This coming weekend marks the one year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. It was an unbelievably devastating experience felt around the world. I was in India at my son's wedding and spent my first few days glued to NHK and BBC Worldwide to learn the latest about Japan. I cried more than once as the photos of relentless destruction paraded across the screen.
Since that time, SPNSCC has supported several fundraisers, including donating 10% of our sales at Lantern Lighting and collecting over $300 of donations at our annual meeting. Individuals have contributed to other fundraising events as well. We have posted the video Arrigato from Japan on our Facebook page and I urge you to view it.
We will remember the victims and pray for the future recovery of the area at a gathering at the Spirit of Peace sculpture at Lyndale Park Peace Garden in Minneapolis on Saturday, March 10, at 6 p.m. We will share a moment of silence and fold origami cranes. People may bring candles like a vigil, or a poem or music to share. Directions to the Peace Garden can be found on the Kizuna-One Year Later Facebook page.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Nobel Peace Prize Forum
Come to the Nobel Peace Prize Forum at Augsburg College next Friday night, March 2, for the opportunity to have live interaction via SKYPE with people in Nagasaki. The SKYPE session is to begin at 6 p.m. Minnesota time, which will be Saturday morning in Nagasaki. Members of the Nagasaki St. Paul Sister City Committee as well as students at the Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies will participate from Japan.
The SKYPE session is the brainchild of Mark Tiedemann, professor of English at NUFS, and friend of the Sister City organizations. In 2010, I met Mark at the SEEN AND UNSEEN photography exhibit in Nagasaki and he proposed that our two groups work together. Mark is a Luther College alum and has brought students to the Peace Prize Forum in years past. In 2011, the SPNSCC promoted an event as six of his students spoke at the Carondelet Center about the experience of their grandparents as hibakusha--atomic bomb survivors. This year Mark plans to bring more students into the Nobel Peace Prize Forum experience through technology. The SKYPE session will happen after a talk by Andrew Slack, founder of the Harry Potter Alliance. Come at 4:30 to learn more about the interesting work for peace of that organization.
The SPNSCC is offering scholarships to students who would like to attend. Contact us at spnscc@gmail.com for more information. Do join us if you can.
The SKYPE session is the brainchild of Mark Tiedemann, professor of English at NUFS, and friend of the Sister City organizations. In 2010, I met Mark at the SEEN AND UNSEEN photography exhibit in Nagasaki and he proposed that our two groups work together. Mark is a Luther College alum and has brought students to the Peace Prize Forum in years past. In 2011, the SPNSCC promoted an event as six of his students spoke at the Carondelet Center about the experience of their grandparents as hibakusha--atomic bomb survivors. This year Mark plans to bring more students into the Nobel Peace Prize Forum experience through technology. The SKYPE session will happen after a talk by Andrew Slack, founder of the Harry Potter Alliance. Come at 4:30 to learn more about the interesting work for peace of that organization.
The SPNSCC is offering scholarships to students who would like to attend. Contact us at spnscc@gmail.com for more information. Do join us if you can.
Friday, February 10, 2012
Como Garden Designer Dies
Master landscape architect Masami Matsuda of Nagasaki, Japan, passed away last week. He was an incredible man who gave all of us a great gift by designing the Como Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden. Mr. Matsuda was a gracious and gifted man who held us in St. Paul close to his heart.
I met Matsuda-san in 2010 when I represented the SPNSCC at Peter Leach's photography show of the Como garden. Over thirty stunning photographs of the garden in all four seasons were hung in the Museum of Culture and History in Nagasaki in honor of the 55th anniversary of our sister city relationship. Mr. Matsuda appreciated the gesture and the gift of one of the framed photographs. After, Fumiko Yamaguchi (NSPSCC vice-president), Sister Hamada, and I were treated to tea at his home. He had a whole section of his tea room devoted to awards and gifts he received for his work at Como.
Carol Weston Hanson, who served as interpreter for Mr. Matsuda when he supervised the garden site, has many stories. She remembers how carefully he chose each rock and its exact location in the garden. Everything had to be just right. Jim Kunzman reminisced about how Matsuda-san took out files and files of photos and notes about the Japanese garden at Como when he and his wife Karen visited Nagasaki some ten years ago. He was an inspiration to many, including SPNSCC past president Chris Rossow.
