October 12, 2011:

Peace Boat will be holding a special event on October 13, reporting and looking back on the activities in the 200 days since the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, and announcing the launch of the Peace Boat Disaster Relief Volunteer Leader Training Programme. This programme will train people in disaster relief skills to ensure that the effects of future disasters can be mitigated. Please join us to learn about our work, our future goals, and to connect with other Peace Boat supporters. For more information on this event and about Peace Boat click here.

August 18, 2011:

A magnitude 6.8 quake jolts Japan off Fukushima.

August 17, 2011:

Japan's Earthquake and Tsunami created huge Icebergs in Antarctica.

Satellite image evidence show icebergs broke off in Antarctica, collectively the size of 50 square miles approximately, or two times the surface size of Manhattan, in about 18 hours from the time the initial Tohoku earthquake and tsunami hit 8,000 miles away in Japan on March 11, 2011.

The findings were published online in the Journal of Glaciology. It is the first known direct observation of a connection between tsunamis and icebergs. Click here for the story on the NASA website, and to view the multimedia satellite images taken by the European Space Agency/Envisat, MODIS Rapid Response/NASA, and NASA/Goddard.

July 10, 2011:

A major earthquake with the magnitude of 7.1 has hit off Japan's northeastern coast Sunday July 10, 2011. The U.S. Geological Survey reports the earthquake struck at 10:57am at the epicenter, about 130 miles east of Sendai, Japan. For more on the story click here.

July 14 - 17, 2011 Los Angeles, CA

(City-wide at various locations and times): "LITTLE TOKYO DESIGN WEEK: FUTURE CITY"Japan and California are two of the world's centers of innovation in design and technology.

Don't miss the LITTLE TOKYO DESIGN WEEK: FUTURE CITY festival July 14-17 in LA and donate to JAPAN PLATFORM through the U.S. Japan Council's Earthquake Relief Fund at the photographic exhibition at JACCC Plaza (details below).

Local and international organizations continue emergency disaster relief efforts to aid victims from Japan's March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. 

Beware of fraudulent fundraising operations as reported by Marketwatch.com's personal finance editor Andrea Coombes and "look-alike" scams reported by Jessica Dickler, staff writer for CNNMoney.com. 

The following events and fundraising efforts are compiled as a courtesy from sources for our readers to evaluate:

Come learn, meet, and celebrate the power and energy of cutting edge design and technology emerging from Japan and its intersection with current trends materializing in Los Angeles. LITTLE TOKYO DESIGN WEEK's exciting community-wide events from art installations, seminars, film screenings, and much more are planned beginning Thursday July 14 to Sunday July 17. For event times and locations go to www.LTDesignWeek.com and at the end of this article (subject to change).

You can help benefit the U.S. Japan Council Earthquake Relief Fund by visiting and making a donation at the GREAT EAST JAPAN EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI: A PHOTOJOURNALISTIC EXHIBITION OF THE DISASTER CONTAINER GALLERY at the Plaza of the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center in Los Angeles during the Little Tokyo Design Week festival July 14-17, 2011.

Little Tokyo Design Week supports Japan Platform through the U.S.  Japan Council Earthquake Relief Fund

Your donation will greatly help the people who have suffered and continue to suffer from the disaster of March 11. Any funds donated will be disbursed to Japan Platform (JPF), an international emergency humanitarian aid organization which offers more effective and prompter emergency aid, in response to the world situation, focusing on the issues of refugees and natural disaster, as well as other US Japan Council supported organizations. You can also go to the website for more information or to make an online donation.

www.usjapancouncil.org/fund

LTDW presents a series of programs that integrate Little Tokyo¹s Big Three cultural institutions Japanese American National Museum (JANM), Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC), and The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA. Community partners, retailers, and restaurants and others will engage local and international designers, artists, architects,filmmakers, corporations, and students from the California region to explore possible scenarios for a New Urban Lifestyle.Produced in collaboration with Community Arts Resources (CARS).

June 19 Irvine, CA: "Walk the Farm - Helping Farms Feed Families/Japan"  - A fundraiser to help the farmers of Japan get back into production to help feed their nation. Co-.sponsored by The Orange Coast Optimist Club (OCO) and Tanaka Farms.  www.WalkTheFarm.com 

For more information contact Glenn Tanaka at Tanaka FArms. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 949-653-2100 ext 202
5380-3/4 University Drive, Irvine, California 92612.

