Foreign Volunteers Japan

Guest Post: Micah of HANDS Kitakami

2012-02-18T15:10:00.000+09:00

Letter from volunteer Micah (exchange student) to Japan Studies Student Leaders, Willamette University. Copied here with permission from Micah and Anna Thomas of the HANDS Kitakami NPO


The coast along Kamaishi, taken on March 29th 2011

Greetings from Japan! Many of you may not know who I am, so I shall take a brief moment to introduce myself. I am Micah Mizukami, a university freshman in Japan.

I write to you all today because I would like to share my experience volunteering in Iwate Prefecture. In November of last year, I went to Iwate for the first time with two other Willamette students. Yesterday I came back from Iwate again after volunteering for four days by myself.

I’m sure you all have seen the pictures of the damage and destruction that was caused on March 11, 2011. Nearly a year has passed since that day, and things have been cleared up quite a bit. By taking a look at these pictures, you can see how far the clean up process has progressed. http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/02/09/see-how-japan-has-rebuilt-in-the-11-months-since-the-earthquake-and-tsunami/

As all of you are part of JSSL, you are all bound by a common interest in Japan. If you have the opportunity to come to Japan, whether to study abroad or not, I highly recommend volunteering. Although the pictures in the link above make it seem like everything is okay, do not be deceived. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done in the Tohoku region of Japan.

I spent Wednesday through Saturday of last week volunteering in two different cities in Iwate, both of which are shown in the link above. The first two days were spent in Rikuzentakata and the other two were spent in Kamaishi. Back in November, I went to Kamaishi, so I was already familiar with the area, but Rikuzentakata was a first. As we drove to the work site, I could not comprehend what was before my eyes. There was nothing. If you look at the pictures of Rikuzentakata in the link above, you will see that there is, in fact, nothing. Nothing but dirt. Debris separated and organized into mounds. A few buildings (three, or four) remain, but are badly damaged. It’s as if a town never existed there. On my first day in Rikuzentakata, I helped build rafts used to grow and harvest oysters. The second day I spent cleaning dirt off of letters, postcards, and other paper documents.

In Kamaishi, also pictured in the link above, half of the town is perfectly fine, unaffected by the tsunami. The other half, however, is eerily quiet, a deserted ghost town. It truly feels like a post-apocalyptic world. Some buildings have been torn from their foundations [*], nowhere to be seen, while others stand falling apart, debris scattered everywhere. The first morning in Kamaishi was spent helping an old woman, whose house was lost to the tsunami, move her things from a friend’s house into a temporary housing facility. This old woman was so grateful that she treated the two other volunteers and me to tea and Japanese sweets. She also talked of her experience with the disaster and how she was safely out of the country for a wedding, but how many friends and acquaintances were lost to the devastation. Despite losing her house, many of her belongings, and friends, seeing her gratitude and generosity after simply helping to move her things was quite moving.

Other jobs in Kamaishi included removing dirt, oil, and other debris from the gutters, cleaning a mound of what used to be a barbershop, and walking around Kamaishi with a map to mark down which buildings still need to be cleaned out before being torn down. Another incident that left an impact on me during volunteering was cleaning the pile of debris that was once a barbershop. While cleaning up, an old woman sitting in the back of a taxi passed by, and seeing the volunteers, she bowed her head deeply towards us. It was a silent display of gratitude and I’m not sure if any of the other volunteers noticed, but the old woman bowing silently in the taxi left a deep impression on me.

However, we are all volunteers. As volunteers, we have no expectations to be thanked. Instead after volunteering, we thank the person who asked us to volunteer before leaving the work site. Thank you for letting us work here. In November at the quick volunteer orientation, we were told that volunteers should not have the mindset of ボランティアをしてあげる, but instead think in terms of ボランティアをさせて頂く. I will humbly receive the favor of volunteering, not I will give you my help volunteering. It is with this spirit that we volunteer. We are all grateful for being allowed to work in such an area, grateful to learn from the experience of volunteering.

I met many wonderful people during my stay in Iwate. All of the volunteers are truly people to look up to. They spend their free time, their weekends, volunteering. Some even spend all their time volunteering, with no salary or income. They all know that there is still a lot left to do, but they work while smiling, laughing. Everyone works as hard as they can, does the job as best they can. If I have the chance, I want to volunteer a third time this spring. I hope that other Willamette students will go and volunteer as well. While the jobs vary in type and intensity, help is always welcome.

I apologize at how long this email has become, but it is my hope that JSSL will spread the message that although nearly a year has passed, Tohoku should not be forgotten. Even though the pictures make it seem as if everything has been cleaned up, that is not the reality of the situation. A lot remains to be done.

I wish you luck with Sakura Matsuri preparations and such. I am also very impressed at your organization in welcoming the ASP students this year. Keep up the good work!

Thank you.

Peace and Love,

Micah Hisa Mizukami

[*] The buildings in Kamaishi reduced to foundation were mostly torn down later. Rikuzentakata's buildings were not, they were washed away. --Anna

Thanks again to Anna Thomas of the HANDS Kitakami NPO for allowing us to reprint Micah's letter.

Vol Projects: Aid Distribution #1: The Warehouse

2012-02-16T11:54:00.001+09:00

Volunteering Projects: Aid Distribution #1: The Warehouse

For this series, I’d like to walk through several of thevarious volunteer projects out there. Volunteering in Tohoku involves many different types of work. Everythingfrom gutting buildings – digging and scrubbing mud – gutting houses – knocking downwalls – running community cafes – holding soup kitchens – clearing ditches –building shelves – unloading massive trucks – and so forth.

For today’s entry, I thought I’d quickly talk about the process of warehouse distribution. On Jan 26^th, we worked with a team effort by It’sNot Just Mud and the On The Road project to lend support to DSP (DisasterSupport Project) to help move 130 tons of aid that was expected to arrive overa two-day period at their Warehouse facility in Natori city, just outside ofSendai. This one of their aid warehouses is based outof the gymnasium of a junior high school in Natori that was devastated by thetsunami. Although the damage to thecentral building has resulted in it being abandoned, the gymnasium was clearedout, and now provides a space for hosting the incoming aid for distribution torefugee shelters until last Summer, and is now targeted aid relief for theresidents of the Temporary Housing facilities. However, many of the prefecturally managed distribution centers will be disbanded on March 11th, following the first year anniversary of the disaster.

Natori Junior Highschool - Jan 26th, 2012

When unloading the trucks, there are several different strategies to handle the unloading process efficiently. Some teams prefer to set up distribution lines, and pass goods from one person to the next in long chains. Other teams tend to rely on loading trailer carts until they are full, and then carting the supplies to their resting point. For heavy boxes, it's often easiest to form long lines, and to have people progressively push the boxes along the floor to reach the resting point.

The work load is reliant on the timing of the trucks to arrive. During the Summer and Fall the trucks generally arrive on time, but once the snow starts falling, truck arrivals become quite random. On this day, we had to split up our lunch break into four separate sessions. After a slow morning, we suddenly had an onslaught of three trucks show up almost as soon as the previous one had left. Due to difficult traffic conditions, there was no way to confirm when the trucks should be coming.

Either way, it's quite satisfying to stand in a room with tons of aid, and knowing that it'll be helping out the residents of the temporary housing units in the near future.

Unloading boxes of clothing and blankets from the trucks

Here is a video produced by our work team, courtesy It's Not Just Mud, with an entertaining view of the unloading/loading process. Please check it out!


The trucks have finally been emptied.

Otsukare sama deshita / After the long day.

List of Tohoku Initiatives

2012-02-16T09:10:00.000+09:00

http://tpf2.net/initiatives

The List of Tohoku Initiatives is a great crowd-sourced project by the group behind the Tohoku Planning Forum. Using an attractive webpage designed to utilize regularly updated information compiled via Google Docs, viewers are presented with an increasingly comprehensive list of the several initiatives out there that are addressing the needs of the Tohoku region.

If you scroll through the list, and discover any gaps on Tohoku Relief focused projects, please consider taking the time to add them to the list. I will be adding a permanent link to this via the Foreign Volunteers Japan website as well. Big thanks to the Tohoku Planning Forum (www.tpf2.net) for setting this up!

http://tpf2.net/initiatives

Holiday Volunteering (Part 1)

2012-02-03T01:00:00.000+09:00

A team of 9 Santas visited Temp Housing Units alongside the regular SaveMinamiSoma distribution.

