Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people in Japan.
Personally, I have learned that my cousin and his family survived and are ok in Natori City, near Sendai.
We hope that all of our friends, families and colleagues are faring well and that their students can locate their families, as we have hosted a number of interns and scholars in our cross cultural exchange throughout the years.
We are all affected by the devastation in Japan and the possibility of the radiation fallout that may ensue.
We are fortunate to hear from our colleagues from the universities. I understand there are many people still that are unable to travel to the Tohoku region due to major interruptions in transit service.
NJAHS has a Facebook group page, so if you are able top be on Facebook. please join our group, and post your messages, thoughts, and feelings so that we can communicate through this tragedy in the US.
We encourage you to go to the Consul General of Japan’s homepage to see updated information about the earthquake at http://www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/e_top.htm.
Relief aid is being launched throughout the community in the US as well, please visit these websites to find out how you can help.
Southern California: Japan America Society of Southern California http://www.jas-socal.org/
San Francisco: The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California has established the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. Please find information online athttp://www.causes.com/causes/590211-northern-japan-earthquake-relief-fund
New York: Japan Society:
https://www.japansociety.org//content.cfm?page=japan_earthquake_relief_fund
The National Japanese American Citizens League has joined with Direct Relief International to support relief efforts through the Japan Relief and Recovery Fund.
Seattle area: http://seattlejapanrelief.org/
Sincerely,
Rosalyn Tonai, Executive Director
National Japanese American Historical Society