Each August, the Lantern Lighting Festival brings thousands of visitors to the Garden. Patricia Katagiri and other members of Yukimakai tea study group perform biweekly tea ceremonies in its tea house. We are grateful for the gift which Mr. Matsuda gave to St. Paul, a gift which inspires peace and reflection and awe in its beauty.
We will be honoring Mr. Matsuda throughout this year. Check the Saint Paul Nagasaki Sister City Committee Facebook page for timely information.
Domo arrigato gozaimus, Matsuda-san. Rest in peace.
I met Matsuda-san in 2010 when I represented the SPNSCC at Peter Leach's photography show of the Como garden. Over thirty stunning photographs of the garden in all four seasons were hung in the Museum of Culture and History in Nagasaki in honor of the 55th anniversary of our sister city relationship. Mr. Matsuda appreciated the gesture and the gift of one of the framed photographs. After, Fumiko Yamaguchi (NSPSCC vice-president), Sister Hamada, and I were treated to tea at his home. He had a whole section of his tea room devoted to awards and gifts he received for his work at Como.
Carol Weston Hanson, who served as interpreter for Mr. Matsuda when he supervised the garden site, has many stories. She remembers how carefully he chose each rock and its exact location in the garden. Everything had to be just right. Jim Kunzman reminisced about how Matsuda-san took out files and files of photos and notes about the Japanese garden at Como when he and his wife Karen visited Nagasaki some ten years ago. He was an inspiration to many, including SPNSCC past president Chris Rossow.
Each August, the Lantern Lighting Festival brings thousands of visitors to the Garden. Patricia Katagiri and other members of Yukimakai tea study group perform biweekly tea ceremonies in its tea house. We are grateful for the gift which Mr. Matsuda gave to St. Paul, a gift which inspires peace and reflection and awe in its beauty.
We will be honoring Mr. Matsuda throughout this year. Check the Saint Paul Nagasaki Sister City Committee Facebook page for timely information.
Domo arrigato gozaimus, Matsuda-san. Rest in peace.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Thank you and Goodbye
As of July 1, 2011, I stepped down as President of Saint Paul Nagasaki Sister City Committee. I had a wonderful three years of leadership with the organization. SPNSCC is made up of many fantastic individuals who give their time and energy to something they believe in. That may be cultural understanding. It might be the Japanese Garden at Como Park. It might be peace issues and/or the Labyrinth. It might be the Japanese language. No matter what it is, the underlying reason we all get involved is for the friendships we make both here and in Nagasaki. Those friendships are life long. In a time when Sister City Relationships are being reduced around the world, ours remains strong, committed and a valuable part of our world.
Thank you to all of the members, board members and Japanese friends I have worked with over the past three years. Domo Arigato Gozaimashita!!
Elizabeth Simmer
Thank you to all of the members, board members and Japanese friends I have worked with over the past three years. Domo Arigato Gozaimashita!!
Elizabeth Simmer
Monday, March 14, 2011
Hope Letters
Here is another way to help people through our words:
http://hopeletters.wordpress.com/.
http://hopeletters.wordpress.com/.
More information and help
The past 48 hours have been a whirlwind of emotions and activity as governments, nonprofits, the business community, and individuals have shared information and mobilized support in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes and tsunami in Japan.
This message cannot and is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of the latest information or resources. However, in the interests of sharing information through our Japanese-American network, this message identifies some of the resources that may be useful to you and your friends and colleagues.
