Call for Aid to Japan in Wake of Earthquake and Tsunami Crisis

Hello all. As everyone who reads this is aware, on this past Friday, March 11th of 2011, Japan was stricken by one of the biggest earthquakes ever recorded not only in that country, but in the world. The 8.9 quake struck the North-East area of Japan near the Miyagi Prefecture and brought with it a devastating tsunami that swept over farms and towns and claimed hundreds of lives. As of this writing, the number of people still missing is around 9,500, while nearly 1,000 people are expected to be dead and over 1,400 injured. along with the simple factors of survival and recovery in the affected areas, the biggest issue remains the Fukushima nuclear plant's instability due to malfunctions in the reactor's coolant controls and backup generator. Efforts are still underway to restore radiation concentration to normal levels.

Myself and others involved in the Asian cultural community are deeply alarmed and saddened by this terrible disaster, and have been checking up on friends and family in Japan via e-mail and social media - efforts that have thus far mainly consisted of reports of safety and good health. However, there are still countless others who will require assistance in the days and weeks ahead. For those who wish to lend their support to this important cause, one of the best ways to do so is to donate to the Japan Society Relief Fund, which will be working in conjunction with other Japanese and American non-profit organizations providing aid to Japan. Rest assured that the Japan Society, based in New York, is highly respected for its support of Japanese cultural events (including the Japan Cuts film festival) in the past, and that 100% of what you donate will go towards the relief effort.

To make a donation, please click on the link below:

More information on the Japan Society can be found here, while a more detailed write-up on Japan's current condition in the wake of this disaster can be found at the Toronto J-Film Pow-Wow.

Any amount you can spare to this cause, towards any reliable organization, will be greatly appreciated by those who need it the most.