Although this article is a little late, I still thought it would be worth writing about how the volunteer groups I’ve been working with operated over the Winter Holidays. On December 23rd, FVJ members rejoined the Save Minamisoma Project ( www.saveminamisoma.org ) to help out on one of their most ambitious missions yet. On top of the regular bi-weekly delivery of aid and supplies for 1000 people living in temporary residences in the town of Minami-Soma, they also sent up a team of nine Santas to canvass the neighborhoods, and bring donated presents directly to the housing units with young kids.

Expecting somewhere between 400 to 500 children in the Temporary Housing communities of Minami-Soma, the SaveMinamisoma Project brought up presents from three sources. The first batch were gift bags arranged by the SMP team, the second batch was of presents collected by Angela Kennewell who organized a large Toys for Tohoku toy drive (that also supplied our orphanage visit the next day), and the third source were wonderful hand-made Christmas cards produced by all of the kids in Adam Shaw’s classes in Shirogane. (These cards were awesome, by the way!)

One of the many cards written for Tohoku by Adam Shaw's classes in Shirogane, Tokyo

The Save MinamiSoma project has been actively distributing fresh food, nonperishables and water up to the residents of MinamiSoma, Fukushima since late March. While their early distribution efforts were concentrated on bringing any supplies possible to address the specific needs of a few specific refugee shelters, they made a distinction early on to focus on distributing supplies fairly, and evently across the entire population of refugees across the city.

Although it is logistically difficult for a small group to provide for such a large demographic, SMP has developed an elaborate system for ensuring fairness and evenness for their distributions.

First, they work closely with a local NPO called "Side-by-Side" ( http://www.side-by-side-intl.org/130.html ) to canvas the neighborhoods and find out general information about each neighborhood, such as general demographic information, and assessing specific needs in the community, such as the need for children's goods or elderly-care items.

Then, they hold large fundraisers every second month. This month's one will be held tomorrow (On Friday Feb 3rd, 20:00pm onwards) at Club Velours. Details available on the Facebook Invite page ( http://www.facebook.com/events/153195538123521/ ) Each fundraiser pulls in a couple thousand dollars, and 100% of that money is directed towards buying fresh vegetables and food for the temporary housing communities of MinamiSoma. Truck rentals, gas and other transportation logistics are generally covered by rotating sponsor organizations.

SMP Distribution project in October

Since the group is still small, they've been effective in practically addressing how much they can accomplish in each run, and based upon how much they've been able to raise. On average they aim to provide 4-5 days worth of supplies for around 1000 people for each run. To address this, each distribution run aims to cover 4~5 temporary housing communities. Since there are close to 7000 people who've lost their homes, SMP gradually rotates across the various communities for each run. The 4 communities visited during the Christmas run have now been visited 4 times by the group, and the two runs in January were also the 4th visits to those respective communities.

SMP co-founder August distributing Water on Dec 23rd

While the idea of free distribution of supplies has been discouraged in some communities with recovering economies (such as Ishinomaki), group co-founder August Hergesheimer says that the project address the temporary housing residents of "Minamisoma who lost their homes from the tsunami or forced evacuation due to the radiation. They also lost their future due to the radioactive contamination of their farmland and sea. They receive very little additional support for food, utilities, and other daily expenses."

"What we do may be very little, but we feel that it is better than nothing and also important to show them that many people care for their well-being. This is why we continue to support Minamisoma."

Please visit the Save Minamisoma Project Webpage or Facebook group for more information about their activities. They are always looking for new volunteers to join on the runs, help load the trucks, drivers with Chuugata (up to 8 ton) licenses, help organize the events, and general supporters as well.

NHK regular Daniel Kahl explaining how to apply Thai hand-sanitizer

A young boy excited about his gift and card.

Volunteer Trevor Impey brings supplies to a Temp Housing unit.

Volunteer in Ishinomaki with "It's Not Just Mud"

2012-01-13T15:59:00.002+09:00

* The following is an excellent editorial piece on a volunteering experience with the It's Not Just Mud group, written by Brent Danley Jones, posted with permission.

THE PROGRAM:
It's Not Just Mud (INJM) is an NPO started by an Englishman-turned-teacher-turned volunteer leader who upon seeing the extent of the damage to the coastal city of Ishinomaki decided to start an organization to support a grass-roots rehabilitation effort in the community. Although only recently developed, the power of social media and the positive reputation of the program created a steady flow of volunteers. Focusing primarily on rebuilding, there is also a strong community aspect and the very presence of the volunteers can help give hope. INJM is not alone in the effort as other volunteer organizations in the area overlap and work together. The people of Ishinomaki, even nine months after the initial disaster, are still living in the second floor of destroyed houses or have not yet moved out of temporary housing, struggling with unemployment and supply shortages, while picking through the rubble to recover what they can from lost lives. There is a sadness that has settled about the area that shows signs of lifting as citizens of the city begin to reassemble, and the presence of volunteers and their efforts help warm against the winter cold. More than saying "Ganbarou Tohoku" (do your best banners displayed to support the most affected region) there are people here, taking no pay, willing to do whatever task, big or small, that will help return a sense of normalcy to an area that is still correctly categorized as a disaster zone. In addition to contributing their hours of work, volunteers in INJM give a bit of strength and spirit, as if to say "You are not alone" through their actions. Between the contributions both tangible and invisible, INJM is supporting those who wish to do their part for the affected people of Japan.

THE CITY:
Ishinomaki is a coastal area big enough to get its own stop on the bus line from Shinjyuku to Sendai. Even 9 months after the highly destructive combination of earthquake and tsunami, the damage remains evident. With limited funds and resources, the slowly progressing process of cleaning up and rebuilding is still the daily task for a majority of its people. Before, in the area based near the volunteer organization, there were about 1000 families living in an area of the city where there are now less than 200 remaining. Some parts of the city have been rebuilt, some businesses have reopened, and vending machines again line the streets, however there is an eerie feeling when driving along the main city strip and seeing brand new buildings neighboring a shop front that is still bashed in, furniture and debris scattered and left as it was months before. There is a large ship still breached out of the port and a gigantic red oil tower barrel in the divider section of a main highway. Garbage dumps have stacked hundreds of cars in alien-like pyramids. Barren landscapes near the coasts are like house graveyards, where only foundations and wreckage are left with a few shaky but still standing structures in the distance. There is not a suburban location in the whole city where you can turn 360 degrees and not see some sign of the catastrophe that took place. The damage to the city you can't see is left in the hearts of its people, many of whom are still living in the shadows of their formers lives. The job of volunteers is to do what they can to repair both. As time passes, glimmers of hope can be seen as well: new shipments of supplies being given away on the streets, small memorial shrines along roads, families restanding their family's grave stones, stores reopening, students biking on their way to refurbished schools--there is a resilience here that acknowledges the horrendous past, but continues to push forward into a better
tomorrow.

THE DESTRUCTION:

THE WORK:
Everything from breaking down and entire first floor's drywall to helping a community tent lead a soup kitchen and bingo day for elderly residents, from cleaning photos of sports days twenty years ago to helping replenish the dwindled supply of shellfish, the work is varied and volunteers go wherever they're needed. No labor skills are required to join, so those who volunteer with INJM take the jobs that simply need to be done. Sometimes volunteers may work with other organizations, be they other foreign aid organizations or local community efforts, going wherever they're told, to do what they are requested to do, as best they can so someone else with plenty to deal with doesn't have to. Because everyone is making this effort, it adds up little by little into progress. It can be surprisingly fulfilling to do what would even seem like repetitive work, such as taking nails out of rotted boards barely holding together a house for six hours, but because you've done it someone else doesn't have to, and they will move to work onto the next stage in the larger plan to fix a house in the grand scheme project of rebuilding a city. Every strike with a sledgehammer or conversation listening to the story of loss puts repair and healing another step further. The work can be hard, but it not usually to the point of exhaustion, and always in the company of other like-minded volunteers whose positive optimism helps ward off some of the residual darkness that still envelops many corners of the city.

THE WEATHER: S'cold.

THE HOUSE:
Through the power of social networking, when originally setting up INJM they were looking for a home base to live, and through extensive tweeting and retweeting found someone willing to leave a house standing that was planned for demolition. It was fixed up along with a neighboring home and both now serve as the main base of operations. Over 30 volunteers can fit in and hopefully no one snores. Meals are done banquet style and everyone is in charge of keeping the place clean and functional. The main room is the "lounge" where most spend their time when not out working. It feels like a commune of sorts, and when you get the right sort of people together (and from my albeit limited experiences they were always the right sort) you're going to want to put down your book or laptop and be a part of the house, and you'll most likely not want to leave.