JAPANESE GOVERNMENT
Obviously, the Government of Japan is very busy attending to emergency response actions, and up-to-date information is more readily available from non-governmental sources such as the news media. Nevertheless, you may find information on the following sites to be of interest:
Statement of Prime Minister Kan, Friday, March 11
http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/kan/statement/201103/11kishahappyo_e.html
GOJ site on Countermeasures for 2011 Tohoku District – off the Pacific Ocean Earthquake
http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/topics/2011/earthquake2011tohoku.html
Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
http://www.mofa.go.jp/
Embassy of Japan in the United States
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/index.html
FINDING US CITIZENS IN JAPAN
The US Embassy in Tokyo and the US State Department are attempting to assist in tracking US citizens in Japan. Include as much information as you can about the missing person(s).
by Email: japanemergencyusc@state.gov
or by phone: 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
More websites with information about US citizens include:
http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/ http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html
If you are concerned about the Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD) group that was in Tokyo this past week, they are all safe. Several of them have been interviewed by press. See the US-Japan Council website www.usjapancouncil.org for news on the JALD group as well as a clip from the CNN interview of Irene Hirano Inouye.
FINDING PEOPLE IN JAPAN
Phone lines are jammed, and the greatest need is at this point is to allow access for first-responders. If you are looking for someone in Japan, please don’t use the telephone; instead use e-mail, Twitter, Skype, and other non-phone line communications.
GOOGLE PERSON-FINDER: Google has created a website both for postings by people searching for an individual, and for postings by people with information about a particular individual. It already has over 70,000 postings. Go to: http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/
CELL PHONE MESSAGE BOARD. Another way to find out about someone is the use of Cell Phone Message Board. If the person you are seeking in Japan has posted a message to the board, you can see it after you type in the cell phone number. You also need to know which network they belong to. (If you don't know, the biggest network is NTT Docomo.) This is NOT texting or email. Only if the person in Japan has posted a message will you see the message. Here the links for the Cell Phone Message Boards:
For the docomo users: http://dengon.docomo.ne.jp/top.cgi
For the KDDI (Ezweb) users: http://dengon.ezweb.ne.jp/
For the Softbank users: http://dengon.softbank.ne.jp/
For the Wilcom users: http://dengon.willcom-inc.com/dengon/Top.do
Another way to find out: http://dengon.emnet.ne.jp/
FOREIGN CITIZENS STRANDED IN US granted special treatment by US Dept. of Homeland Security
MESSAGE SENT From: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Dept of Homeland Security [ mailto:uscis@public.govdelivery.com ]
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 5:13 PM
Subject: Relief for Japan and Other Nationals from the Pacific Stranded due to the Earthquakes and Tsunami
This advisory is for Japanese and other foreign nationals from the Pacific stranded in the United States due to the earthquakes and tsunami devastation in the Pacific. If you have exceeded or are about to exceed your authorized stay in the U.S. you may be permitted up to an additional 30 days to depart.
Visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):
· If you are at an airport, contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office at the airport.
· All others, please visit the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office.
Visitors traveling under a nonimmigrant visa:
· Visit the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office.
· Bring your passport, evidence that you are stranded (such as an itinerary for the cancelled flight), and your I-94 departure record.
For additional immigration relief options, please visit the Special Situation page.
DONATIONS
The US-Japan Council is preparing to establish a Japan Tsunami Relief Fund, and is working with other organizations to receive donations on their behalf. It is understood that 100% of the proceeds will be donated to an agency or organization in Japan to be determined following consultations with GOJ and the US Embassy in Japan. More information will be distributed and posted to the US-Japan Council website in coming days. See http://www.usjapancouncil.org/
The American Red Cross has set up an online donation site to provide assistance to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami at
http://american.redcross.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=ntld_main
Numerous organizations are jumping in to help victims of the Japanese quake. Here's a partial list identified (but not necessarily endorsed) at http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/03/11/6246445-japans-earthquake-how-to-help
* Using your cell phone, you can text-message donations of $10 to the Red Cross. Text the letters REDCROSS to 90999 to make the $10 donation, or visit the organization's website.
# The International Medical Corps is putting together relief teams, as well as supplies. The organization is in "contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities,” said Nancy Aossey, IMC president, on its website. You can donate here . Or, you can text MED to 80888 to donate $10 to emergency relief efforts.
