Monthly Survey

How we can help Japan
--- Give Them Energy to Move On

About a week after the massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami attacked Japan on March 11, I had a chance to go back there to see how the Japanese people were coping with the devastating situation. Despite still suffering from daily aftershocks and radiation scares from the crippled nuclear plant, the Japanese really braced themselves to face reality in a calm manner, encouraged each other, and united for recovery. However, they could not hide their anxiety and confusion regarding the reality caused by the unprecedented incident. Several people in Tokyo I talked to revealed that they intentionally avoid watching news reports because they did not want to re-experience the moment. Some others said that they drank liquor or watched DVDs at home every night to ease their anxiety. This says that many Japanese people who were not directly affected by the earthquake and tsunami were still influenced psychologically and are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

To support and encourage people who survived the earthquake and tsunami, a lot of helping hands from the U.S. have been offered already by organizing fundraising events and activities, launching donation programs, sending messages of hope as well as actually volunteering at the devastated area. These are great sources of help for the refugees and the devastated area, and there is no ceiling for these kinds of support (See donation program list on the next page). But Japan also needs an energy boost to get over the chronic anxiety among those who are not the primary victims from the disaster. What can we do for them? There might be many approaches to solve this problem, but one important way is to keep Japan's economy healthy.

When I was in Tokyo, the city appeared to function just like normal, but stores reduced their business hours, transportation ran at only about 80%, and electric signboards were turned off to save energy. It looked like Tokyo was losing the power it used to have. People restricted their entertainment and dining out, considering the people who were heavily affected. However, such humanitarian attitudes do not always help the economy move upward. Instead, enjoying Japanese products would contribute to the recovery in the long run.

Currently, Japan's economy is damaged not only by the actual earthquake and tsunami but also from rumors. For example, many U.S. residents are concerned about the safety of food products imported from Japan due to the ongoing radiation situation. There is, however, no risk to the U.S. food supply for the following reasons: First, the Japanese government is using the global food safety standard to check products exported to other countries. Second, the U.S. government employs even stricter standards for monitoring imported products from Japan to secure the safety of U.S. residents. So it's nonsense to lose your chance to enjoy premium products from Japan just because of misinformation and rumors.

Japan relief events take place every day somewhere in New York, so it is actually a good opportunity to enjoy Japanese products, foods, and culture now more than ever. The biggest events will be on May 22. The 5th Annual Japan Day at Central Park (www.japandaynyc.org) and Japan Block Fair (www.japanblockfair.com) will take place in separate locations on the same day. The former will feature stage performances and activity tents, while the latter will offer Japanese vendor foods and sweets as well as cultural events (See details on page 63 for Japan Day and page 62 for Japan Block Fair). Other events, activities, and donation programs are also listed in the Events section from page 60 to 67. Look for the Y mark that signifies events and programs that have been created to support Japan. Check out this information, have fun and help Japan to regain its energy to move on.

-------- Noriko Komura
The famous billboard at Shibuya Crossing is turned off to save electrical energy, whose supply is in shortage due to the nuclear plant malfunction.
This year Japan Day @ Central Park will send the message of "GANBARE! JAPAN!" to the people of Japan through the "Japan Run," a 4 mile run in Central Park on May 8 and the "Japan Day Festival" on May 22
Japan is a country that will always have a special place in my heart.  While working there through the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme, I personally felt the warmth and kindness of the Japanese people and, in light of the tragic and heartbreaking events of March 11, I wanted to do as much as I could for the country and people that had given me so much.

While searching for ways to make meaningful contributions, I came across two groups that enabled me to reach out on a local level: the JET Alumni Association of NY (JETAANY) and "Socks for Japan". It was touching how many different JET alumni nationwide come together to help Japan.  For example, 100% of all the donations made to the Earthquake Relief Fund have gone directly to local disaster relief and recovery in Tohoku and Paypal even waived online transaction fees during the first month.  Participating in the April 7 JETAANY Fundraiser for Japan, co-sponsored by NY de Volunteer, I also experienced first-hand the remarkable power of teamwork: various groups donated raffle prizes, many people came out to show support, and, in the end, we raised over $10,000 during that one evening.

In addition to giving money for future rebuilding efforts, I also wanted to do something for those people who were living in shelters and had lost everything. Seeing a photograph on the "Socks for Japan" website of a survivor at an evacuation center with a smile on her face, holding up a new pair of socks, I realized that I must join this effort and decided to start a local collection.

I promoted this mission to as many people as I could and within a short time, we were able to collect 1,500 pairs of socks - and that was just the start of the work.  The socks came with written words of support and we translated them all into Japanese so that each recipient could fully experience the care and well wishes being sent to them.  A lot of time and energy went into this project and in addition to translating, we had to sort and individually package all of the socks and properly prepare the boxes for international shipping.  Some participants were so inspired by our passion that they spread the word and started their own local drives.  In the end, many people and companies took part in this mission to let those who had lost everything know that there are people who care and pray for them.

