In 2002, I went to Japan for the first time with my friend Yuka. We spent time in Kawaguchi-ko, where I took this picture of Mt. Fuji. Kawaguchi-ko is the epi-center of the one of the most recent earthquakes. Yuka still does not know if her family’s house there has been destroyed. Meanwhile, other family members are being evacuated because of radiation leaks at the Fukushima Power Facility, bodies are washing up on the shore from the tsunami, and most of the country is without power. Yuka has been keeping people here in the U.S. updated, unfortunately the day to day lives of everyone in Japan seem to be getting progressively worse. I wanted to share this information from Yuka. Please donate, if you can.
Dear Friends,
First of all, I would like to thank everyone who contacted me about my family in Japan. My family and friends are safe. However, the disaster that hit Japan this past week has been heartbreaking not only to my family but also the entire nation. As a Japanese citizen, I thank you for your thoughtfulness on the earthquake disaster. In Japan, people are trying their best to rescue and support the victims. Your kind donation in support of their efforts is the utmost help we can offer from outside the country.
The following are ways to donate to aid the victims of the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami.
1. American Red Cross (Donate through American RC will be sent to the Japanese Red Cross Society)
2. Japanese Medical Association in America
3. The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City – Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Fund
Up to date information about the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami may be found on the following websites: Google Crisis Responses: 2011 Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami & NHK World (English)
Again, thank you very much for your help. Knowing such warm thoughtfulness from people so far away will encourage people of Japan to thrive and fight in this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Yuka Lawrence, LCSW