THE ROUTINE:
The basic procedure goes like this: wake up --> toast --> work --> get home --> chill --> onsen --> party --> sleep. Volunteers come up for days, sometimes weeks at a time, with others who came and never left. Volunteers, it seems, never really say goodbye--they most always come back. This, I would say, is due to a casual genius of the work and structure of the program. Unlike some other larger-scale efforts which develop many rules and procedures for those who come, INJM has a basic routine of working and living that gets the basics in order so that necessary things get done while leaving the rest of the time fairly free. Volunteers choose assignment crews to join and work from about 9am-4pm. After completing the jobs, everyone eats, sleeps, and lives together in two houses. No mandatory tasks outside of work are administered to volunteers, but when you see people preparing for dinner or cleaning up afterwards, you feel compelled to assist as well, and so everyone does so without being designated to tasks. It's quite amazing how fast new arrivals, myself included, quickly fall in line with this system of administration-free responsibility and seem to adjust to life in the house. The rest of the available time outside of work and chores is free to be used at the discretion of volunteers, which usually takes the form of gathering in the main (heated) room where everyone comes to talk and spend time with the others there from all over Japan and the world. The feeling of working with these people, all good people, and then spending the nights together in revelry is a great source of motivation; the relaxed atmosphere of the base camp allows the volunteers to unwind while becoming better friends, making everyone look forward to spending the next day of work together. Also, after most everyday of work, there is an onsen trip to relax and recuperate after a day's work and get everyone clean at once instead of having up to 30 people lined up for the shower. This is also a… powerful bonding experience, in that you will most likely be sitting naked in a jacuzzi with friends made that same day. Lights out by midnight to be up at 8am for a toast buffet.

THE PEOPLE:
The work is the goal, and the people are the energy; volunteering is a mix of both. The people I met while volunteering were an outstanding group of positive, humorous, quirky-to-eccentric folks from all around the world. An Australian oil rig towboat deckhand, a British fashion designer, a kindergarden bus driver from Brussels, a New Yorker with a passion for roller disco working at a cosmetics production factory in Tokyo, a radio engineer from Oklahoma who came just to volunteer, Japanese company employees who take their vacation just to help Ishinomaki, English teachers from around Japan using their breaks for a purpose, a group of Japanese college students, a group of study abroad college students, and a deaf Japanese girl who taught everyone Japanese sign language during her visit that people were still using even after she left. So many people from so many backgrounds, here in Japan for so many reasons, but all of them brought here for the sole purpose of doing something for nothing, volunteering to give something back. This spinning world is powered by such acts of kindness. There wasn't a bad apple in the bunch, even if some are quieter than others everyone will find something to laugh about, something to add to the group, and everyone works to validate their being there. What really surprised me was just how fast you could feel like real friends living with these people; I think I may have come at a particularly good time when a lot of great folks happened to show up all at once, but could scarcely believe how quickly not just a few people warmed up to one another, but how everyone came together as a group, and I'm not the only one who didn't want to leave partly because of that. Doing good work with good people sounds a lot better than warming my desk at the office.

THE PARTY:
Upon arriving back home after the nightly onsen trip, preparations are made for dinner, and it's a makeshift banquet hall where everyone eats together. Now properly bathed and fed, the party takes the night. As many know, when I say party, I rarely mean dancing, flashing lights, and bad club music. A party is anywhere that good people are laughing and drinking long into the night, and the parties here are every night to bond and blow off steam and rejuvenate the soul for the next day's work. Don't get me wrong, the purpose of all volunteers being here is to help the people of Ishinomaki as best we can, and that goal of making an outstanding contribution to the community is never surpassed by anything else. With that work completed, however, the night is your own, and spending time with these amazing members and happily chatting and laughing for hours seems to be the best way to spend time before bed. A few chu-hi Strongs from the local convenience store and laughter amongst friends is the best thing to get you into a deep sleep and avoid the chilling cold that takes the house as soon as the lively conversation comes to a close (and the heating stoves are turned off). Some of the dumbest moments led to some of the biggest laughs, such as the story of Oklahoma's hometown single stop sign parade, or certain complications involving a virgin marriage and birthday candles, and the true nature of dance parties. The Party is where you make new friends of complete strangers and I made a baker's dozen in only five short days.

THE RESULTS:
A feeling of accomplishment. The positive vibe from helping people through hardship. Many new friends. Knowing you've made a difference. Having finally been able to aid in an effort I felt compelled to assist in ever since March 11th, 2011, albeit if only in a small way for a short time. Smiles from those around you and the validation of doing a little bit to help the country you live in. Actually going to Tohoku and doing your best after reading hundreds of signs saying "Tohoku, do your best!" I was originally planning on staying 3 days, maybe four, but ended up pushing all the way into the 5th, barely catching the last train home from Tokyo so that I could be up at 7am for work the next day. Others felt the same, wishing they could have stayed longer, and entire groups revised schedules to be able to continue volunteering. Throughout my life I don't have a history of giving back. I enjoyed it when I did, but didn't seek out the opportunities often. Something about the work, organization, situation, and people of It's Not Just Mud really came together to instill a sense of having done something good that I hadn't felt in too long a time. I'm already planning my trip back when I'm back on break, and thinking about who I'm going to take with me. Volunteering in a disaster zone gave me a new look at myself, to see the things I was worrying about as insignificant, and allowed me a better look at the bigger picture. This world and the people in it thrive off kindness. Even when politics and big corporations, mother nature, and jerks-in-general seem to be making a bigger change than good actions, it is all I can do to participate in a program like this so at least I'm doing something positive to help those around me, hoping those good energies are received and duplicated. It's motivating, and I plan on taking this as a fresh start to a new year. And I'll be back for more. Maybe you can be too.

Please visit the blog of writer Brent Danley Jones to follow up on his further adventures and writing. His Profile states that Brent is a "Writer writing from somewhere in Japan. Expect to see novel serialization, flurries of haiku, the occasional drinking song, and more metaphors than you can shake a stick at."

Tohoku Planning Forum #2

2012-01-13T14:40:00.001+09:00

英語で行うが、この東北の震災後の復興計画に関するフォーラムはForeign Volunteers Japanの活動に役に立つかもしれません。

私は第一回のフォーラムでボランティア活動について発表をしていて、とっても良いディスカッションになりました。FVJは団体としてこれから段々大きくなって行くから、将来の活動についてはいろいろ考えなければならないと思うので、もし東京に居て、月曜日の夕方に都合が開いてたら、是非参加して見てください。

On Monday, January 16th, the Tohoku Planning Forum will be holding its second seminar regarding the rebuilding of the tsunami-hit regions of Tohoku.

A few FVJ members took part in the first forum and found it to be a valuable experience providing many lively discussions on what needs to be done, and how to better manage resources for reconstruction. Since FVJ is gradually expanding our project scope, I think this forum could be a good experience for gaining some perspective on what still needs to be done, and to continue planning how we can address some of those needs.

Starting from 19:00 on Monday at Keio University, this time's forum welcomes three eminent Japanese experts with firsthand experience in community building in various places in Tohoku:

1. Prof. Hiroto KOBAYASHI, Keio University
(Minamisanriku: Community building in temporary housing estates, rural-rural community support)

2. Prof. Naoto NAKAJIMA, Keio Univerisity
(Kamaishi: Learning from past disasters in Tohoku and reconstruction in Kamaishi)

3. Prof. Michio UBAURA, Sendai University
(Ishinomaki: Downtown revitalisation and reconstuction of a commercial center)

The event is produced by Architecture for Humanity, Tokyo (@AFHtyo) and Tokyo Planning Forum (@TPFsquare), in cooperation with Keio University.

Please consider checking it out on Monday if you can. Hope to see you there.

For more details, please visit the TPF² Facebook Group

Or their Webpage: http://www.tpf2.net/

BBC Interviews It's Not Just Mud project

2012-01-01T23:16:00.001+09:00

I'm currently up here in Ishinomaki with the group, so I may be a little biased, but thought it would be of interest to FVJ members to see this interview by BBC News with Jamie El-Banna, founder of the It's Not Just Mud volunteer group, based in the Watanoha district of Ishinomaki, about the early days of coordinating volunteers, and the experiences that drove him to establish a long-term volunteer-based relief organization for Tohoku relief.

It's Not Just Mud has already collaborated with Foreign Volunteers Japan on countless projects, such as our events with the orphanage in Ofunato, for doing several soup kitchens, providing a rest station for deliveries with the SaveMinamisoma project, providing a distribution center for the Coats for Kids project, and for hosting many volunteers from FVJ looking to help out up North.