I am grateful to the JET Alumni Association and "Socks for Japan" for making me feel less helpless in the face of devastating catastrophes and for the reassurance that we are never too far away to be able to extend a helping hand across the world.

------- Lisa Birzen

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Information

Groups providing support activities

Red Cross www.american.redcross.org
Mercy Corps www.mercycorps.org

Aid organizations and foundations that accept donations

Global Giving www.globalgiving.org
This project will disburse funds to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Global Giving is working with International Medical Corps, Save the Children, and other organizations on the ground.

Japan Society's Japan Earthquake Relief Fund
www.japansociety.org / japanrelief@japansociety.org
100% of your generous tax-deductible contributions will go to organization(s) that directly help victims recover from the devastating effects of the earthquake and tsunami. You can contribute to the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund via online or by sending your check to: Japan Society
333 E. 47th St., New York, New York 10017
Attn: Japan Earthquake Relief Fund

JETaaNY (Japan Exchange and Teaching Program Alumni Association of New York)
http://jetaany.org/2011/03/12/japan-earthquake-relief/
JETaaNY will be forwarding 100% of the donations they receive  to relief organizations specialized in education/schools/children in stricken areas.

JaNet (Japanese Network) (tax deductible)
info@japanesenetwork.org
http://japanesenetwork.org
Send to: JaNet/Japan Earthquake
420 Lexington Ave., Suite 2531 New York, NY 10170
Note: "Japan Earthquake"

JALCC (Japanese American Lions Club Charities, Inc)
info@nyjalc.org
TEL: 516-769-1683
Send to: JALCC 15 W. 44th St., 11th Fl. New York, NY 10036

Consulate General of Japan in New York
TEL: 212-371-8222
Send to: Consulate General of Japan 299 Park Ave. New York, NY 10171
Note: Donation for Japan Earthquake/Tsunami
Bank direct deposit:
Account name: Consulate General of Japan
Account number: 226001301825
ABA number: 026009593
Account address: Bank of America the international government division 730 15th St., NW, 7th Fl., Washington, DC 20005
TEL: 1-888-715-1000
(Donations in US dollars only)

The Japanese American Association of New York
TEL: 212-840-6942
Email: info@jaany.org
Website: www.jaany.org
Send to: The Japanese American Association of New York, Inc.
15 W. 44th St., 11th Fl., New York, NY 10019
Note: "Japan Disaster Relief Fund"
Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York
www.jcciny.org
Send to: J.C.C. Fund, 145 W. 57th St. New York, NY 10019
Note: "Japan Earthquake Relief Fund"
Visit the website to download a tax deduction form.

Japanese Children's Society
TEL: 201-947-4832
info@japaneseschool.org
Send to: Japanese Children's Society
8 W. Bayview Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632
Note: "Japan earthquake relief fund 2011 for school education from New York"

Benefit Event and Program

Cherry Blossom Festival
On April 30th from 1-3 pm the Roosevelt Island Residents Association will hold the Roosevelt Island First Annual Cherry Blossom Festival, in order to raise money for the relief and recovery effort. The festival will feature performances, demonstrations, a cherry tree grove dedication to the Japanese people and more.
Info: www.riraonline.com/home
Contact: Lynne Shinozaki, Junko Hasegawa
TEL: 646-584-4169
rooseveltisland.newyork@gmail.com

Hayes Gallery at Hammond Museum
The paintings of Kiyoshi Otsuka will be exhibited at the Hayes Gallery from April 16 to June 18. A portion of the profits will be donated to the disaster relief effort.
Location: 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem, NY 10560
TEL: 914-669-5033
www.hammondmuseum.org

DJ June at Sutra Lounge
Every Tuesday at Sutra Lounge, the popular Japanese DJ, DJ June collects donations for the Red Cross.
Location: 16 1st Ave., New York, NY 10009
TEL: 212- 677-9477 / toruwatanabe@me.com

Gyu-Kaku Midtown & East Village
Gyu-Kaku is collecting donations at the Midtown & East Village restaurants. Customers who make a donation will have their name and donation amount written on a sticker which will be attached to a banner featuring a map of Japan. Once the banner is filled, it will be sent to Japan.
Location: (Midtown) 805 3rd Ave. 2nd Fl., New York, NY
TEL: 212-702-8816
(East Village) 34 Cooper Sq., New York, NY 10003
TEL: 212-475-2989 / www.gyu-kaku.com

Hope Japan
Hope Japan is a nonprofit group of artists helping to support the victims in Japan. The artists have designed pins to raise money and awareness of the relief and recovery effort. All profits will be donated to Japan Society.
Info: http://hopejp.wazala.com/
Contact: Ms. Chie Ushio
TEL: 646-244-0692 / chieushio@gmail.com