Dear users of bioresources,

RIKEN BioResource Research Center (BRC) has been suspending the bioresource deposition/distribution services since April 9th in order to comply with the Japanese Government’s Declaration of the State of Emergency regarding COVID-19 and the order from the RIKEN president for all RIKEN staff to work from home. The suspension of the services was originally planned to end on May 10th. However, on May 4th, the Japanese Government decided to continue the State of Emergency until May 31st, and on May 5th, the following day, the RIKEN president ordered all RIKEN staff to continue the work from home until June 7th. Complying with the order, RIKEN BRC inevitably decided to continue the suspension of the deposition/distribution services to allocate our limited personnel to the maintenance of bioresources. Once again, please accept our sincere apology for any inconvenience that may be caused by the prolonged suspension of the deposition/distribution services, and we appreciate your understanding.

At this moment, the suspension of the bioresource deposition/distribution services is planed until June 7th. However, the contents of the order from the RIKEN president may be revised depending on the changes in the COVID-19 situation in Japan. In any events, we will let you know the date of the resumption as soon as it is decided.

For inquiries regarding this notice, please contact the following Divisions in charge of the respective resources.

We ask for your kind understanding that this measure will contribute to containment of the spread of COVID-19, and we look forward to your continued support for RIKEN BRC.

RIKEN BioResource Research Center