The It's Not Just Mud project is certainly my first recommendation now for people wanting to head up to volunteer in Tohoku. Please check out the video at the following BBC New Link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16377120

For more information on the INJM project, please visit the webpage www.itsnotjustmud.com

I will be writing a follow up post on my latest stay with the group, and will also be doing some posts on local businesses that they've helped get back on their feet over the last several months.

Cheers.

Ishinomaki Case Study: Recovery of Maruka Pro Fish Shop

2011-12-30T16:25:00.000+09:00

Maruka Pro shop in November 2011

Although this article is a little different than what we usually post on FVJ, I thought it might be interesting to look at the current state of businesses around Tohoku, and discuss the steps they are taking in order to re-open.

In the case of the downtown of Ishinomaki, the first business to recovery quickly with a unique plan that I had come across was that of the Maruka Pro Fish Shop.

Fig 1: Maruka Pro Shop shown during the initial post-tsunami clean-up.

There may have been a time when recovery from a disaster for small businesses just involved getting the mess cleaned out, the damage repaired, new product ordered in, and hanging a "business as usual" sign on the door. However, this is no longer the case. Even for small businesses, the business model today is complex and being able to continue following an interruption of any kind relies on a wide understanding of all the influences that could affect it as well as having carefully prepared plans to get those influences back together following the disruption.

Not only do small and medium-sized businesses need to struggle and work hard and fast to survive commercially, when battling against big-box stores and internet-shopping. While potentially being exposed to incidents that are outside their control, small businesses in most industries also need to operate within tight-industry regulation, and to stay on top of their own business processes, personnel and procedures.

"80 percent of businesses without a well

structured recovery plan are forced to shut down

within 12 months of a flood or fire."

(Source: London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 2003)

Sadly, as many as 80% of businesses hit by fire, storm damage, tsunami, or earthquake go out of business within a year because they have not planned effectively for recovery. The downtown Ishinomaki case makes this especially clear. Nine months following the disaster, many of the businesses in the downtown core, and the majority of businesses in the Watanoha district have failed to come back online.

May 25th Reopening poster for Maruka

Estimates of the direct material damage of the tsunami are said to exceed ¥25 trillion ($300 billion), but insurance and government coverage will only be able to cover a fraction of those losses. Although there's not much that can be done in the cases where an entire business' physical location, and many of the management and staff members were lost, there are several other cases where the lack of a business continuity plan to resume business elsewhere, also contributed to the post-disaster closure of the business. The case of the Maruka Pro Shop in Ishinomaki is a strong case for following the Best Practices scenario for post-disaster Business Continuity Practices.

Business continuity planning is not only necessary to protect an organization against extreme disasters such as the big-three cases that affected the East Coast of Japan, it's also important to take into account the importance of preparing for electrical problems, IT failures, theft, damage, or irregular and unseasonal local conditions. What should a business do in the case that their best people suddenly resign? Or if one of their key suppliers goes under? Or a new competitor opens up nearby? Creating contingency plans for all of these cases, on top of larger disasters, and understanding the impact on day-to-day business planning, is essential for maintain both day-to-day business, and preparing for long-term profitability.

Despite being completely gutted by the tsunami, losing long-term access to the local fishing pier due to infrastructure damage, losing ice suppliers, and losing many of its customers in the local region, the Pro Shop Maruka managed to reopen its doors on May 25th (only 64 days after the tsunami) in the hard-hit coastal district of Ishinomaki, thanks to effective business continuity practices.

Pictures of the re-opening day of Maruka Pro Shop on May 25th.

The Maruka Pro Shop is managed by a Mr. Masahiko Sasaki and his wife, Mrs. Kazuko Sakaki. Mr. Sasaki has come to be known as the "Walking Fish Dictionary" thanks to his expansive knowledge of different types of fish, their habitat, uncountable ways of preparing and cooking fish, as well as knowing much about the deep link between the sea and Japanese folklore. He can always be seen first thing in the morning at the local sea ports, haggling and bidding for the biggest and heartiest fish to be caught.

Mrs. Kazuko Sasaki comes from a long lineage of fishermen. She is the eldest daughter of the president of "Miyamoto Fisheries" which has been operating since well before the Meiji Era. It was her idea to refocus Masahiko's business on the professional sector, to become a provider of top quality and bulk fish products for small and medium sized businesses across Miyagi.

The Sasaki's had lived through smaller disasters before. They were familiar with how a tsunami could affect local businesses and the fishery sector, by experiencing the tsunami generated by the Great Chile quake of 1970. They knew that fishing supplies would be momentarily disrupted, and expected there to be damage to their main shop.

They studied the breakdown of their business, and worked hard in developing business continuity planning processes and practices that would ensure that, whatever the disaster, the day to day activities of their shop would be able to get back up and running quickly. This included clear processes for their employees so that there is no doubt what action to take, whatever the circumstances. In the case of potential tsunami, the shop workers were well trained in escape routes to nearby hills. The Sasaki's emphasized that personal safely was the first priority, and told their staff to drop what they were doing, and to run to the hills.

Since Pro Shop Maruka is a middleman, acquiring fish directly from the ports, and selling it to smaller and mid-size businesses, rather than walk-in customers, they were very dramatically hit by the tsunami. Since most businesses in the downtown district had their first floors devastated, and partial flooding of the second floors, many businesses ended up going out of business completely. Since insurance companies refused to cover coastal businesses with tsunami or flooding insurance, and government compensation would only be enough to cover personal living expenses, most businesses without and effective business continuity plan have been unable to cope post-tsunami.

Employing teams of local volunteers, coordinated through local Volunteer Centers, and by visiting the temporary offices of Peace Boat and other local post-disaster NPOs, the Sasaki's were able to get their shop cleaned out, remove the tsunami sludge, and remove any rotting insulation within the first couple weeks following the disaster.

Once their store-front was moderately recovered by early April, they followed up with a plan to offer the front part of their shop to their pre-disaster customers. Since the majority of coastal businesses were devastated, this means that many of their own customers had also lost their shop fronts. An important element of disaster planning involves contingency plans for not only the acquisition of materials, and relocation, it also means finding ways to protect or recover your customer base.

In Pro Shop Maruka's case, they extended the offer to four of their local customers, who had lost their own businesses completely. The Takigawa Japanese restaurant, Baorai Sushi, Ishikawa Sukiyaki, and the Loulan Chinese Restaurant. With a date set for a May 25th opening, the Sasaki's invited the four businesses to set up small stalls in the front of the Pro Shop Maruka. They worked with the Ishinomaki 2.0 and IDRAC (Ishinomaki Disaster Recovery Assistance Council) to secure loans for buying new stoves, fridges, and supplies, and used the power of social media and local newspapers and radio broadcasts for promoting their business.

Pro Shop Maruka excelled at putting their Business Continuity Plan into action, and serves as a beacon for other tsunami, and disaster-affected businesses to prepare for worst-case scenarios comprehensively and effectively.

We Will Always Remember You

2011-12-07T23:57:00.001+09:00

In October, Kenji Araki, a director from NY came to Tohoku to film a video as part of another project, and joined the It's Not Just Mud crew for a couple days. This video is addressed to international citizens as a thank you message from the people of Tohoku, and really conveys a warm and encouraging message.

To the people of the world: there is a video we would like you to see.
On March 11, 2011, at 2:46pm, the Pacific coast of the Tohoku region ofJapan was hit by the most powerful earthquake the country had everexperienced. As the overwhelming scale of the destruction from thequake and resulting tsunami became clear, and the number of livesreported lost continued to climb to reach over 10,000, the people ofour country were devastated with grief and a sense of dejection.

It was during this time that you, the people from different countriesacross the world, called out to us with a message of strength andsupport: “Ganbare Nihon!”—Be strong Japan! You lifted out spirits andgave us the courage to keep our heads up and move forward.

Nowhere is this feeling of appreciation stronger than it is with the people ofTohoku. Anyone who has spent time helping with the rebuilding effortsknows how strong these people are, and how thankful they are.

This video by Kenji, titled “We WillAlways Remember You” begins with a series of video footage showingthe terrible disaster the earthquake wrought.It then turns the spotlight to Taylor Anderson (then 24), anAmerican assistant language teacher (ALT) in Ishinomaki City, MiyagiPrefecture—one of the areas hit hardest by the disaster.

Anderson,was teaching at an elementary school when the earthquake hit, stayedwith the frightened children until they had all been safely evacuated.However, on the way home, Anderson herself fell victim to the tsunamithat came rushing in after.

Anderson’s students appear in thevideo and speak of their memories of their teacher: “Taylor sensei wasreally nice. She really cheered us up when the earthquake struck.”

