Japan Earthquake Updates

As we reach the one year anniversary of last year's Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, the Japan America Societies across the United States, alone with other organizations, have contributed a total of $24.2 million to the relief effort.  This extraordinary humanitarian effort has brought relief to the victims, and a new element to the US-Japan grassroots relationship.  On March 11, 2011, an earthquake struck off the coast of Japan, churning up the devastating tsunami that swept over cities and farmland in Northern Japan, and set off warnings as far away as the west coast of the United States, and South America.  Recorded as a 9.0 on the Richter scale, it was the most powerful quake to ever hit the country.

Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan published an open letter of thanks and resolve in the Washington Post, Friday.  In the letter, he thanks Japan's "friends around the world" for the "kizuna ('bonds of friendship')" shown to Japan in the wake of the recent disasters.  In particular, PM Kan thanks the United States, Japan's "most important friend and ally" for its assistance and the assistance of its citizens.  The Prime Minister goes on to express the resolve of the Japanese people in recovering from these tragedies:

The Japanese people rose from the ashes of the Second World War using our fundamental strength to secure a remarkable recovery and the country’s present prosperity. I have not a single doubt that Japan will overcome this crisis, recover from the aftermath of the disaster, emerge stronger than ever, and establish a more vibrant and better Japan for future generations.

Please take a moment to read the entire article on the Washington Post's website.

As of April 15, the amount of money raised by Japan/America Societies across the United States has reached $9,000,000! 

Japan/America societies are intended to foster cooperation and understanding between the peoples of Japan and the United States.  We can all be proud that this mission is being fulfilled in this hour of dire need through the generous contributions of our many donors.

Thanks, all of you!

Toyota and the Red Cross held a Bluegrass Community Walk on Saturday to benefit the victims of the disasters in Japan.  The walk was held in very cold weather at Coldstream Park and managed to raise about $10,000 for relief!

Read more about it on Kentucky.com, here.

Representative Steve Riggs has filed a resolution calling on Kentuckians to help the victims of the earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan.

Read more at WKYT's website, here.

A copy of Representativ'e Riggs' resolution can be found here.

Japan's Emperor Akihito addressed the Japanese people by television today for the first time in the country's history.  His historic message was one of resolve and encouragement.

See a CNN article about the address, here.

Read a full translation of the address, here.

JASK Executive Director Matt Krebs was featured last night on local Lexington television news station WKYT.  Matt commented about the impact of the earthquakes and tsunamis on Japan and on JASK.  In addition, Matt mentioned the Kentucky-Japan Relief Fund that JASK is organizing to aid victims of the disaster.

The interview can be seen here.

Taizo Watanabe, the Chairman of the John Manjiro Whitfield Commemorative Center for International Exchange has issued this statement regarding the effect of the earthquakes and tsunamis and expressing his gratitude for American sentiment.