The NAJC, its member organizations and supporters have begun various relief campaigns to assist the victims of the earthquake in Japan.  Please visit our Local Response link in the sidebar to see what is being organized in your community or contact the nearest NAJC chapter.  We will update this page as soon as new information is received.

Local response Vancouver ¦ Winnipeg ¦ Yukon ¦ Ottawa ¦ Calgary

Letters of Support

Toronto

To visit new Toronto to Japan website click  HERE

We at Gendai Gallery are devastated by loss of life and destruction caused by the Earthquake and Tsunami that occurred on March 11th, 2011 in North Eastern
Japan. There are numerous reports that clean water, food, and medicines are becoming scarce in tsunami and earthquake stricken areas.

As part of our efforts to support the international aid to Japan, Gendai will be supporting and is encouraging others to support Global Medic, a Toronto-based organization. Global Medic is a disaster relief group that currently has an advanced rapid response team on the ground and who will be sending much needed items, such as field hospitals, medicine, food, and water purification units, to stricken areas in Japan. They are a team of paramedics, nurses, doctors, engineers, logistic specialists, firefighters, and police officers that have done amazing work abroad in 39 countries, including Haiti, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. Amanda Walsh, the wife of Board Director Tad Hozumi, is a emergency nurse and member of the organization.

Donations are accepted through their site by credit card or through cheque:
http://globalmedic.ca/index.php

Global Medic is a completely volunteer run, zero-overhead group. 100% of donations will go to this mission. Thank you.

Sincerely, Yan Wu
Programming Director, Gendai Gallery

Toronto National Association of Japanese Canadians (National)
A major fund raising concert is now being planned in Toronto by the National office of the National Association of Japanese Canadians and the Sociology and Equity Studies in Education, OISE, University of Toronto. The concert will be held at the end of April and local and international artists will be performing to raise funds for the Canadian Red Cross relief efforts in Japan. Further information will be posted on this website and other social networks shortly. Further information can be obtained by contacting us at: national@najc.ca

JAPANESE & CANADIAN NETWORK ORGANIZATION (“JCNO”)
On Tuesday evening, March, 2011, the Japanese & Canadian Network Organization (“JCNO”), held an emergency meeting at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) to determine what the Japanese Canadian community in the Greater Toronto Area (“GTA”) and Southwestern Ontario could do to help Japan in the wake of the worst earthquake and tsunami ever to hit the country. JCNO is an association of about 30 member Japanese and Canadian groups and organizations in the GTA and in southwestern Ontario. It was formed in 1990 to serve as a community hub and clearinghouse for news, events, projects and programs that may be of interest to the Japanese Canadian community and the community-at-large. The JCNO helps its members to promote their goods and services through trade forums and business and cultural exchanges. Under its motto, “Understanding and Cooperation through Culture”; the JCNO also contributes to the preservation and enhancement of the multicultural heritage of Canada through the promotion of intercultural exchanges, culture and language studies and sponsorship of special events.

The Greater Toronto Chapter, NAJC (“GTA NAJC”) has been a JCNO member organization since its inception. The Momiji Health Care Society has been receiving donations and will take these to Canadian Red Cross. The Momiji staff has been given access to free phone calls to Japan and its auditorium is available if there is a need and can hold 250 people. On the corporate and commercial side, companies like Hitachi Canada, will be matching funds with employee donations. York University’s Shulich School of Business will be reselling Japanese pins with proceeds going to the Canadian Red Cross. The Japanese Restaurant Association will be setting up Red Cross donation boxes at member restaurants and organizing fundraising events at various restaurants in the near future. The JCNO will endeavour to establish an electronic means for members to advertise and report on their activities.

WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW
The Canadian Red Cross Appeal Strategy involves raising money for affected communities through Third Party Fundraising Agreement. Therefore, if you would like to host a fundraiser to raise money in support of Red Cross disaster relief efforts in Japan, please contact Stephanie Etkin, Fund Development Coordinator, 416-480-2500 x2255. Additionally, you can make a financial donation to the Canadian Red Cross Japan Earthquake/Asia Pacific Tsunami Fund as follows:
• Go online at www.redcross.ca/helpnow
• Call 1-800-418-111 – the 14-hour toll-free line accepts VISA and MasterCard
• Visit in person your local Red Cross Office
• Mail your cheque to The Canadian Red Cross Society, 5700 Cancross Court, Mississauga, Ontario L5R 3E9
• Text: asia20333
• A Website to reunite families is: www.familylinks.icrc.org

The Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto informs that its office is currently not accepting donations of funds and goods. You may, however, wish to donate directly to the Japanese Red Cross Society. The Japanese Red Cross Society is responsible for overseeing the distribution of relief funds in each affected area in Japan. The monies are paid out to the victims directly by distribution committees.

