Over six years have passed since Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami of March 2011. Some things have changed and some things are exactly the same. Most victims of this disaster have either moved on to a new life outside the affected areas or have become accustomed to daily life in their … [Read more...]
An Amazing Day
Last fall, Emi and Vinny made a visit to Japan. We were fortunate to be able to also make a short trip to Yamada (Toshiaki’s hometown) in Iwate to meet Toshiaki’s family. After about 6 hours of traveling, we arrived at Kamaishi station as that was as far as one can get by train now. The 2011 … [Read more...]
The Magic of Giving
Charity is an interesting word. A gift to others of money, goods, talent or time? Or is it an opportunity to experience what it feels like to be of service to another? Many people I know give time, energy and resources as well as experience, strength and hope to others. They all report the same … [Read more...]
Rebuilding Schools and Hope
Funakoshi Elementary School-Post 3/11 On my recent trip to Yamada I was able to visit the principal at Funakoshi Elementary School. This school was completely washed away by the March 11th tsunami. With some generous contributions made this year by the Japan Women's Conference, my godmother and … [Read more...]
Two years after Tsunami and Fukushima Disaster-Energy, Housing and Education
Fukushima: Human Impacts As the second year anniversary of the March 11th earthquake and tsunami draws near, many in Japan will be examining how things are developing for the over 300,000 homeless victims. … [Read more...]
What it Means to Give
At the end of August, I had an event in Iwate, so we took the opportunity to make a visit to Yamada. It had been six months since my last visit and a year for Toshiaki. We were excited to see his family and friends, present the funds that Renew Yamada had collected and see how things had changed … [Read more...]
Fukushima’s Best-kept Secret
I believe an insufficient amount of attention has been given, globally, to the delicate condition simmering in Fukushima. It is true that almost all Japanese power plants are currently shut down and that the nuclear issue is at the centre of energy news in Japan. Despite heart-rendering pleas from … [Read more...]
Renew Yamada-Update
I was riding on the train the other day, going to one of my many jobs and it occurred to me that Tokyo and its people have returned to normal. Everyone was plugged-in, tuned-up and basically ignoring the strangers around them. While news of the situation in Fukushima, anti-nuclear protests and the … [Read more...]
One Year Anniversary Events
Spring has sprung and life keeps growing. Including the efforts of Renew Yamada. We are happy to report great successes in the many fund-raisers for the one-year anniversary, new interests from churches in Las Vegas and Tokyo and some hopeful plans for the re-building of Yamada town. There was a … [Read more...]
Help Yamada’s Children
It has taken almost a year to find a clear need that we can contribute to. In commemoration of the one year anniversary of the March 11th earthquake and tsunami that destroyed many coastal towns in the Tohoku region, Renew Yamada will be making a push to raise funds in the next coming weeks. We hope … [Read more...]