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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


Tokyo Yamathon: The Ultimate Urban Adventure

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By Jessica Korteman

I have travelled on the Yamanote Line, that accesess the heart of Tokyo, countless times. Although I have never travelled its full circle in one go, I know it would take approximately one hour. I wonder how long it would take to walk it?

This was the question I pondered as I held onto the handrail and stared at the screen on an early-morning train making its way through the cover of darkness. This was not a hypothetical question, but one that I would find the answer to in the not-too-distant future. Because that is exactly what I was about to do: walk the Yamanote line.

You may think I am crazy. I mean, why walk when there is a perfectly efficient and convenient train system at my disposal? Well, the idea came from a group I am involved in, the Oxfam Japan International Volunteer Group (IVG).

The IVG is the English-speaking arm of Oxfam Japan, an international NGO providing emergency relief and development projects worldwide. It is run entirely by volunteers and holds a variety of regular fundraising events to raise awareness of issues facing the millions suffering from poverty and injustice around the world. We hold Awareness Workshops twice a month where volunteer instructors present a variety of topics that allow participants to share opinions about global issues. We also run fortnightly pub quizzes where attendees can enjoy a fun night out while putting their knowledge to the test.

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Bi-annual ALT Soccer Tournament

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This year’s bi-annual ALT hosted soccer tournament, Japan’s biggest foreign footie tournament, will be hosted on November 19th and 20th, in Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture for Western Japan, and on October 1st and 2nd on Sugadaira Kogen, Nagano Prefecture for Eastern Japan. The tournament features an 11 vs 11 format for men, and 6 v 6 for women. Supporters are also welcome, and can purchase a package which includes lodging, food, charity raffle tickets, entrance to the party, and bus shuttle fees, for a paltry ￥15000 for both days. You can check out the website and find more information here. Be sure to check out the Facebook page as well at this link.

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.

IVG Presents – Tokyo Yamathon 2011

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What is the Tokyo Yamathon?

The Tokyo Yamathon is a fundraising challenge where teams of three or four people compete to walk or run through Tokyo visiting all 29 stations of the famous JR Yamanote train line in under 12 hours. The Yamanote line is Japan’s busiest and most important commuter rail lines which circles the capital, travelling through Tokyo’s major districts as it goes. Our second Yamathon in April 2011 featured 355 people, 100 teams and an amazing 1,027,501 yen raised for Oxfam Japan’s relief efforts in Tohoku.

 

Who is IVG?

The IVG is a group of English-speaking volunteers who work together to support Oxfam Japan in their mission to find solutions to global poverty and injustice.

The IVG aims to create awareness within Japan about the issues that Oxfam deals with, and raises funds to support Oxfam’s work. We are an entirely volunteer-run group of people from all over the world with a desire to make a difference!

FAQ’s
Q. What is the Tokyo Yamathon?
A. The Yamathon is a physical and navigational challenge where teams of three or four people walk around the Yamanote line in under 12 hours. The Yamanote line is Japan’s busiest and most important commuter rail line which circles the capital and is famous around the world.

Q. Why should I get involved in this?
A. Ask yourself a question – do you honestly know Tokyo? This will be a fantastic opportunity to see all the sights in one day and to also check out new places: places where normally you would never think of going to. Think of starting out in the dew-kissed surroundings of Yoyogi Park in the morning and returning past the skyscrapers & neon lights of Shinjuku before arriving back at Harajuku at night.

This is a physical challenge in which, you will start together, stick together, and finish together as a team. This is also a fundraising event. 6,000 yen may not seem much to you. But it will mean a lot more to those who live in poverty around the world.

Q. Can our team run???
A. You can walk or run! Whichever! The faster you walk the quicker you can get to the after-party! All team members must finish together as a team.

See: http://www.tokyo-yamathon.com/ for more details!

When: Saturday 19th November 2011
Meeting Time: 06:15
Starting time: 07:00
Meeting point: At the entrance of Yoyogi Park (2mins from Harajuku Station)
Donation to Oxfam Japan: 6,000 yen (+1000 yen for insurance) per team