Most recently, the Consulate-General of Japan has opened a Book of Condolence for the victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami which is available for signatures and messages. Please go the Website of the Consulate- General of Japan in Toronto: http://www.toronto.ca.emb-japan.go.jp/ english/news/infocul-news/donation.html

Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre commits $100K to relief efforts
The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) has committed $100,000 to Japan’s earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. Board members approved the amount at a meeting Tuesday, March 15 at the JCCC on Garamond Court, with funding coming from the Sakura Ball Gala honouring environmentalist Dr. David Suzuki April 9. The JCCC is also planning a series of benefit events including a concert and has set up a Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. To donate visit www.jccc.on.ca

Upcoming events:
March 24th – David Suzuki: Force of Nature screening
March 31st –Kiyoshi Nagata Drumming Ensemble Concert
April 9th – Sakura Ball April 14th – Concert for Japan – 10 top Canadian jazz artists
April 18th – Screening of film Tohoku area
May 1st – Family Animation Screening: Arashi no yoru ni

Over two months have passed since The Great East Japan Earthquake destroyed countless farming and fishing communities across 6 prefectures on March 11^th.

The scope of the damage is unprecedented.  25,000 people are dead or missing.  10,000 are still living day by day in evacuation shelters.  And it’s difficult to even fathom the psychological impact the triple disasters of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear situation will have on Japanese survivors and their children.

Many organizations and individuals have been raising money to do what they can to help those affected.  We are no different, and hope you feel the same.  It would be a great honour if you could join us for a special benefit concert for Japan on Thursday, June 16^th.

RISING LIKE THE SUN will be a smorgasbord of sights and sounds.  Preceding the musical performances of well-loved classical music, we will be presenting a short documentary showing communities rebuilding in Japan.   We will also be hearing from two Japanese guests, Kazuko Moghul & Kouko Kikuchi, who have agreed to speak about how March 11^th has affected them.

In light of this calamity, prominent musicians are lending their support.  We are fortunate to have Michiko Hayashi, soprano from Le Fenice Venice, and Canada’s celebrated violinist Mayumi Seiler of Via Salzburg Toronto. Pianist Deyi Ye will accompany Mrs. Seiler.  Coro San Marco tenor Michael Nasato will sing a duet with Mrs. Hayashi.  Also not to be missed is a unique recorder performance by the Shimoda Family.  The concert concludes with a rousing rendition of Va Pensiero by Coro San Marco.

Please come and join us for this worthy cause!

RISING LIKE THE SUN
Thursday June 16, 2011
Doors open at 6:20pm; show begins promptly at 7:00pm
Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
TTC Access: 2 blocks north of St. Clair Subway

7:00pm Documentary Presentation
7:30pm Musical Performance
9:00pm Light Refreshments
Event closes at 10:00pm

Admission:  $20
(An donation box will be available for additional contributions)

Proceeds will go to the Japan Earthquake Relief Fund established by the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre

To get your tickets, please see the attached flyer or contact one of the organizers below -
makiko.ishihara@gmail.com Makiko Ishihara, Artistic Director, Rising Like the Sun
colladaniel@hotmail.com Daniele Colla, Music Director, Rising Like the Sun
ynakao@rogers.com Yoshiko Nakao, Producer, Rising Like the Sun
jplocurto@gmail.com Joe Lo Curto, President, Coro San Marco

Vancouver

Vancouver Japanese Canadian Community Unite to Help Victims of Earthquake & Tsunami

Website: Please visit http://japanlove.ca for updates on BC Japan Earthquake Relief Fund

Over 50 members of the Japanese Canadian arts, business, culture, community and student groups, representing more than 20 different organizations, met together at the office of the Japanese Community Volunteers Association (Tonari Gumi) on Saturday afternoon (March 12) in order to combine their talents and energies to help the survivors of the devastating earthquake and tsunami which struck the northern region of Japan on March 10th. The large group of interested individuals and organizations who gathered together at short notice agreed to support the creation of the “BC – Japan Earthquake Relief Fund” which will work out of the Tonari Gumi office at 511 East Broadway.

The move to organize was first spurred by the spontaneous actions of Japanese students studying in Vancouver who wanted to do something tangible to help those suffering in the aftermath of this massive natural disaster. Linda Ohama, a noted Japanese Canadian film maker, spoke for many in the meeting when she said, “I cannot stand looking at all the images and hearing from so many friends about the earthquake victims and families. We need to do something.”

It was agreed to set up two committees: one to help coordinate fundraising activities and to encourage more people to contribute; and another to organize a major fundraising concert, drawing on the talents of artists, musicians and performers within the community. Once an appropriate venue is secured, the committee will begin advertising this event, likely starting sometime this week.

The group agreed to continue encouraging individuals who wish to contribute to do so via the Canadian Red Cross through their toll free phone at 1-800-418-1111 or on-line at www.redcross.ca/helpnow and to designate their donations to “Japan Earthquake Relief.”

Those wishing to contribute their time and talents to mobilizing more support in the Lower Mainland and/or becoming involved in the fundraising concert can call Tonari Gumi at 604.687.2172 or check our website at www.jcva.bc.ca.

The following is a partial list of those organizations united to help: BCJSN (Japan Love); BOSS; the Canada-Japan Society of B.C.; Chibi Taiko; Vancouver Taiko Society; Japanese Canadian Citizens Association; Japanese Community Volunteers Association (Tonari Gumi); Japanese Women Business Association; Kiyukai; LOUD (music group); Miyagi-ken Tomo no Kai; Mokuyokai; Nikkei Place; Powell Street Festival Society; Sakura Days Japan Fair; SamaSantie.com; Te.a.te Clinic; UBC English Language Institute; Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall; Vancouver Shinpo; Yayoi Theatre Movement Society.