May 24 Culver City, CA: "Speed Networking Dessert Mixer" - Proceeds go to the 501(c)(3) fund - Japan Earthquake Tsunami Aid Project (JETAP), for the hardest hit prefectures of Fukushima, Iwate, and Miyagi.

RSVP to John at 310-533-7261 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

RSVP to John Sakata at 310-533-7261 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
RSVP is required. No ticket sales at the door.

May 5-30 Laguna Beach, CA: Artists participating in the Human Pyramids Arts Collective have a group show called Foreign Affairs at ART4T Galley, 210 North Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California. The Collective includes artists from the US, France and Spain. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of selected works are earmarked to help the Japanese Relief efforts. 

Artists in the show include Ben Brough (USA), Hovin Wang (USA), Teddy Kelly (Mexico), Pjota (Brazil), Philip Evans (Ireland), Michael Hsiung (USA), Mari Araki (Japan), The Love Movement (USA), Tiffany Liu (USA), Soy Panday (France), Pato Conde (Spain), Pacolli & Mildred (Brazil & USA), Claudia Marclay (Switzerland), Guillaume Jolly (France), Todd Bratrud (USA), Antoine Corbineau (France), Brooke Weeber (USA), Noel Ill (USA), and Teri Hendrich (USA).

April 23 Pasadena, CA: "Thousand Hearts Benefit Concert" -  Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Aid Project, a grassroots organization with many community groups are banning together to put on a benefit concert called "Thousand Hearts" for Japan Relief. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, CA 91101-2308
Art Fair: 4 pm to 7 pm
Concert: 7 pm to 10:30 pm
Buy tickets through TICKETMASTER 

Performers: The Grammy nominated "Hiroshima"
MTV's America's Best Dance Group "Quest Crew"
Adult-contemporary rock bank "THE CURD"
Guest appearances include: Lou Diamond Phillips, Dante Basco, Julia Ling, Briana Evigan, Mark Dacascos, Jamie Chung, and Rumer Willis.

Food Network's Iron Chef Morimoto will be SINGING! (not cooking!), Youtube’s most virally explosive acts and Googled young up-and-coming talent -- RYAN HIGA, International J-Pop star MIKA TODD, and Youtube sensations PAUL DETAH & KEN BELCHER!

For further information about Thousand Hearts or JETAP, please contact:

• For volunteer opportunities: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• For community and corporate opportunities: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• For media inquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• For general information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (626) 888-1543

April 21 - Honolulu, Hawaii - “FOR JAPAN – Culinary Artists for Japan Relief Effort”  Halekulani and Nobu Waikiki have joined to present three of the most highly acclaimed chefs in a culinary benefit on Thursday, April 21, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Halekulani’s Hau Terrace. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa – known as the pioneer of contemporary Japanese food arts, Chef Yuji Wakiya – known for his haute Chinese cuisine and Halekulani’s Executive Chef Vikram Garg – known for his universal cuisine, will collaborate at this special culinary fundraiser. Donations are $95 per person and one hundred percent of the event proceeds will go to Hawaii’s statewide initiative “Aloha for Japan”, with Japan-America Society of Hawaii as the designated recipient benefitting the Japanese Red Cross Society. For reservations, please call Halekulani at (808) 931-5040.

April 10 – San Francisco, CA – “Restaurants Respond for Relief”, Chef Arnold Wong Hosts Benefit for Japan Night at E&O Trading Co. on Sunday, April 10, 2011 from 5pm-9pm, 2011.  Liam Mayclem of Eye on the Bay will preside as emcee from 5-9pm, live entertainment will feature local favorite Chef Joey Altman & The Backburner Blues and burlesque dancers, and the Bon Vivants will be mixing up amazing cocktails during this evening of great food, wines, spirits, live music, entertainment and a silent auction.

Tickets for the event are priced at $75 and 100% of proceeds from the evening will be donated directly to Give2Asia. …Representatives from Give2Asia will be in attendance to speak about their involvement with the Japanese community and outreach underway. Click here to purchase tickets. Tickets will also be available at the door. www.eotrading.com

http://www.give2asia.org/documents/Give2Asia-JapanTsunami-HowToHelp.pdf

April 4 Pasadena, CA - Producers Patty Onagan and Ronn Goswick have announced Rebuild Japan: A Benefit Concert at The Pasadena Playhouse, a one-night-only event on Monday, April 4 at 7:30pm.  Proceeds will support the American Red Cross and its efforts to assist overseas as Japan begins to rebuild. Tickets can be purchased by calling (626) 356-7529, by visiting www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org, or in person at The Playhouse box office, located at 39 S. El Molino Avenue in Pasadena.

