This message is to our Backers who are confused with the contents of the Air Bonsai Basic Set (Lava), if you see our Kickstarter Campaign Page, you can see that you will receive:
1 "energy base", wrapped in a Ukon cloth
1 “little star” Lava
1 One-of-a-kind “zabuton” cushion
1 AC Adapter
1 Arita Plate
1 Instruction Manual
1 Kiri Box
This pledge level does not include a “little star” Moss. We have been receiving messages about not receiving a plant, a “little star” Moss, with their Air Bonsai Basic Set (Lava) and so we would like to take this opportunity to remind you to understand the content of your rewards.
Replying to each backer individually is taking time, so we wanted to make this clarification in the comments and as an Update. Thank you for your patience while we reply to each of your concerns.
We wish everyone a Happy New Year. It has been 2 months since our last update. Shipping is still taking longer than we initially expected. We would like to take this time to explain the complications and difficulties we are still encountering.
Complications and Accidents in the Production Process
Lava
To start off, the lava production was effected by the rain and typhoon season until November, 2016. The rain and humidity kept the lava from completely drying. Production for the lava took twice the expected time due to several workers who unfortunately quit the atelier. We were informed that only one worker was left to produce the remaining lava. To resolve this problem, we had new staff hired, but then again it took time for them to get used to the technicalities. Out of two machines to prepare the lava, one machine malfunctioned, an accident we also did not anticipate.
Levitation Devices
There were also problems with the production for the levitation devices. Because the potteries are handmade, some of the design vary in dimensional tolerance. We faced several imbalanced silver tops and slight deviation during the assembly of the levitation device into the pottery. To avoid this problem, we decided to assemble one by one with double the time and care. We also made sure to test try and error with the nails used to screw both parts, which did improve the process.
To our Backers who have reported that their silver top has come off at the time of unpacking or the levitation device inside the pottery is half naked. According to our investigation, in some countries, the silver tops are forcefully opened during inspection at Customs. Prior to shipping, we ensure that all items are neither broken nor defective, and are packed securely. Unfortunately, in some circumstances, packages may be handled carelessly while in transit and cause "energy base" deviation to occur.
Magnets for "little star"
Our original magnet supplier was shut down. It took a while to find a new supplier and have them calculate, process and manufacture the correct size and shape necessary for our "little star" Moss and "little star" Lava.
Packaging
Because we wished to deliver Japanese hospitality and service to our Backers, for each Air Bonsai Basic Sets, packaging took approximately 20 minutes. Cautiously packing each set and typing in shipping Invoices for the rewards took more time than expected.
Shipping
In the beginning of our Kickstarter project, we mentioned that shipping will be made from Japan. But, we realized that shipping fee exceeded the amount we received from every backer. Thus, our only option was to ship the Air Bonsai Basic Sets from China, where the "energy bases" are assembled. All "Arita-Yaki" potteries are made in Japan and shipped to China, and unexpectedly 20 percent of potteries were damaged at customs and during shipping. Consequently, we continued to request for additional potteries from our supplier.
We are still facing complications and still striving to conquer these accidental obstacles, but in the meantime, we are continuing to ship off the rewards that have not been fulfilled yet. Given the circumstances, here is the updated numbers as of today, for our progress. We have shipped more than two thirds of the rewards.
*"Survey Not Responded" numbers were last updated on December 12, 2016.
Surveys
To Backers who have responded to our Surveys : For "little star" Moss, "little star" Lava, and "little star" Set Backers, all reward is estimated to be shipped during January. For Air Bonsai Basic Set Backers, we are continuously shipping your rewards and estimated to finish by the end of January. To Backers who have not yet responded to our survey in April, 2016, after we have received your shipping information, your rewards will commence shipping after our Backers who have submitted their surveys in advance.
Difficulties with Handmade version Production Process
We are still having difficulties in producing the Handmade versions because the "just right" environment for each pottery has been difficult to achieve, which includes temperature, climate, the right position inside the kiln, and the "just right" type of kiln, to create the four kinds of pottery. To achieve the right shape, color, texture, and appearance, we are continuously making countless adjustments and remaking for improvement. The estimated time to finish shipping Shirotsubaki, Suzumushi, Konayuki, and Kuro Air Bonsai, is the end of January to end of February.
Backers who are enjoying their Air Bonsai
A few of our Backers have posted a video of their Air Bonsai experience on YouTube. We are very overwhelmed with warmth, and happy to see that they have taken their time to create such amazing videos with comments and opinions. We were also thrilled to see how each one of them perfectly balanced their "little star" by "adjusting" many times. Amazing. Thank you very much for sharing your videos. Let us introduce you to the YouTube videos.
Title : ふわふわ浮いて神秘的♡クラウドファンディングで話題になった「エア盆栽」を実際に使ってみた！
News Site “ISUTA”
We would like to assure everyone that we will fulfill our Kickstarter promise. We owe this great experience and opportunity to each and every one of our Backers.
If you have any inquiry, please contact info@hoshinchu.com
Thank you again for your wonderful support and patience while we are continually shipping your Rewards. We could not have come this far without your understanding and love. As we are a small startup team and first ever to experience Kickstarter, honestly we did not anticipate the overwhelming shipping demands and we are effectively transitioning our resources to meet those needs. We sincerely apologize for the disappointment we may have caused. We are still continuing to work hard to ship the Rewards as promptly as possible. We kindly ask you again to wait patiently until arrival at your doorstep.
If you have any inquiry, please contact info@hoshinchu.com
All the Air Bonsai Basic Set Moss have been shipped out. We are now shipping Air Bonsai Basic Set Lava First-Run. After the First-Run, we will soon start shipping the Air Bonsai Basic Set Lava Second-Run. Your Kickstarter Rewards will be gradually be delivered to your doorstep via DHL. We kindly ask you to wait patiently. When your "little star" arrives, our team truly hope you will find pleasure.
This is an update to inform all Air Bonsai Basic Set (Moss) Backers that we have started shipping via DHL. We are gradually shipping your rewards and so we ask you kindly to be patient until arrival. We will also gradually send emails to notify your Tracking Numbers .
In Japan, it is traditional to use newspapers to wrap products for protection because it provides cushion and a dry environment within the package. So, our team printed simple and original newspapers for packing. We hope you enjoy the design.
