Category Archives: Tohoku Relief

Former Miyagi Residents Raise Funds Through Hong Kong Event

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Hong Kong – 25th April, 2011
Two former residents of Miyagi Prefecture have pooled the creative expertise of five photographers in a silent photographic auction in Hong Kong to raise money for the March 11 earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.

The event entitled “Kampai for Sendai” was held on Saturday, April 16 at Shore Restaurant and Bar and was attended by approximately 180 people. The silent auction of distinctly Japanese photographs including 13 original mounts and three canvassed photographs, was the main focus of the evening. Additional funds were raised through the live auction of Simone Legno autographed Tokidoki merchandise and the sale of raffle tickets.

The total amount raised from the event was HK$30697 (US$3950). 100% of these funds were be donated to Peace Winds Japan andShine Humanity, two non-government organisations that have been highly visible in Miyagi Prefecture and are committed to using all designated funds for the Japan relief effort.

The event organizers, Monique Moloney and Matt Jones, both Australian nationals living in Hong Kong, were Assistant Language Teachers on the JET Programme in Miyagi Prefecture between 2003-2006. Having maintained strong connections with their former home, they were deeply affected by the devastation and suffering in communities where they’d often visited and fondly remembered. Their reaction was to organise an event that could raise awareness and funds in a meaningful way.

Through online groups, Monique found photographers who were willing to contribute their work to the cause. She also connected with other former JET participants who were living in Hong Kong. These people helped promote the event and attended to show their support.

“We may have moved on but we haven’t forgotten our friends in Miyagi Prefecture. It was our turn to give back for the kindness and good will we were shown during our time there.”

For more information, please contact Monique Moloney at mnqmlny@gmail.com or phone +852 90300243


What is JET Endurance…

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JET Endurance

JET Endurance is new charity set up by former JETs in the UK who feel passionately about Japan and want to do all they can to give something back to the country that they once called home.

The one thing that seemed obvious in the aftermath of the heartbreaking events of 11th March is that the JET Programme and its alumni form a huge resource of skilled individuals with a shared love of Japan.

Following their time on the programme some JETs stay in Japan whilst others return to our ‘home’ countries; some continue in a Japan-related career whilst others learn new skills and pursue completely unrelated careers. But each and every one of us has gained something unique from our time as a JET and each and every one of us can give something back to this truly amazing country.

Why ‘JET Endurance’?

It symbolises the spirit of ‘gambarimasu’, it reflects the enduring relationship between JETs and, last but not least, there are some pretty cool ‘endurance’ challenges we can do to fundraise. For example a few of us hope to take part in the Tokyo Marathon 2012- watch this space!

But it’s not all about endurance challenges; it’s about a long term commitment to Japan and helping Tohoku get back on its feet. This includes:

  • A pledge scheme for former JETs to make a monthly contribution (little and often is often what’s needed!),
  • A range of fundraising and awareness raising events,
  • A network of ex-JET volunteers – former JETs can be found in a range of professions and have a wealth of skills and experience which may come in handy (or they may just want to lend a hand)

So, support ‘JET Endurance’ – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

We are soon to launch our website so watch this space but in the meantime you can follow us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jetendurance or twitter: @JETendurance

What better way to say thank you to Japan for everything it has given us than through the enduring support of the world-wide community of former-JETs.

Return to Tohoku – The Road to Recovery

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Michael Blodgett is a former JET Program participant who lived and worked in Miyagi from 2005-2007. He is originally from the Chicago area and is currently living and working in Osaka.

Michael recently participated in a Ministry of Foreign Affairs sponsored program to revisit the Tohoku area following the earthquake and tsunami in March.  The following video captures his experience.

お疲れさ…万… でした

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On Friday March 11 2011, I finished my Japanese class and noticed some friends huddled round somebody’s iPhone. I presumed a new app was being shown off but the mood was a little different. Something had happened.

Fast forward to Sunday morning and I found myself thinking about how much I should donate to what, by now, had become an immeasurable tragedy. The previous night I had been at a party in Ehime and as a bolt-on to the event, boxes had been laid out to collect donations. This of course was a very good thing to do however, I couldn’t help thinking that the pictures I was seeing on TV didn’t really match up to a few boxes of random (but of course, helpful) objects and a box of coins. I felt that I needed to give more than just coins. Maybe five thousand. Maybe ten thousand yen. Maybe more. Ichi man is a decent chunk of money but in the circumstances, it was the very least I could donate.

As the slight malaise from the previous nights revelries subsided, I thought about this more and wondered if any of my friends would be interested in doing the same. By lunch time, “Man Up for Japan” was born (in my head only), by dinner time, I passed the idea onto AJET. Within about two weeks, 5000 people had said they would donate ichi man to a disaster relief charity of their choice. The response was staggering.
Being asked to write ‘the story of…’ is something that I’m a little uncomfortable to do. All I did was come up with a pun. The success of the campaign was down to the general decency of the JET population and an appreciation for Japan and what it has done for us. With that in mind, I think the ‘Man up’ campaign and its success is something that we should all be proud of. お疲れ様でした.

Man Up for Japan Facebook Group

Wear it for Japan – Tohoku Relief T-Shirt

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Wear it for JapanI am a former JET participant, now living in North Carolina, and I have been heading up a fundraiser here called Wear It For Japan. I sell t-shirts online and at local venues and donate all proceeds (every dollar received) to the Red Cross’ Japan Earthquake Fund and CRASH Japan (a volunteer mobilization organization based in Japan).

Former JET participants living in the US or Canada are welcome to purchase shirts online at here. Unfortunately, I do not ship to
Japan.

Thank you,
Bethany Nuckolls

VIA: Wear it for JapanVIA: Wear it for Japan