# Save the Children is accepting donations for its Children's Emergency Fund. "We are extremely concerned for the welfare of children and their families who have been affected by the disaster. We stand ready to meet the needs of children who are always the most vulnerable in a disaster,' said Eiichi Sadamatsu of the organization in a statement. You can also text “JAPAN” or “TSUNAMI” to 20222 to donate $10.
# GlobalGiving, based in Washington, D.C., is providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Text JAPAN to 50555 to donate $10.
# The Salvation Army, which has had a presence in Japan since 1895, is sending an assessment team from Tokyo to the city of Sendai "to assess damage and will begin providing basic necessities (food, water, etc.) beginning as soon as possible tonight or tomorrow," a spokesperson said. In Tokyo, the Salvation Army "opened its main building to help shelter commuters who were unable to reach home. They served hot drinks and packed meals." You can text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts.
# World Vision, with a staff of 75 in Japan, focuses its relief efforts on children. Visit the website to donate, or call 1-888-56-CHILD (1-888-562-4453). You can text “4JAPAN” or “4TSUNAMI” to 20222 to donate $10.
# The mGive Foundation, which helps with mobile donations, said these groups are also accepting text-based donations: Convoy of Hope, text TSUNAMI to 50555 to donate $10; World Relief Corp. of National Association of Evangelicals, text WAVE to 50555 to donate $10. "When prompted, mobile donors should reply with YES to confirm a one-time gift," the foundation says. "The $10 one-time donation will appear on the donor’s next mobile bill. All donations are tax deductible and receipts may be printed" from the mGive site. "Message and data rates may apply."
# Facebook has a
# Disaster Relief page with lots of good information about organizations that are offering aid, and that you can help, in turn. Portland, Ore.-based Mercy Corps is "accepting donations to help survivors of Japan's earthquake and tsunami through our longstanding partner, Peace Winds Japan." Donations will go to meeting the "immediate and longer-term needs of the survivors," a spokesperson said. You can text “MERCY” to 25283 to donate $10.
# Microsoft has a Disaster Response Effort underway. "We are taking a number of steps, including ensuring the safety of our employees and their families and proactively offering customers, partners and local response agencies technical support to help ensure business continuity," the company said. ( Msnbc.com is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC Universal.) MISCELLANEOUS
David Nakamura of the Washington Post posted a story, “Japan quake affects DC area residents, abroad and at home” on the WP website, at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/11/AR2011031103487.html
A very good general resource with lots of links to other sites and sources:
Google Crisis Response
http://www.google.co.jp/intl/en/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html
NHK World – live television online (in English)
http://www.livestation.com/channels/123-nhk-world-english
NHK World – Radio Japan online (in English)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/radio/program/index.html
TBS TV live on USTREAM (in Japanese)
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/tbstv
PHOTOS OF QUAKE AFTERMATH on news.yahoo.com
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Huge-Japan-quake-spawns-tsunami/ss/events/wl/031111japanquake/im:/110312/481/urn_publicid_ap_org728fa5d9ec284d72af3e98e78909b9a5/#photoViewer=/110312/photos_ts_wl_afp/2343c9668a341172ff2756a3dcb3bcd2
Finally, an interesting way for people, including children, to send a visual and culturally significant message, via Facebook --
PAPER CRANES FOR JAPAN
http://www.facebook.com/papercranesforjapan?sk=info
This message cannot and is not intended to be an exhaustive or comprehensive list of the latest information or resources. However, in the interests of sharing information through our Japanese-American network, this message identifies some of the resources that may be useful to you and your friends and colleagues.
JAPANESE GOVERNMENT
Obviously, the Government of Japan is very busy attending to emergency response actions, and up-to-date information is more readily available from non-governmental sources such as the news media. Nevertheless, you may find information on the following sites to be of interest:
Statement of Prime Minister Kan, Friday, March 11
http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/kan/statement/201103/11kishahappyo_e.html
GOJ site on Countermeasures for 2011 Tohoku District – off the Pacific Ocean Earthquake
http://www.kantei.go.jp/foreign/topics/2011/earthquake2011tohoku.html
Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
http://www.mofa.go.jp/
Embassy of Japan in the United States
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/index.html
FINDING US CITIZENS IN JAPAN
The US Embassy in Tokyo and the US State Department are attempting to assist in tracking US citizens in Japan. Include as much information as you can about the missing person(s).
by Email: japanemergencyusc@state.gov
or by phone: 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
More websites with information about US citizens include:
http://tokyo.usembassy.gov/ http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html
If you are concerned about the Japanese American Leadership Delegation (JALD) group that was in Tokyo this past week, they are all safe. Several of them have been interviewed by press. See the US-Japan Council website www.usjapancouncil.org for news on the JALD group as well as a clip from the CNN interview of Irene Hirano Inouye.