April 2-3 Little Tokyo - Los Angeles: 

The Cherry Blossom Festival of Southern California (CBFSC) and the American Red Cross have teamed up to raise money for the Japan Earthquake Relief Project during the festival. Guests will be able to donate a minimum of one dollar to make or sign an already made origami crane for the “Origami Tree” as a symbol of hope. Help is needed to put on this event. The goal is to make 10,000 cranes. The first 1,000 cranes have been made and donated by Dianne Fukuwa’s dance group Fujima Seiyumi Kai and they are busy making additional cranes. Volunteers and sponsors are needed. Click here for more information and how to donate to help underwrite "The Origami Tree" All collaborators will be listed as part of the HOPE JAPAN & The Origami Tree - Earthquake Relief Effort at the Cherry Blossom Festival So Cal.

March 24 Washington D.C.: The 2011 National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC, which runs from March 26-April 10 commemorates the 99th anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan. The National Cherry Blossom Festival is sponsoring a fundraising event called Stand with Japan at the Washington Monument on March 24, 2011. Meet at the Sylvan Theater, 15th Street & Independence Avenue, SW at 6:30pm and join others who are gathering to reflect and participate in the walk around the Tidal Basin, where the cherry blossom trees, gifted to Washington, DC from Tokyo in 1912, have stood the test of time for 99 years. The relationship with Japan is at the heart of the Festival, and the evening of hope and perseverance occurs before the 16-day celebration begins on Saturday, March 26. All donations will go directly to the American Red Cross and their Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund. A full list of Festival participants and partners holding events to benefit the fund can be found at www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org

 
March 23 W. Hollywood, CA: CAPE Members Rally for Japan Relief Fundraiser @ The Factory 652 North La Peer Drive, West Hollywood, CA 90069-58-2 at 6:30m - 11pm. In an urgent effort, CAPE - the non-profit organization supporting the advancement of Asian Pacific Americans and Diversity in Entertainment is diverting all of its resources to host a Japan Relief Fundraiser. Verizon has committed to a significant contribution to support CAPE's mission. All proceeds are for Japan Relief via the American Red Cross. The fundraiser is hosted by Leonardo Nam, with guest appearances by Tia Carrere, Wilson Cruz, Amy Hill, Kelly Hu, Archie Kao, James Kyson Lee, Harry Shum, Jr., George Takei, Tamlyn Tomita, Oak and Gorsk, Alec Mapa, Dawen, Paul Detah, Satellite and more. Tickets are $25 at the door. For more information contact CapeUSA.org.

March 22 Brooklyn, NY: Taiko drummer Kaoro Watanabe’s Japan Disaster Relief Taiko Fundraiser‏ @ Zebulon, 258 Wythe Ave in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. New York based Taiko players, musicians and dancers will perform. Proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Japan Society Earthquake Relief Fund.  

March 18 San Francisco: Our columnist, writer and broadcaster Ben Fong-Torres joined other community members to raise funds for the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, in cooperation with NBC Bay Area 4 and Comcast. The all day and night telethon, included special television coverage on NBC Bay Area 4 at the 5pm and 6pm news, from the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC). Ben reports that by the end of the 11 o'clock news the Relief Fund had raised almost $417,000. Here's a recap of the event by NBC Bay Area's Lance Lew, and how you can still donate to the cause to www.jcccnc.org. 

March 18 New York: People's Gathering for Prayer and Hope, after the first week on Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, an Interfaith Ceremony at The Church Center for the United Nations, 777 First Ave. at 44th St., New York City at 5:30 pm on Friday, March 18, 2011.  In the wake of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the people of New York wish to pay respect to the victims of this disaster, show solidarity with the people of Japan and send them love and hope. Light a Candle for Japan, a Candlelight Vigil will follow the Interfaith Ceremony at Dag Hammarskjold Plaza, 47th St. between 1st and 2nd Ave. at 7pm.

March 18 (Taiwan time): Asian entertainers, including pop superstar Jay Chou who was in Hollywood in January promoting The Green Hornet, YouTube star Lin Yu-chun, and Japan-based Taiwanese singer Judy Ongg participate in a 4-hour Japan Disaster Relief fundraising telethon broadcast on four public TV stations in Taiwan 8pm to midnight March 18. Organized by Chinese Television, Taiwan Public Television Service and the Red Cross Society. 