There were many other touching scenes in the pre-productionfootage that Kenji showed the It's Not Just Mud crew when he stayed with them in October, and it's great to see the wonderful final product. As Jamie ofINJM puts it "If you have been to Tohoku post disaster on any kind ofrelief mission, this video is relevant to you. Feel free to share."

It's only 7 minutes, but definitely worth watching. I'd recommend having a box of tissues handy nonetheless.

Update: Since the video was pulled from YouTube by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York due to copyright infringement, despite the wish of the director for the video to find as large an audience as possible, we have embedded a version shared on a Japanese video sharing site below. Please check it out.

Here is an earlier video also by Kenji Araki filmed on March 17th, and conveys a message of support and solidarity for Japan. Ice T and Robin Williams also make appearances in the film.

Rise Again, Japan! from Kenji on Vimeo.

Please fill in the Survey on tokyo hazard vulnerability and preparation

2011-12-01T19:24:00.000+09:00


Relief supplies for Minamisoma - During delivery by Rescue Japan

Please fill in the Survey on tokyo hazard vulnerability and preparation

This survey aims to gather information related to disaster preparedness from residents in Tokyo targeting 4 Wards (Edogawa, Koto, Meguro and Minato)

It focuses on the following hazards Floods, Tropical storms and Typhoons, Water scarcity, Fire, Extreme heat, Extreme cold.

Fill in the form here:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dGVBWVFMNkUxZFdFeVRDdnlRb1VpV3c6MA

Results will be used for a presentation in December and essays to be completed by the New Year. Basic data will be posted in mid December (http://sarajeans-notes.blogspot.com/)

東京の災害に対する脆弱性とその防災意識調査

Please share this link for the J survey on hazard preparedness:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dFdZM29ONllzNVdsLWg5cHNRcU1jR2c6MA

東京の災害に対する脆弱性とその防災意識調査

この調査は、国連大学の災害と人道援助のコースの履修生によって行われています。東京都民の災害に対する防災意識についての情報を収集しております。洪水、熱帯性暴風雨、台風、水不足、火災、猛暑、厳しい寒さといった天候に起因する災害に焦点を絞ってご質問させていただきます。お近くにお住まいの地域の方々にもこのアンケートに答えてくださるようお誘いいただければ幸いです。東京の住民のウェブサイトにもお載せいたします。

お時間を取らせていただいて恐縮ですが、よろしくお願いいたします。

It's Not Just Mud

2011-11-05T17:08:00.003+09:00

INJM Working on a landslide-relief project in Onagawa town.

This is one of the groups in Tohoku that has playedgracious host to Foreign Volunteers Japan members on several visits up to Tohoku so far. The group was originallyformed in the famous "Tent City" in Ishinomaki, that ran frommid-March until September 30th, on the grounds of Senshu University inIshinomaki.

The founder of the group, Jamie El-Banna, is known as thego-to-guy for information regarding local conditions in Ishinomaki. He has workedclosely on projects with the British Chamber of Commerce, Ishinomaki 2.0,Samaritan's Purse, and several others.

Jamie (far right) welcoming a new group of volunteers to INJM HQ.

While working in Osaka, Jamie travelled out toHigashi-Matsushima on a volunteer trip in mid May. Although that was well afterthe initial rescue phase of the tsunami relief efforts, the level ofdevastation and unmet needs of the refugees that Jamie encountered, made himrealize that there was still tremendous amounts of work that had to be done forthe relief efforts.

After returning to Osaka, he didn't feel right settlingback down in the city. There was still so much to be done in thetsunami-affected regions. After a few weeks, he made the dramatic decision toquit his job, sublet his apartment, and moved out to Tent City in Ishinomaki. Thatwas where the core organizational group behind the It's Not Just Mud projectwas formed.

Long-term volunteer Manish already muddy by 10:00am.

The name for the project of course, comes from theinitial challenge facing anyone getting involved with post-tsunami clean-up andrelief work. Not only did the devastating force of the tsunami destroy much of what it came into contact with, it also covered nearly everythingelse with a thick layer of toxic, bacteria-breeding, noxious and thick mud.

Much of theclean-up efforts have been focused on removing this mud… but, as Jamie puts it"it’s not just mud. It's about the people who are living throughthis terrible tragedy, and helping them get back to a normal life."

Although theearly days of the project revolved around clean-up projects coordinated throughlocal volunteer centers, INJM has since expanded their projects.

As of the endof September, the It's Not Just Mud project has now moved into two neighboringhouses in the Watanoha district of Ishinomaki. Impressed by their volunteeractivities, the houses were actually offered to the group by refugees who had beenable to move to another district of the city.

Half-restored INJM house in late-September

When the groupfirst moved in, the first floor of both houses were hollowed-out. The walls andfloors had been badly damaged, festering sludge under the floors, and rottinginsulation in the walls all needed to be extracted, and shattered windowsneeded to be boarded up.

Over the lasttwo months, Jamie's group has worked on-top of their other volunteer projectsto restore the house to working shape. By the end of September they hadfloorboards and walls extracted, and removed the tsunami sludge. Soon afterthat they put up new walls and floorboards (generously provided by Samaritan'sPurse), as well as restoring the water and gas. By early October they replaced theelectrical sockets, and soon will have a water heater installed. Even withoutthe water heater, Jamie explained that volunteers are able to visit the localtemporary hot-springs facilities for a hot bath.


Knocking down a wall on a recent project.

As for the specific projects of INJM, here are theircurrent four main aims:

Encouraging volunteering – They do this by offering assistance in coming in terms of advice and logistical support.
Salvaging homes in the Ishinomaki area – In many cases, only the ground floor of the home was flooded, and in some cases soaked in sea water for up to three days. Months later, the building materials are waterlogged and rotting, and must be removed. This means removing the walls, ceiling, insulation, and flooring, then the 3-5cm layer of mud that is under everything.
Normally, this kind of work would be undertaken by a professional builder, but because of the enormous number of damaged homes, the waiting list to get a professional builder is extremely long, and the process is costly. They work with experienced volunteers (several of which are trained builders) to perform this manual labor and gut houses, taking them one step closer to being liveable.
For some families, they have been living on the second floor of their damaged home for months, passing through the rotting and hazardous first floor daily. Making it safe and clean is a significant improvement for these people.
Salvaging homes further afield – INJM work with both local groups in central Ishinomaki and in more remote areas of the region. They have identified the need for this kind of service in towns across the Oshika Peninsula.
Delivering fresh fruit and vegetables to areas that don’t have accessto such things. Now that the Winter is coming, INJM has begun focusing on thedistribution of Winter coats, kerosene heaters, and running a 'kerosene pickupand delivery service' for residents of refugee shelters and temporary housingunits without access to a car.


INJM volunteers helping a local sake-shop owner restore her business.

A popular aspect of the group, is the members' great sense of humor, andthe openness to new volunteers. The INJM page documents various F.U.Es. Thoseare the "Frequently Used Excuses" that unfortunately have beenpreventing many potential volunteers from making the short trip to Ishinomaki. Hereare the official F.U.E from the INJM webpage:

F.U.E – Frequently Used Excuses
Below you can find some of the most common reasons peopleuse to not come. They all have a valid basis, but after reading below, I thinkyou’ll find that in actual fact, there’s nothing to worry about!

I’mworried I’ll find something really scary in the rubble!!
The Self Defense Force has cleared most of the largedebris in Ishinomaki. Most of the work we do is clearing mud that is 2-4cmthick from homes and properties. You might find something that is emotionallytroubling, for example people’s personal belongings or photographs, but it isunlikely you’ll find something truly troubling with the kind of work we do.

I don’thave any experience!!
Everyonehas to start somewhere! You will always have someone experienced working withyou who can answer your questions and tell you what to do and how to do it.It’s not too difficult, and after a day you’ll quickly learn what needs to bedone, and will be able to teach new volunteers yourself.

I’m notvery strong!!
Youwon’t be asked to do anything you can’t do. Some jobs do require strength, butif you aren’t cut out for that, there are plenty of things you can do. Plentyof women and older people work with us!

I don’thave any equipment!!
Allthe professional building equipment will be provided. Please look here for what you shouldbring!

I can’tbook a bus, I don’t read Kanji!!
Contactus with your dates and we can arrange someone to do that for you.

I don’tspeak Japanese/English!!
That’sOK! On the work site we will always make sure you understand what you’resupposed to be doing, and there are plenty of people around who can help out ifyou don’t understand.