FINDING PEOPLE IN JAPAN
Phone lines are jammed, and the greatest need is at this point is to allow access for first-responders. If you are looking for someone in Japan, please don’t use the telephone; instead use e-mail, Twitter, Skype, and other non-phone line communications.
GOOGLE PERSON-FINDER: Google has created a website both for postings by people searching for an individual, and for postings by people with information about a particular individual. It already has over 70,000 postings. Go to: http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/
CELL PHONE MESSAGE BOARD. Another way to find out about someone is the use of Cell Phone Message Board. If the person you are seeking in Japan has posted a message to the board, you can see it after you type in the cell phone number. You also need to know which network they belong to. (If you don't know, the biggest network is NTT Docomo.) This is NOT texting or email. Only if the person in Japan has posted a message will you see the message. Here the links for the Cell Phone Message Boards:
For the docomo users: http://dengon.docomo.ne.jp/top.cgi
For the KDDI (Ezweb) users: http://dengon.ezweb.ne.jp/
For the Softbank users: http://dengon.softbank.ne.jp/
For the Wilcom users: http://dengon.willcom-inc.com/dengon/Top.do
Another way to find out: http://dengon.emnet.ne.jp/
FOREIGN CITIZENS STRANDED IN US granted special treatment by US Dept. of Homeland Security
MESSAGE SENT From: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Dept of Homeland Security [ mailto:uscis@public.govdelivery.com ]
Sent: Friday, March 11, 2011 5:13 PM
Subject: Relief for Japan and Other Nationals from the Pacific Stranded due to the Earthquakes and Tsunami
This advisory is for Japanese and other foreign nationals from the Pacific stranded in the United States due to the earthquakes and tsunami devastation in the Pacific. If you have exceeded or are about to exceed your authorized stay in the U.S. you may be permitted up to an additional 30 days to depart.
Visitors traveling under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP):
· If you are at an airport, contact the U.S. Customs and Border Protection office at the airport.
· All others, please visit the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office.
Visitors traveling under a nonimmigrant visa:
· Visit the local U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office.
· Bring your passport, evidence that you are stranded (such as an itinerary for the cancelled flight), and your I-94 departure record.
For additional immigration relief options, please visit the Special Situation page.
DONATIONS
The US-Japan Council is preparing to establish a Japan Tsunami Relief Fund, and is working with other organizations to receive donations on their behalf. It is understood that 100% of the proceeds will be donated to an agency or organization in Japan to be determined following consultations with GOJ and the US Embassy in Japan. More information will be distributed and posted to the US-Japan Council website in coming days. See http://www.usjapancouncil.org/
The American Red Cross has set up an online donation site to provide assistance to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami at
http://american.redcross.org/site/SPageServer?pagename=ntld_main
Numerous organizations are jumping in to help victims of the Japanese quake. Here's a partial list identified (but not necessarily endorsed) at http://technolog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/03/11/6246445-japans-earthquake-how-to-help
* Using your cell phone, you can text-message donations of $10 to the Red Cross. Text the letters REDCROSS to 90999 to make the $10 donation, or visit the organization's website.
# The International Medical Corps is putting together relief teams, as well as supplies. The organization is in "contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities,” said Nancy Aossey, IMC president, on its website. You can donate here . Or, you can text MED to 80888 to donate $10 to emergency relief efforts.
