Japan Earthquake Updates

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.

Dear Friends,

We announce the opening of a fund for concerned persons throughout Kentucky to contribute to rebuilding efforts in our beloved nation of Japan.  

http://jask.org/donate.

While we wish we could be in Japan now, helping those whose lives have been disrupted, we begin by organizing contributions in Kentucky.  Every penny of your contributions* will be handed off to relief and rebuilding efforts in Japan.  The decisions about distribution will be made by the board of directors at the Japan/America Society of Kentucky.  We will closely monitor the needs of communities that are connected to Kentucky and contribute to efforts that will have a long-term impact.  Your suggestions are welcome.  

You may check-in for updates of interest to Kentuckians at http://jask.org/japan. 

We cannot comprehend the loss that our families and friends in Japan have experienced, but we have hope that joy and beauty may yet arise from this tragedy.  

Sincerely, 

JASK Board Members and Staff

*Donations made by credit card via Paypal are subject to a ~2% service fee.  You may choose to mail a check to JASK at 464 Chenault Rd., Frankfort, KY  40601.

Dear JASK Members and Friends,

There has been and will continue to be a gratifying outpouring of support from the JASK community for our friends and family in Japan.  We continue to monitor the relief efforts underway across the world.  In particular, our national network of Japan/America Societies is organizing a variety of projects and people to assist.  As we determine the ideal role for our network in Kentucky, we will invite your direct participation.  Your suggestions are welcome by email (programs@jask.org) or phone (859-224-7001).  In the meantime, we invite your contributions as per this statement.  

We will be creating a blog page today for informational updates related to the disaster and relief efforts.  We will notify you again today when this page is live.  Immediate relief efforts are underway throughout Japan; indeed, the extent of damage is not yet fully known.  We plan to contribute in the longer-term, as well as immediately, as the work of recovery will last for months and years. 

A number of Kentuckians were in Sendai and its surrounding cities in 2009 for a citizen exchange program.  If you are looking for your host family, you may find an update here, courtesy of the Manjiro/Whitfield Center for International Exchange.  

With sadness and hope, 

JASK Board Members and Staff