──What do you think "we can do now"?

Life, the meaning of life, facing reality, and what we can do now. First, donations. Participating in the many charity events held in New York. Furthermore, regardless of race, I'm reaching out to friends and work acquaintances via email and other means, asking for their support through donations. I've received responses from quite a few people. Faced with the power of nature, I've been stunned by my own powerlessness, but still, there's something we can do; we are alive, after all. The will of each individual to work and live as before, the intention to believe in tomorrow, and the courage to act on what one can do. I believe these will surely become power. I think it's also important to stay well. So that when we are needed, when the baton is passed to us, we can stand firm, remaining strong both mentally and physically.

──Actions we can take within our own professions and lifestyles

At THREE, starting April 6th, we will release a limited-edition lip gloss to raise funds for White Ribbon (an initiative by JOICFP). For every lip gloss sold, 1,000 yen will be donated. This is to support women in the affected areas who may hesitate to ask for what they need. Utilizing JOICFP's midwife network, we will purchase sanitary products and diapers for babies, cover the costs of free check-ups by midwives, and provide some living expenses and medical check-up costs for pregnant women evacuated from the vicinity of the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Furthermore, as part of my and my agent's activities, I am organizing a project in New York where I'm calling on photographers to donate their works for an auction to raise funds. This is scheduled to be held on April 22nd at the Tribeca Grand Hotel.

While supporting those in the affected areas is crucial, I believe all of Japan needs to regain its vitality. I hear the word "self-restraint." I understand it. However, I believe that undertaking various activities in Japan, while keeping that in mind, can help revitalize the country. Therefore, I plan to propose to my industry contacts, photographers, art directors, and clients that they consider shooting in Japan. Not just for work, but also for exhibitions and holidays, I hope they will visit Japan.

After all, Japan is a global presence. There are many people around the world who know Japan's wonders and love this country. I will also consult with Japanese producers. I don't know how much I can achieve, but I will try. I hope to help revitalize Japan, even just a little, by creating momentum from New York. As a makeup artist, I am also considering what I can do for those in the affected areas. When we are needed, we will offer great love through makeup. I pray that day comes soon. I offer my deepest condolences for the many precious lives lost in this disaster. I wish for everyone to regain their smiles as soon as possible.

---

Rie OMOTO
THREE Makeup Creative Director

After assisting Linda Cantello, she began her career as a makeup artist. As a team member for Pat McGrath and Tom Pecheux, she worked on numerous collections and handled makeup for fashion magazines and brand advertising campaigns. Active at the forefront of the fashion world, in 2005 she was recognized by the American publication WWD as one of the top makeup artists. She is based in New York.