"Why I still believe in Kazue" posted by Denise Travers

This was posted by Denise Travers on the gogomomoko Yahoo site on May 15, 2011. I have reproduced her post here for those who may not have access to that board.

I have been staying away from posting about this mostly because I have no new information and I freely admit I may not be able to think clearly about this. Kazue is my Best Friend and my biggest concern is the hope of seeing her again. I have to share my reasons for still believing in Kazue as far as BIC is concerned. I don't believe Kazue meant to lose BIC; I have already posted about BIC meaning so much to Kazue and how hard she worked. But there are events and opinions that enforce my belief that Kazue did not plan on BIC closing.
I will share the most relevant.

The biggest thing is those who worked with her for many years. Her distributors, suppliers etc. None have bad to say about Kazue or BIC. Only concern for her well being. Kazue made large payments on pre-orders taken. Paying debts usually isn't a sign of bad intentions. She asked me to help her get some items for her customers about the same time she disappeared and she would not have benefited from this until much later. Again it didn't seem like something that would be done if you planned to take off with the money. The last time her (April 5) and I talked it involved long conversation and excitement about future plans including upcoming conventions.

Those who lost money have every right to be upset, I still hope for some type of settlement for all involved but only Kazue can do this unless it is a forced bankruptcy in her absence. I wish I knew the answers. I know I don't know all the details. In fact I admit I know very little and it is very frustrating. But I do believe the information I have received as fact and contrary to many nasty rumors.
I still believe in Kazue.
Denise

I hope Denise is correct. My concern is that Kazue may not be alive. Someone would have seen or heard from her by now. Surely there is a missing persons bureau that has this case. Perhaps I watch too many episodes of Without A Trace. I'm sure they are totally inundated (no pun intended) since the earthquake/tsunami disasters by searches for missing persons.
Was Kazue running every aspect of BIC alone? Is that even possible that only she had the keys so to speak? That's quite a burden even for a supermom.  Denise said that "paying debts usually isn't a sign of bad intentions."Putting affairs in order including the paying of debts is sometimes a sign of something else.

Update on BIC and Kazue

This was posted on a few doll boards today by Denise Travers.

Tue Apr 26, 2011 10:08 am (PDT)

Wish I had news of any kind.
It is extremely difficult not knowing about Kazue.
As for BIC, most of you know that sadly it will not be coming back.
I am assuming it will go through the bankruptcy channels.
I am sure there will be no more orders filled. BIC employees attempted to fill orders before BIC'S closure & customers had been receiving items as late as this last Sat.
There is no information I can get until the family has anything to tell me. I know they are going through hell with this.
I have not been to Japan since the day of the earthquake. I could not leave my Mom as she had a heart attack early this month. I found out about Kazue's disappearance 10 days after the fact on April 21st.
Emotions have been running high. If I seemed uncaring about the lost deposits etc. I am sorry.
But I will never apologize for believing in the integrity of my best friend.
I also will lose a lot of money but I would happily give up every penny and more for Kazue's safe return.
I want to apologize to the many people who emailed me and I wasn't able to answer.
I'm sorry I cannot answer questions about orders, deposits, Kazue's disappearance, motives & circumstances or Kazue's family or employees.
I just have no information and will share what I do get.
Thank you to all who have shared their respect for Kazue.
Denise

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The Great Buddha Kamakura