the sweet and sour consequences of abenomics on japanese bathtubs

abenomics...

As you know, the new japanese Prime Minister, entered in charge last december has enacted agressive financial and fiscal measures with the purpose of pumping some fresh blood in the ailing japanese economy.\nOne of the first targets was the strong yen, a formidable obstacle to the japanese exports for the past 4-5 years. With an increase in public spending and monetary easing, the target was reached, maybe even too abruptly.\nThis alone does not change the outlook of japanese economy but is an element of hope and of course a concrete boost for exporters such as Bartok design Japan.\nWe are glad that our clients can buy our products with a 30-35% discount!\n\n\n\nBut there is a downside.\nLike putting fire to a pile of paper, the response to a massive economic stimulus is immediate, the flames are high and the temperature is rising. But how long is it going to last? In any case, for the time being construction materials costs are rising rapidly. Compared to 6 months ago steel is +15%, concrete is 7%up and concrete forms are up over 20% up. Wood for carpentry increased some 5% but selected and rare wood (like hinoki) is rising more rapidly and is not rare to stumble into no-common-sense requests.\nPublic spending tends to boost cost of high grade materials and hinoki is used in historical building renovations, hot springs, conference centers, hotels etc.\nWe have our stock but will have to face the situation of more costly material sooner or later.\nFrom the mid of june, we will have to apply a cost increase of about 10% and our quotation will have a strict 15 days validity.\nI am addressing this notice especially to those who requested a quotation and are now evaluating the option of using one of our baths,\nSorry, our quotations until 2013/5/31 have a 1 month validity and cannot be extended further. No exception. Thank you in advance for your kind understanding.\n\nEven our costs are increasing, the weak yen will still make our products more accessible and this is good news for all the japanese bath lovers in the world...!\nAll the Best//\n\niacopo torrini