Saturday, March 26th, 2011
Canada Cares:

Hands of faith come together for Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief12 Hour Vigil/Prayer/Chanting for Earthquake and Tsunami ReliefOn March 11, 2011 at 2:50 PM (Japan time), Japan experienced the worst Earthquake (9.0 on the Richter scale) and Tsunami ever recorded in its history. The disaster has resulted in over 10,000 deaths and over 500,000 individuals being displaced and surviving in temporary shelters created at local schools and community centers in the affected areas. More over, the Earthquake and Tsunami has resulted in a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Dai Ichi Nuclear Plant, the likes of which we have never seen since the disasters of Three Mile Island in the United States or Chernobyl in the former Soviet Union.

With the desire to aid those in suffering, faith groups across the Lower Mainland Area will be gathering for a 12 hour vigil/prayer/chanting session on Saturday, March 26th hosted by the Steveston Buddhist Temple to remember those who have perished or are going through the hardships of having lost loved ones through this devastation. Since this disaster transcends all race and religion, we are inviting people from all faith groups to join us in this vigil.

The vigil will begin at 8:00 am and conclude at 8:00 pm. It will involve representation from many different religious groups. The event is open to the public and will give the opportunity for those in attendance to share their grief. This will also be an opportunity for one to express his/her feelings of hope to let the Japanese people know they are not alone in this world tragedy. As part of this vigil, we will ask those in attendance to participate in the folding of 1,000 paper cranes in hopes that the nuclear disaster will not escalate.

We welcome and look forward to the participation by as many people as possible as we come together with Hands of Faith as a gesture of hope. For more information, please go to our website at www.steveston-temple.ca

Sincerely,

Rev. Grant Ikuta (Minister) and Bud Sakamoto (President), Steveston Buddhist Temple

Montreal

Coatcheck Gallery along with CinéAsie Creatives, East Asian Studies Students’ Association and Hong Kong Students’ Association cordially invites you to the Art for Japan vernissage and exhibition at Coatcheck Gallery (407-5445 av. de Gaspé) on April 2nd, 2011 at 7PM.  Artwork, crafts, and clothing from more than 25 local artists will be available for purchase, along with live musical performances and projections. Food and beverage will be available by donation. 100% of proceeds will be donated towards earthquake and tsunami relief efforts in Japan.

Upcoming events:
Thursday, March 17.2011 at 6:30pm and 8:00pm
INORI – Pray for Japan Together With Music
Benefit concert for victims of tsunami and earthquake in East Japan
Église Unie Saint-Jean
110, rue Sainte-Catherine Est, Montréal, H2X 1K7
Métro Saint-Laurent or/ou Berri-UQAM
Admission : 20$ (at the door)
Musicians : Kanae Nobori (piano), Mana Shiraishi (violin), and others.
Contact : Kanae Nobori. 514-815-7728

Saturday, March 19.2011, 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Cookie Sale for Japanese Earthquake Relief
Culture and Language Connections
4260 avenue Girouard, #350
Montreal, H4A 3C9; Tel: 514-903-8897
Métro Villa-Maria

Sunday, March 20.2011, 2:00pm – 4:30pm
Japanese Craft Festival/Festival d¹art japonais
Exhibition and demonstration of ikebana, shodo, kimekome, furoshiki, and
more.
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre of Montreal
8155, rue Rousselot, Montréal, H2E 1Z7;
Métro Jarry et autobus 193E
Info: Midori Pinti, 514-313-9945

Wednesday, March 23.2011, 7:00pm-11:00pm
Japon 2011, je me souviens
Benefit concert featuring 12 artists and counting.
Club Soda
12245, boul. Saint-Laurent, Montréal, H2X 2S6
Métro Saint-Laurent
Admission : 20$ (at the door)
Info : K.Joe Tamko; 514-317-0422

Donation boxes:
Yuki Bakery: 5211 rue Sherbrooke Ouest. 514-482-2435. Métro Vendôme.
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre of Montreal: 8155 rue Rousselot.
514-728-1996. Métro Jarry.

NAJC Chapter Contacts

Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizens’ Association
Ph. (604) 777-5222
Fax. (604) 777-5223
President – Ron Nishimura
Any enquiries to the GVJCCA should be directed to gvjcca@shaw.ca
Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizens’ Association

Kamloops And Area Chapter of the NAJC
Ph./Fax. (250) 376-9629
Contact – Debbie Cairns

Nikkei Cultural Society of Lethbridge & Area
President – David Tanaka

Hamilton Chapter of the NAJC
Contact – Kathyrn Honda
hamilton.najc@295.ca

Greater Toronto Chapter of the NAJC
Email: najc.gta@gmail.com
Phone: 416-516-1375
President – Charlotte Chiba

Ottawa Japanese Community Association
Ph. (613) 731-7939
Fax. (613) 731-1369
President – Hitomi Suzuta
Ottawa Japanese Community Association