If you would beinterested in joining the INJM project, please feel free to contact Jamiedirectly at: jamie[AT]itsnotjustmud[DOT]com

Their webpage:

Http://www.itsnotjustmud.com

Or visit theirFacebook fan group to ask for more information:

http://www.facebook.com/ItsNotJustMud

2011-10-07T15:55:00.001+09:00

Foreign Volunteers Japan has begun campaigning with Kanto-based International Schools to collect coats for children affected by the disaster in Tohoku, who will soon be facing a harsh Winter. If you work at, or are involved with a school that might be interested in getting involved, please feel free to contact us at foreignvolunteersjapan (at) gmail (dot) com.

The initial campaign will be centered around allowing students to help students, but will soon to expanding to a larger campaign for collecting halogen and kerosene heaters, heat pads, heated blankets, and other Winter essentials, depending on local needs and requests in the Temporary Housing communities across the Tohoku coastal area.

Please stay tuned and further details will be posted as the campaign evolves.

Thank you sincerely for your support!

Foreign Volunteers Japan - Face To Face

2011-10-03T18:45:00.000+09:00

Foreign Volunteers Japan - Face To Face

Come and enjoy an evening of fantastic music and guest speakers, whilst raising money for Tohoku. We welcome everyone interested in learning more about volunteerism. It is also an opportunity for FVJ and other NPO/NGO volunteers to meet face to face beyond the confines of Facebook.

Let's come together and discuss the successes, failures, joys, frustrations and aspirations of all those trying to help the survivors of March 11th.

Admission fee is 2000 yen (includes 1 drink).
Tickets available at the door.

ALL MONEY RAISED BY THE EVENT WILL GO TOWARDS TO PROJECTS IN TOHOKU.

Musicians:
*Zazushii Monkey*
*The Dead Flower Children Unplugged*
*TK*
*Chris Grundy*

Access:
Biervana
Prudential Tower 1F, 2-13-10 Nagatacho,
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 〒100-0014

Akasaka Mitsuke Station
Exit 11 (Sanno-shita District Gate) 1 min

Akasaka Station
Exit 1 (5 min)

Nagatacho Station
Exit 8 (2 min)

Tameike-sanno Station
Exit 8 (2 min)

Advanced-Tickets available via Wazoo:

http://www.wazoo.jp/events/open/469

For further enquiries contact foreignvolunteersjapan@gmail.com

Collating listing of NPO/NGOs focused on longterm Tohoku Recovery.

2011-09-26T15:53:00.004+09:00

Sarajean Rossitto of JapanVolunteers is currently compiling an updated listing of organizations focused on the longterm relief and recovery of the Tohoku region.

She is compiling the list on her JapanVolunteers NGO advisory blog, under the heading "Your help needed - Tohoku relief and recovery org listing."I have taken the liberty of reposting the tentative listing here as well.

If you see any missing links, or any other groups that you feel should be included. Please feel free to comment directly on her blog, or to post your comments here and I will share them with her.

Please send the names of the organizations in English and Japanese if possible, and include any relevant links to their webpage, or a bio of their activities if available.

The tentative list is as follows:

ADRA Japan NPO法人　アドラ・ジャパン（ADRA Japan）
http://www.adrajpn.org
NPO Aichi-net 愛知ネット
Association for Aid and Relief, Japan難民を助ける会
URL: http://www.aarjapan.gr.jp/
AMDA - formerly Association of Medical Doctors of Asia
特定非営利活動法人　AMDA (元アジア医師連絡協議会)
URL: http://www.amdainternational.com/
Care International Japan 公益財団法人　ケア・インターナショナル　ジャパン
http://www.careintjp.org
CRASH volunteers
http://www.crashjapan.com/
FOREIGN VOLUNTEERS JAPAN
Good Neighbors Japan グッドネーバーズジャパン
URL: http://www.gnjp.org/campaign/emgcy_2011tohoku.html
Hope International Development Agency
Hope World Wide
The Japan Asian Association and Asian Friendship Societyアジア協会アジア友の会
http://www.jafs.or.jp
Japan EQ Animal Rescue and Support JEARS
JEN ジェン
URL: http://www.jen-npo.org/
MDMJ Medecins du Monde Japan / Doctors of the World
特定非営利活動法人メドゥサン・デュ・モンド　ジャポン
URL: http://www.mdm.or.jp/
MSF Japan: Medecins sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders Japan
特定非営利活動法人国境なき医師団日本　
URL: http://www.msf.or.jp/
Nippon International Cooperation Community Development NICCO 社）日本国際民間協力会 (NICCO)
http://www.kyoto-nicco.org/
Online donation in Japanese http://kyoto-nicco.org/give/
Nippon Volunteer Network Active in Disaster, Inc.
(特)日本災害救援ボランティアネットワーク（ＮＶＮＡＤ）
URL http://www.nvnad.or.jp/
O.G.A. for AID
PARCIC
Peace Winds Japanピース ウィンズ・ジャパン
URL: http://www.peace-winds.org/
Peace Boat ピースボート
http://www.peaceboat.org/relief
Rescue stockyard レスキューストックヤード
http://www.rsy-nagoya.com/rsy/
Rescue Japan
http://www.rescuejapan.asia/
Save the Children Japanセーブ・ザ・チルドレン子ども基金
URL: http://www.savechildren.or.jp/
Shanti Volunteer Association 公益社団法人シャンティ国際ボランティア会
http://sva.or.jp/global/
Uniken, Japan Universal Design Research Institute:(Japanese only)
http://www.npo-uniken.org/shinsai_busshi.html
World Vision Japan ワールド・ビジョン・ジャパン
http://www.worldvision.jp/
NETWORK organizations
They have links with information on the hundreds of other groups involved:
Japan Civil Net – Network of the groups working on the Japan EQ/tsunami relief efforts
http://www.jpn-civil.net/about_us/groups.html
Japan NPO Center – a nation wide network of Japan-based local nonprofits and volunteer groups
http://www.jnpoc.ne.jp/
JANIC –Japan Association of NGOs in International Cooperation – a network of Japanese NGOs that are involved in international development work
http://www.janic.org/
Japan Platform – Network of Japanese NGOs engaged in emergency and relief work
http://www.japanplatform.org/E/work/index.html

Romeo for Tohoku (Aroma Rich Juliet contest – I need your vote!)

2011-09-24T03:34:00.000+09:00

Posted on behalf of hard-working Tohoku Volunteer Dean Newcombe, in support of his work with Intrepid Model Adventures and their long-term volunteer project in Ishinomaki:

http://aroma-rich-romeo.jp/profile/dean.html

Romeo and Juliet. We all know the story, but perhaps most of us don’t get the chance to be labeled as ‘Romeo’! That’s exactly where I have found myself though.

Living in Japan has granted me many opportunities, and many of them very surreal. I certainly didn’t expect to be standing as 1 of 8 gentlemen hoping to become the image of Romeo here in the land of the rising sun, and further more, I didn’t realise how passionate I would become at taking the 1^st prize!

Agencies searched Tokyo for talents that stood out, who did something a little bit special. Guys who present sport on TV, guys who perform magic and dance, but I had other ideas…to further establish the ‘Volunteer / Model’!

What I do – A Day in the Life if The Intrepid Model…

So here I stand, the ‘Sweet Passionate Model’ (not self labeled I should state! ). I won’t be calling up to any balconies, or delivering romantic lines, but I will be doing something which I believe is much more important! I will be taking Romeo’s spotlight to Tohoku, and I will be showing what a modern Romeo would really stand for! I will donate all the money I get from winning this contest to those in Tohoku!

If you believe in this cause…

Visit – http://aroma-rich-romeo.jp/profile/dean.html – From anywhere in the world you can register a vote. You don’t need to speak Japanese. Just hit the gold button and when the box with Twitter and Facebook links comes up, you have voted. Thank you!
Visit – https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=126479670783802 – This is the event on Facebook and has more information. Join the group and invite others explaining why they should care.
Keep voting. This is not a one off, you can vote daily! Each device you have and each browser (Firefox, Chrome, Explorer) can register a vote, and I need them all.
Spread the word in any other way you can, and let me know that your there supporting me so I can thank you personally!

Against all the odds, can the Volunteer Model pull this off? With your help…yes!

Fashionista's Romeo - By Nathan Berry of ECA Photography - Tokyo 2011

Modern Day Romeo By Anatole Papafilipou of Moonlight Studios, Hiroki Takeru of Studio 47 and Chanyn Kirtman of Chanyn Cheree Styling - Tokyo 2011

See more from ECA photography.
See more from Moonlight Photography
See more from Chanyn Cheree Styling

Reflections and Narratives of Relief Work for Japan

2011-08-20T20:18:00.001+09:00

* by David H. Slater

The measure, experience and meaning of a “disaster” is in large part a function of the relief that is, or is not, provided to those in need.