# Save the Children is accepting donations for its Children's Emergency Fund. "We are extremely concerned for the welfare of children and their families who have been affected by the disaster. We stand ready to meet the needs of children who are always the most vulnerable in a disaster,' said Eiichi Sadamatsu of the organization in a statement. You can also text “JAPAN” or “TSUNAMI” to 20222 to donate $10.
# GlobalGiving, based in Washington, D.C., is providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Text JAPAN to 50555 to donate $10.
# The Salvation Army, which has had a presence in Japan since 1895, is sending an assessment team from Tokyo to the city of Sendai "to assess damage and will begin providing basic necessities (food, water, etc.) beginning as soon as possible tonight or tomorrow," a spokesperson said. In Tokyo, the Salvation Army "opened its main building to help shelter commuters who were unable to reach home. They served hot drinks and packed meals." You can text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888 to make a $10 donation to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts.
# World Vision, with a staff of 75 in Japan, focuses its relief efforts on children. Visit the website to donate, or call 1-888-56-CHILD (1-888-562-4453). You can text “4JAPAN” or “4TSUNAMI” to 20222 to donate $10.
# The mGive Foundation, which helps with mobile donations, said these groups are also accepting text-based donations: Convoy of Hope, text TSUNAMI to 50555 to donate $10; World Relief Corp. of National Association of Evangelicals, text WAVE to 50555 to donate $10. "When prompted, mobile donors should reply with YES to confirm a one-time gift," the foundation says. "The $10 one-time donation will appear on the donor’s next mobile bill. All donations are tax deductible and receipts may be printed" from the mGive site. "Message and data rates may apply."
# Facebook has a
# Disaster Relief page with lots of good information about organizations that are offering aid, and that you can help, in turn. Portland, Ore.-based Mercy Corps is "accepting donations to help survivors of Japan's earthquake and tsunami through our longstanding partner, Peace Winds Japan." Donations will go to meeting the "immediate and longer-term needs of the survivors," a spokesperson said. You can text “MERCY” to 25283 to donate $10.
# Microsoft has a Disaster Response Effort underway. "We are taking a number of steps, including ensuring the safety of our employees and their families and proactively offering customers, partners and local response agencies technical support to help ensure business continuity," the company said. ( Msnbc.com is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC Universal.) MISCELLANEOUS
David Nakamura of the Washington Post posted a story, “Japan quake affects DC area residents, abroad and at home” on the WP website, at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/11/AR2011031103487.html
A very good general resource with lots of links to other sites and sources:
Google Crisis Response
http://www.google.co.jp/intl/en/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html
NHK World – live television online (in English)
http://www.livestation.com/channels/123-nhk-world-english
NHK World – Radio Japan online (in English)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/radio/program/index.html
TBS TV live on USTREAM (in Japanese)
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/tbstv
PHOTOS OF QUAKE AFTERMATH on news.yahoo.com
http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Huge-Japan-quake-spawns-tsunami/ss/events/wl/031111japanquake/im:/110312/481/urn_publicid_ap_org728fa5d9ec284d72af3e98e78909b9a5/#photoViewer=/110312/photos_ts_wl_afp/2343c9668a341172ff2756a3dcb3bcd2
Finally, an interesting way for people, including children, to send a visual and culturally significant message, via Facebook --
PAPER CRANES FOR JAPAN
http://www.facebook.com/papercranesforjapan?sk=info
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Relief Efforts in Japan
Devastation in Japan continues to shock us. Here is information for people wanting to help with relief efforts:
Relief Efforts and Contacting Loved Ones in Japan
(for information on where you can donate to the relief effort, please scroll to the bottom of this email.)
JAS Washington DC has sent the following information to its members, and we want to share it with you.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Japan who were affected by today’s overwhelmingly powerful earthquake and tsunami. We hope that your loved ones and friends in Japan are safe.
We are sharing two kinds of information with you. First is how you can help. Second is how you can contact friends and family in Japan.
(1) First, how you can help.The American Red Cross has already set up an online donation site to provide assistance to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami at http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main. You probably also have heard that President Obama has promised all possible assistance to the people of Japan. US military assets, including the USS Ronald Reagan, an aircraft carrier, and other ships are moving to the region, ready to provide aid.
