Flax laws
MW, who was trying to find a coppersmith (Lifelines; Nov. 30) writes: "Many thanks for the advice . Although I've been in Tokyo since forever, I still managed to neglect to check with the Traditional Craft Center."
MW wonders if she can now be of some assistance regarding RZ's search for flax seed, in the same column. She points out that Tengu Natural Foods (Tel: 0429-82-4811; www.alishan-organic-center.com/en/tengu/shop/index.htm ) states the following on their Web site: "Raw Flax Seed can no longer be sold legally in Japan. Flax Seed Oil is still available through Tengu."
This is correct. A law went through quietly this summer prohibiting its sale in Japan. Apparently the government is concerned about minimal traces of arsenic and cyanide in the seed.