and was activated successfully.
Phew

New Japon Website

keith — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 03:46:33 +0000

Welcome to the new Japon website.
Please bear with us as we commence the process of uploading our product catalogue.
It will be a little slow as we have just received our latest 40 foot container comprising
Japanese antiques, collectibles, art, ceramics, bronzes, lacquerware, kimono, obi,
furniture and curiousities purchased whilst Becky and I were in Japan in August.
With over 3000 items to unpack, document, prepare, polish and furniture to restore
we have our hands full for the time being.
Daily new stock is being bought onto the showroom floor.
Keith MacLennan

In the meantime please view the images of the shop floor showing a small amount of our new stock.