Since the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck the Tohoku region almost 4 months ago, the business sector in Japan has slowly but surely made progress towards recovery. Although the regionﾕs share represents a mere 2~3% of the academic book market in Japan, there are many respected universities located in the region including Tohoku University. Yushodo saw to it that we were there to provide support for the disaster-stricken libraries with our staff visiting some of these libraries soon after the earthquake as a part of the disaster relief effort.
At the same time, we would like to express our deepest appreciation to our business partners overseas for all the consolatory messages we have received since the disaster and for the generous donations provided for the affected areas.
The dire situation we face today reminds me in a way of the time when Yushodo first started up its book importing business. It was right after the war, and a bleak picture was drawn for the future with no sign of things turning around anytime soon. However, despite the economic setbacks caused by the war, the Japanese government subsidized libraries and businesses in order to fill their empty bookshelves. We were able to capitalize on this opportunity presented to us then, and we are ready to do our part in rebuilding the Tohoku region today. While it is true that there are a myriad of variables that may affect our performance, whether it be the major electricity outages expected to occur over the summer or the difficulties involved in restoring the fading prestige of Japanese academic research within Asia, we are determined to stay committed to providing the best services among the major competitors in the academic book market in Japan.
Last but not least, on behalf of Yushodo and its employees, I appreciate your continuing support and look forward to a successful working relationship in the future.

Mitsuo Nitta, CEO
Yushodo Co., Ltd.
(CHI Group Co. Ltd)