(2) Second, how to find out about your friends and family. As the earthquake hit, our Director of Educational Programs, Risa Kamio, was flying to Tokyo. Her plane was diverted to Yokota Air Force Base and then to Kansai. Risa has shared the following information with us.
“I was on the way from DC to Narita when the earthquake hit and the plane could not land. I am spending the night at Kansai Airport.
“They are asking people not to try to use the regular phone lines to find out if your family and friends are safe.
Use Twitter, Skype, Mixi, etc. and save the phone lines for someone who really needs it in the Tohoku area.
Google has created the site, "Google Person Finder".
http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en
It currently has the record of 7200 people and you can type in the name of person you are looking for and find out if he/she is safe.
If the person you are looking for has a cell phone in Japan, and you know which company his/her cellphone is, you can check each company's website below and type in the phone number to see if he/she has left a message. The available areas are Aomori, Miyagi, Yamagata and Fukushima prefectures.
For Docomo users:
http://dengon.docomo.ne.jp/top.cgi。
For KDDI (Ezweb) users:
http://dengon.ezweb.ne.jp/
For Softbank users:
http://dengon.softbank.ne.jp/
For Wilcom users:
http://dengon.willcom-inc.com/dengon/Top.do
For Emobile users:
http://dengon.emnet.ne.jp/
Another way to find out:
http://dengon.emnet.ne.jp/
神尾 りさ
Risa Kamio
Director of Educational Programs
Japan-America Society of Washington DC”
(3) To locate US citizens in Japan:
The US Embassy and Consulates in Japan are working to obtain
information on the status of U.S. citizens and to provide assistance as
necessary.
*If you have concerns about a specific U.S. citizen in Japan,
please send the State Department an email at JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov
*If you have concerns about a specific U.S. citizen in the
Tsunami zone outside of Japan, please send the State Department an email at
PacificTsunamiUSC@state.gov
Although telephone lines are disrupted, you may want to try contacting
your loved one by email, text (SMS) message, or other social media.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INQUIRIES
*U.S. Forces Japan reports that all personnel have been
accounted for, and there are no reports of injuries.
*The Department of Defense instructs that family members of
Department of Defense personnel should call 1-800-342-9647 to inquire
about their loved ones or contact the individual unit command directly
for more specific information.
JAPANESE AND OTHER CITIZENS
*If you are calling regarding a Japanese citizen, please
contact the Japanese Embassy (Washington - 202-238-6700) or local Japanese
Consulate.
*If you are calling regarding a citizen of a third country,
please contact that country's Embassy or Consulate. Contact information
for foreign Embassies and Consulates in the United States is available
in the Country Specific Information links at www.travel.state.gov.
JETAA USA Relief
Effort Created
In the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, some people are wondering where they can donate money or time in order to help. At this moment, the Red Cross and other organizations are still mobilizing their relief efforts, but JETAA USA, in cooperation with JETAA NC and JETAA NY have developed a national fund with all money raised going to send money and volunteers that will help in the relief efforts in Japan.
For answers to potential questions and more information, please visit the JETAA USA Website at: www.jetaausa.com
JETAA MN Relief Efforts
Currently, JETAA Minnesota is supporting the national efforts that have been organized through JETAA USA with the help of JETAA NY and JETAA NC.
Megan Miller, President of JETAA NY, tells us to "encourage those you know in Japan to email CLAIR and/or contest their embassy so everyone knows they are safe."
She also mentions: "If anyone is organizing a trip to Japan to offer relief and support in person, please share with the group as many people have expressed interest in helping."
Here is the donation link for "Japan Earthquake Relief" has been created through the efforts of JETAA USA:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=YBW32VZP4WLY2
Relief Efforts and Contacting Loved Ones in Japan
(for information on where you can donate to the relief effort, please scroll to the bottom of this email.)
JAS Washington DC has sent the following information to its members, and we want to share it with you.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Japan who were affected by today’s overwhelmingly powerful earthquake and tsunami. We hope that your loved ones and friends in Japan are safe.
We are sharing two kinds of information with you. First is how you can help. Second is how you can contact friends and family in Japan.
