Crisis in Japan - My thoughts - How you can help

Ever since the earthquakes, tsunamis, and now possible nuclear meltdowns in Japan, my eyes, ears, and heart have never been more focused on the island nation of Japan. My thoughts, prayers, and current and future support go out to those who have lost loved ones, those who are still out there in the middle of everything, those who are trying to survive in this disaster and more.

As many of you may know, I have been a big fan and supporter of Japan ever since I was introduced into its culture through anime in the early 2000's. My dream came true in April of 2006 when I went on a trip to Japan where I was introduced to the country firsthand. The sights and sounds were amazing and were more than what I could expect from a nation such as this. Here, I took in so many memories and made friends that are guaranteed friends for life. Its sad for me to think that if I ever go back again, it may not be the same.

The future of Japan may be uncertain as the aftershocks continue and the threat of possible nuclear meltdown occuring, but one thing has been clear to me, is the overwhelming support that the world has and is giving to Japan. This and the mentality of the Japanese people remaining strong, through all of this disaster, it will rebuild and become stronger through this.

As many people are still missing after the devastating tsunamis, friends and family still search for their lost loved ones. Communiations including phonelines have been overworked and possible inoperable due to the events. Myself, being a fan and admirer of anime, games, and manga of Japan, those in the industry have been checking in as they can through offical media or social medias such as blogs, twitter, and facebook.

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-03-11/anime/manga/game-industry-members-check-in-after-quake

Unfortunately, there are still some that have not been able to check in as they may have no possble means to.

http://hashihime.blogspot.com/2011/03/earthquake-seiyuus-still-not-heard-from.html

Let us hope and pray that they are ok.

Through this blog, I hope to be able to bring together the different organizations, peoples, and places supporting the efforts going towards Japan.

A link from Yahoo gives us a number of groups helping the situation.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_newsroom/20110311/wl_yblog_newsroom/japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-how-to-help

Here you can donate directly to the Japanese Red Cross Society.

http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html

Anime News Network provides a list of where you can help.

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-03-11/relief-funds-for-march-11-earthquake/tsunami-in-japan

The people at New People in San Francisco have listed two trusted organizations to help aid Japan.

http://www.newpeopleworld.com/2011/03/14/donate_to_japan/

"We Heart Japan" is having a charity art event in Los Angeles this Thursday, March 17th where 100% Proceeds benefit Japanese Earthquake Victims through the Japan NGO Earthquake Relief and Recovery Fund.

http://www.weheartjapan.com/

The One Piece Podcast and others will be holding a 24hr podcast starting this Saturday, March 19th.

http://helpjapan.onepiecepodcast.com/

With this, I sign out for now. I hope that those that read this can be able to help in one way or another, either by donating what they can towards the relief efforts, supporting local fundraisers for the rescue efforts, and by helping by any way you can.

Thank you for your time,

Mike.