Focus: This is an open call for short (less than 700 words) pieces on the topic of relief and volunteer activities around the events collectively known as 3.11. We understand “relief” to include a wide range of support: from asking for donations on the street corners of London to digging mud in Ishinomaki; from running up food supplies to Fukushima to housing displaced kids in Kyoto; from fighting the April snows to the August rains; from acting as a part-time counselor to victims to leading corporate social responsibility programs at multi-national companies. Japanese and foreigners, students and adults, professionals and amateurs, practitioners and volunteers of any sort are welcome here.

Send your entries NOW in attached MSWord files to: 311reliefnarratives@gmail.com

Goal: We want to document the relief effort as it is going on. At a time when 3.11 has been largely pushed out of the news cycle, even in Japan, even though huge amounts of work still need to be done, one of our goals is to let others know about the work being done, the work you have done, and maybe the work still needing to be done. This is direct and maybe intimate, but it is not voyeurism. It is also not promotion for a single group, but please feel free to tell us the groups you are working with.

There is a strategic element to this call: to spread the word, to encourage others to contribute, to keep it going.

The single biggest reason that people do not volunteer is that they do not really know what it involves. Let's tell them.

Format: These pieces must be short (less than 700 words) and to the point, vivid and direct, taking a single aspect of relief that can be captured and made meaningful in this format. No footnotes or bibliographies, but you could include links. The format is somewhere between an essay and a blog entry: it is shorter and more informal than an essay, but more focused on a particular topic or aspect than a blog entry.

Source: Your topic can be based on some sort of local practice, but your piece should be directed to a wider audience, beyond your academic discipline or professional context. First-person narratives are very welcome. This is a chance to digest and present some parts of your experience in ways that communicate to others. It could be sad or funny, desperate or hopeful--all important parts of the relief experience.

Time-frame: If at all possible, review your older notes so we can include something from the earlier months: clearly, working in April was much different from working in August. Send both.

Your entry: We ask you to do your best to present a finished copy, but we will have the resources to proof-read your work when necessary. Japanese or English are both welcome. We encourage non-native English speakers to write something in English, and we can give it a “native check.”

Collective Product: In the end, we will collect, proof-read and present your entries digitally. Pending some more funding, we will translate Japanese into English and English into Japanese. We are now arranging for newspapers, journals, universities, relief sites, and others to feature your work and offer links to your work. We will have a web-designer—not me—to make your good work accessible to others.

Clearly, we cannot tell the “whole story’ in 700 words: our intent is to provide enough different pieces to allow readers to understand some of the range and complexity behind disaster and relief.

Note: Multiple submissions from the same author are welcome. Selections from larger pieces are also fine (and might be a good way to draw attention to other related projects). You can use your blog entries if they are suitable or any other source that does not violate copyright.

Deadline: October 1st.

Check Out Some Others' Sample Entries Here

posted Oct 19, 2009 10:41 PM by David H. Slater [ updated Aug 10, 2011 2:52 AM ]

Here are some examples of others' experiences. As you can see, they are of vary different styles and focus--which is just what we want. Of course, since all of your expereinces are different, your entries will be different also.

Attachments (4)

Approaching a house.rtf - on Aug 8, 2011 4:04 AM by David H. Slater (version 1)
3k Download
Fieldnotes from Iwanuma.rtf - on Aug 8, 2011 4:13 AM by David H. Slater (version 1)
11k Download
Unstable Ground.doc - on Aug 8, 2011 3:30 AM by David H. Slater (version 1)
28k View Download
What I saw in Tohoku.doc - on Aug 8, 2011 3:41 AM by David H. Slater (version 1)
29k View Download

More information can be found directly at the project page:
https://sites.google.com/site/japanreliefnarratives2/

David H. Slater is an associate professor of cultural anthropology at Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan. He has been active in the relief effort from the start. He has also been collecting narratives and reflections from volunteers, and now wants to put them together and bring them higher profile.

You can find out more about him here:
http://www.fla.sophia.ac.jp/academics/professors/slaterdavid
http://www.facebook.com/#!/david.h.slater

Please feel free to contact him with questions or suggestions for improvement directly at: dhslater@gmail.com

Smiles & Dreams: Tohoku Kids Project

2011-08-18T15:32:00.000+09:00

Hi my name is Paul Yoo, Co-founder of volunteerAKITA and The Fruit Tree Project (www.volunteerakita.org). Along with our on-going activities, we are also involved in the “Smiles & Dreams:Tohoku Kids Project” led by Living Dreams/SmileKidsJapan (www.livingdreams.jp and www.smilekidsjapan.org). Right now, we are working as Home Communication Managers (HCMs) to two orphanages in the Sendai area. Our role is to act as contacts for the orphanages, and relay any needs they may have.

What we need right now: A boy, in his 3rd year of high school (his final year), at one of the orphanages we are in contact with, has become the first orphan there to ever express interest in going to college. He wants to attend Yamaguchi Hukushi Bunka Daigaku (University of Human Welfare and Culture) and study hoiku ka (child care). It is a four year program and the university will cover tuition for the first 2 years of the program, along with 50% of the 3rd and 4th years. Our goal is to raise￥1,154,000 which includes ￥970,000 in tuition costs for the 3rd and 4th years, along with an ￥184,000 mandatory insurance cost over 4 years.

We are currently accepting PLEDGES to donate to this fund because he still needs to pass his college entrance exam. Once he does, we will move forward in collecting funds and transferring the money into an account that will be handled by the orphanage.

We welcome any grants, scholarships, or personal donations to get this young man to college, and most importantly doing it without leaving him in debt after he finishes school, since in most cases, once an orphan has finished high school, he is on his own.

It is truly inspiring that he plans to go to college and is the first from his orphanage to show interest in doing so. Successfully sending him to college would be such an amazing gift, and would inspire other orphans to follow in his footsteps, knowing that they too can receive a college education, and strive to become whatever they want to be in the future.

If you have any questions regarding this proposal or can help us out, please contact me.

Much Love,

Paul Yoo

Paul Yoo
Co-Director

volunteerAKITA / The Fruit Tree Projectvolunteerakita@gmail.com
www.volunteerakita.org

Aussie Beef

2011-08-01T15:39:00.002+09:00

*Written by Jamie El-Banna

The day started quite differently to others, as I had the morning off. I had stuff to do in the afternoon, but was free in the morning. I opted to spend my free time catching up on emails, listening to some beats and enjoying the breeze from the sanctuary of the shade. And taking a dip in the river. I honestly can’t get enough of it.

I knew that all my friends back in Osaka would be hitting the beach today. Even though it’s an incredibly dirty beach, it made me feel a bit lonely. But swimming in the river and looking up at the blue sky made me feel a little bit better.

I would be assisting at a 炊き出し (if you forgot, this is giving out food) and festival type event in Watanoha, which is in East Ishinomaki. I went with Chiyomi, Michi, “A-chan” and CKD. We got there a bit early so we looked around.

This group was making mochi, which is pretty fun. First the rice gets crushed by two people walking around in circles pressing it with the big mallets. After a while, one guy starts hitting it, while the other one puts it back into place.

So it’s WHACK reset WHACK reset. When pros do it, the guy resets it after each hit, and they have a good rhythm going on. When amateurs do it, they don’t reset it each time, because it’s just too dangerous. The mallet Yuki-kun used is still enough to break a finger or two, although maybe not with his strength. The one I used would do some serious damage.

As well as this, there was some live music, several food stalls, some stalls giving out clothes, shaved ice, and drinks. I tried some mochi and shaved ice, but didn’t have anything else, as it was too hot for food! When I was pounding mochi I noticed one person looking at me very intently, and it turned out to be someone I had met about 3 weeks ago.

She was surprised to hear I had been in the area the whole time (she had returned to Chiba, but came back for this event). The group started packing up at around 1/1:30, which is when the other groups arrived. They would be doing their 炊き出しand festival from 5.

I first heard about the activity going on here from Foreign Volunteers Japan. Their blog is updated with stuff they are involved in, but much more active is their Facebook group. They have created a great network of people who are eager to help Tohoku.Through this group I have got into contact with lots of very active people, and it’s been invaluable in the spreading of information. Anyway, Mike Connolly contacted me about helping out with a BBQ. He had, with the help of some contacts, been able to procure a large amount of Aussie Beef, in the shape of 200+ steaks. *drool*

There were people from two groups here (not including FVJ), Grace City Relief, a church based group from Chiba and another group that GCR have some sort of connection to, Help Tohoku (in Japanese). There were a lot of high school kids from an International High School with them. It’s been AGES since I’ve talked to foreign teenagers, I forgot how funny they are. In some ways they seem more mature than their Japanese counterparts, in others ways less so, but they are just as amusing.