Taiwanese pop rock band F.I.R.'s Chen Chien-ning, has written a song "Believe" to be recorded by more than 50 singers and celebrities, including YouTube star Lin Yu-chun, Singapore's Tanya Chua and Taiwan's Ricky Hsiao.

March 17 Los Angeles: The Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles will hold a hope and memorial service at 6:30pm on Thursday, March 17, 2011, The interfaith service and community gathering will be at the JACCC Plaza at 244 South San Pedro Street in downtown Los Angeles. It will be open to the public. There will be representatives from Japan disaster relief funds, for individuals who wish to make a contribution.

In Washington DC: the US-Japan Council (USJC) has started a fund which has reportedly raised $357,000 as of March 17. One-hundred percent of the proceeds raised will go to NGOs and non-profits in Japan. It has also created a relief "network" with information about various non profits in the US that are trying to raise money for the victims in Japan. Here are the links to both:

In Los Angeles: The Japanese Chamber of Commerce Foundation (JCCF) is establishing a Japan Disaster Fund in cooperation with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). JCCF President Toshio “Terry” Handa, said UNICEF was selected based on assurances that donations will be applied 100 percent toward Japan’s disaster relief. Contributions may be sent to the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Foundation (JCCF) office at 244 S. San Pedro St., Suite 504, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Checks should be payable to UNICEF with “Japan Disaster Fund” in the memo line.

The Little Tokyo Public Safety Association has organized fundraising efforts in cooperation with the American Red Cross. Checks can be made out to the LTPSA/Japan Relief Fund or the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region for Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief Fund and sent to: Little Tokyo Public Safety Association (Koban), c/o Japan Relief Fund, 307 E. First St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. For information, call the Koban at (213) 613-1911.

In New York, Japan Society has created theJapan Earthquake Relief Fundto aid victims of the Tohoku earthquake in Japan. Over the years, Japan Society has partnered with several Japanese and American non-profits working on the frontlines of disaster relief and recovery. 100% of your tax-deductible contributions will go to organization(s) that directly help victims recover from the devastating effects of the earthquake and tsunamis that struck Japan on March 11, 2011.

Japan Society is investigating and vetting organizations that can make the maximum impact, both in terms of immediate relief needs as well as the longer term recovery process.  You contribute to the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund by donating online or sending your check to: Japan Society, 333 East 47th Street, New York, New York 10017, Attn: Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. Please make your checks payable to Japan Society and indicate “Japan Earthquake Relief Fund” on the check.

Local, national and international food brands, and restaurants have mounted Japan Earthquake Relief Efforts, including Coca Cola, Starbucks, McDonalds, Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins, Panda Express and many more. 

RESOURCES: (partial list)

U.S. & State Government

The U.S. State Department has two e-mails to locate missing persons who are U.S. citizens.
To locate someone who is a U.S. citizen and currently visiting Japan, please e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To locate someone who is within a region that may be affected by the tsunami, please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
California Senator Barbara Boxer's office has provided staff person Adolfo Ballon to assist at (213) 894-5000.

Google.org Crisis Response
To try to locate someone or if you have information: Google Crisis Response site.

Google Person Finder: 2011 Japan Earthquake
Short URL : http://goo.gl/sagas

Facebook
Twitter;
Rafu Shimpo Japanese daily newspaper in Los Angeles
posts JAPAN EARTHQUAKE NEWS (http://rafu.com/news/)

FUNDRAISING UPDATES:

JCCCNC/Comcast/NBC Bay Area Raise Almost $417,000 as of March 18, 2011
Ben Fong-Torres, joined the donation phone bank on March 18 for JCCCNC (the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California with support from Comcast and NBC Bay Area). Ben reports that almost $417,000 was collected by the end of night, counting matching funds, donations to its Web site, and separate grants. The phone bank pulled in about $124,000.Message from Ben: Of course, the work goes on, and more is needed. You can make a donation without having to hear me on the phone asking for your credit card info. Just send a check to Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, c/o JCCCNC at 1840 Sutter St., San Francisco CA 94115. 100 percent of donations go directly to relief efforts in Japan. Also, my buddy Dale Minami, the civil rights attorney, has said that his firm will match 50 percent of any donations sent to the Japan Relief Fund, c/o Minami Tamaki LLP, 360 Post St., 8^th Floor, San Francisco CA 94108. They’ll add their match and forward all checks to the JCCCNC.

ABC7 FUNDRAISER:

ABC7 viewers donate more than $621K to Japan relief fund as of March 14, 2011.