(1) First, how you can help.The American Red Cross has already set up an online donation site to provide assistance to the victims of the earthquake and tsunami at http://american.redcross.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ntld_main. You probably also have heard that President Obama has promised all possible assistance to the people of Japan. US military assets, including the USS Ronald Reagan, an aircraft carrier, and other ships are moving to the region, ready to provide aid.
(2) Second, how to find out about your friends and family. As the earthquake hit, our Director of Educational Programs, Risa Kamio, was flying to Tokyo. Her plane was diverted to Yokota Air Force Base and then to Kansai. Risa has shared the following information with us.
“I was on the way from DC to Narita when the earthquake hit and the plane could not land. I am spending the night at Kansai Airport.
“They are asking people not to try to use the regular phone lines to find out if your family and friends are safe.
Use Twitter, Skype, Mixi, etc. and save the phone lines for someone who really needs it in the Tohoku area.
Google has created the site, "Google Person Finder".
http://japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en
It currently has the record of 7200 people and you can type in the name of person you are looking for and find out if he/she is safe.
If the person you are looking for has a cell phone in Japan, and you know which company his/her cellphone is, you can check each company's website below and type in the phone number to see if he/she has left a message. The available areas are Aomori, Miyagi, Yamagata and Fukushima prefectures.
For Docomo users:
http://dengon.docomo.ne.jp/top.cgi。
For KDDI (Ezweb) users:
http://dengon.ezweb.ne.jp/
For Softbank users:
http://dengon.softbank.ne.jp/
For Wilcom users:
http://dengon.willcom-inc.com/dengon/Top.do
For Emobile users:
http://dengon.emnet.ne.jp/
Another way to find out:
http://dengon.emnet.ne.jp/
神尾 りさ
Risa Kamio
Director of Educational Programs
Japan-America Society of Washington DC”
(3) To locate US citizens in Japan:
The US Embassy and Consulates in Japan are working to obtain
information on the status of U.S. citizens and to provide assistance as
necessary.
*If you have concerns about a specific U.S. citizen in Japan,
please send the State Department an email at JapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov
*If you have concerns about a specific U.S. citizen in the
Tsunami zone outside of Japan, please send the State Department an email at
PacificTsunamiUSC@state.gov
Although telephone lines are disrupted, you may want to try contacting
your loved one by email, text (SMS) message, or other social media.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INQUIRIES
*U.S. Forces Japan reports that all personnel have been
accounted for, and there are no reports of injuries.
*The Department of Defense instructs that family members of
Department of Defense personnel should call 1-800-342-9647 to inquire
about their loved ones or contact the individual unit command directly
for more specific information.
JAPANESE AND OTHER CITIZENS
*If you are calling regarding a Japanese citizen, please
contact the Japanese Embassy (Washington - 202-238-6700) or local Japanese
Consulate.
*If you are calling regarding a citizen of a third country,
please contact that country's Embassy or Consulate. Contact information
for foreign Embassies and Consulates in the United States is available
in the Country Specific Information links at www.travel.state.gov.
JETAA USA Relief
Effort Created
In the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, some people are wondering where they can donate money or time in order to help. At this moment, the Red Cross and other organizations are still mobilizing their relief efforts, but JETAA USA, in cooperation with JETAA NC and JETAA NY have developed a national fund with all money raised going to send money and volunteers that will help in the relief efforts in Japan.
For answers to potential questions and more information, please visit the JETAA USA Website at: www.jetaausa.com
JETAA MN Relief Efforts
Currently, JETAA Minnesota is supporting the national efforts that have been organized through JETAA USA with the help of JETAA NY and JETAA NC.
Megan Miller, President of JETAA NY, tells us to "encourage those you know in Japan to email CLAIR and/or contest their embassy so everyone knows they are safe."
She also mentions: "If anyone is organizing a trip to Japan to offer relief and support in person, please share with the group as many people have expressed interest in helping."
Here is the donation link for "Japan Earthquake Relief" has been created through the efforts of JETAA USA:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=YBW32VZP4WLY2
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