As we would just be frying steak, there was very little in the way of preparation to be done. Once the tent was up and BBQ in place, we had nothing to do, so helped out where we could.

These are pretty typical Japanese Yo-yo’s, often found at festivals.

They are small water filled balloons with some elastic attached to the end. You make a loop in the elastic and put your finger through, and bounce it like a balloon.

You put the water into the balloon using the pump, then fill it with air. There you attack a small pink clasp and some elastic to it and then you’re done.

Of course, this is assuming you don’t get distracted by the huge temptation of spraying someone with water.

There was also a small raised area, upon which two drums were placed. Two girls would be playing the drums, as well as a very cool old man, who could dance while playing the drums.

I had a go as well, and failed miserably. But it was still fun!

At around 3:30 Chiyomi and Michi had to go, so we dropped them back at the University, bought some cold drinks and returned.

There were a few people around, and there was a slight smell of steak in the air.

We had talked earlier about how best to serve the steak. We had agreed that it should be cut up, and we were going to skewer it and give it out that way, but we hadn’t decided how to cut the steak up.

So John had done a trial run. It was apparently not that easy to cut up the raw steak, but it was very easy to cut the cooked one, so that’s what we decided to do.

The system would be:

John fries the steak
He gives it to me and I cut it up.
I give it to CKD, who would put skewer them.
A-chan would dip them in the sauce and pack them
Micah (17-year-old American from Chiba) would help A-chan with the packaging, as well as constantly fanning the area to keep flies away.

That last job sounds kind of dumb, but there was an immense amount of flies. I don’t think any other stand had the fly problem we did. Which just goes to show how tasty our steak was!

All the while, Mike would be taking photos and just doing other stuff, I can’t be sure, because I was busy, but I’m sure he did something!

Before things got heated, we took a group photo.

On an unrelated note, I really like the Aussie Beef logo. If you haven’t noticed, it’s a big A, but the centre of the A is a map of Australia. Very nice.

Our steak was very popular. So much so that we had to stop serving it after 30 minutes, so that those who were going to come a bit later would also be able to have some.

I took this opportunity to wander around a bit. There was another group who came to play some music, although I have no idea where they were from .

I also went to see how the Yo-yo’s were coming along, and they seemed to be very popular indeed. I played with the kids a little bit, which was very fun. I ended up having a small water fight with one of them, but he was some sort of ninja genius, as he would sneak up on me and get me whenever my back was turned.

I’m so used to playing with young kids now, it’s so fun. I’m going to try and spend a bit more time doing that, if I can.

Others were less naughty.

Mike and I made a quick trip into town, to pick up two other people.

They had been volunteering with Peace Boat. I had got in contact with one of them through Twitter, and they also wanted to see what we were doing.

When we got back, the steak frying had restarted. And there was a very long queue (LINE) for it!

Most of the other food stalls had run out, but because of our break in the middle, we were the last ones left serving food. The drumming was really good, and we couldn’t help but dance a bit while we worked. Much the amusement of the people in line, some of whom joined in a little.

While I cut up meat, I chatted with the people in line, who were very friendly!

I’ve mentioned it before, but I live in Osaka. The people there are known for being friendly, and speak in a dialect which is easily identifiable (many famous comedians are from Osaka). Not only that, the way they speak is very casual and maybe a bit rough sometimes. I learnt Japanese from speaking to people, and since I live in Osaka, my Japanese is heavily tinged with Osaka-ben (dialect).

So to the old women queuing up, it was very amusing to see this foreigner dancing around cutting up steak, while making jokes and flirting with the 70-year-old grandmothers. A typical Osakan!

Eventually we ran out of food, but we made it so that everyone in the line was able to have some. Actually, most of the people at the end of the line were volunteers, one of whom was from Megumi, someone who I had met on my second day in Ishinomaki.

The BBQ had been a big hit. It was actually kind of a test run, to see how it would go down. I think there’ll be more Aussie Beef BBQ’s in the future, and I’m looking forward to helping out again.

I took a lot of nice videos at the festival, but as I have no access to a proper internet connection at the moment, uploading them isn’t currently viable. But when I can, I will!

After everything was tidied, we left and attempted to go and take a bath at the Sento, but they were about to close, and wouldn’t let us go in (even for a quick shower! *stingy*).

It was around 9pm by now, and we were hot, sweaty, sunburnt, hungry (the steak was superrrrrr popular. No left overs!), and had nowhere to bathe.

So we did the only sensible thing to do in that situation, and went to McDonalds.

While we were waiting for our order, someone called my name.

It was George-san, who I had done Photo Cleaning with. We chatted for a bit and caught up on recent happenings. He was now working on a different project, but told me that the photo cleaning was still going on, although they often lack people.

A-chan showed an interest in the photo cleaning, so I told her that I would take her and CKD (they come as a set) there the next day.

As we left maccas (McDonalds), I thought about some of the people I’ve met here.

In one day, I had seen three people who I hadn’t seen for quite a while. I’ve been here long enough that I can now greet people with 久しぶり！- Hisashiburi (long time no see!) and mean it.

Which is kind of nice.

Poster Bio: Jamie El-Banna
Jamie first took a trip up to Miyagi prefecture for volunteering towards the end of May 2011. The trip left a deep impression on him. Shortly after returning to work in Osaka, he made the dramatic decision to resign from his job to become a full-time volunteer from June. Since then, he's been building up a small-scale volunteer network based out of the tent camp on the Senshu University campus in Ishinomaki. He's been an active member of Foreign Volunteers Japan, and has contributed immensely to the group's discussions on Facebook. If you are interested in DIY volunteering, than please visit his blog and consider joining his crew.

Time to plant those seeds.

2011-07-13T21:54:00.000+09:00

* Entry written by Dru Taylor

Dave Enright, who held a fundraiser and bought this tractor, posing with his son after a job well done.

I dont normally write stuff like this but this story is lovely. A couple of weeks ago we put an advert up in the BCCJ "We Care Japan" website for a tractor to help the people start growing their own fruit and vegetables in Minamisanriku AND within a few days a total stranger Dave Enright and his lovely family Mariko Sage and Airi from Hakuba answered to say they had organised a fundraising reggae event.

Using the money they raised from the event, they went right out and bought a tractor which they delivered last week to OGA who are doing amazing things. After 2 days of talking and organizing with a lovely guy from the Joyful Honda home centre ( he worked all day thursday helping us even though it was his day off ) my wife Kyoko got a unbelievable price.

On Saturday (actually 2 o`clock sunday morning as it became another epic journey/day) we managed to deliver 1400 seedlings to OGA for AID, 500 tomatoes, 500 peppers, 300 okra and 100 aubergine seedlings, along with the tools and poles for the tomatoes.

We started planting on Sunday morning before having to leave to get the rental truck back to Chiba and now Peter of OGA, and the local people have been planting the rest.

This story is the start of something fantastic in the rebuilding of Minamisanriku to get the people working making money but mostly seeing a future. Many people have worked hard to make this happen so I bow my head and thankyou all.

Announcing the FVJ Community Forums

2011-07-09T02:37:00.006+09:00

I'd like to take this opportunity to announce the Foreign Volunteers Community Forums. Although created by Max Hodges a little while ago, I have to admit that I've been a little slow on the ball to promote and encourage discussion on the Forums.

Although most of the FVJ discussions have been taking place via Facebook, there is a lot of information that gets regularly buried under newer threads. That is why the FVJ Discussion Forums have been designed from the ground up to provide a much easier system to interact, plan and organize activities.

These forums are designed to be a friendly and valuable place for like-minded people interested in playing a role in Japan's disaster recovery efforts to share ideas and opportunities and get connected to and inspired by others.

FVJ Community Forums run on a brand new platform with some snazzy features. We think the design and functionality is very contemporary and fresh and, most important, it feels more social than other systems. A few of the many cutting-edge features include:

-Social Engagement - An intuitive "like" system makes users feel appreciated for their contributions, while integration with Facebook and twitter allows easy registration and sharing.

-Recent Activity Stream - Allow you to easily see all the recent happenings on the forum, beyond just the messages posted. You can follow other members to get your own personalized news feed showing the content you want to see.

-Alerts - Make it easy for you to stay up-to-date with relevant updates. You'll receive alerts when someone quotes your post or responds to a status update, when you receive a new trophy, and more.

-Private Conversations - are like private threads. Nobody can see your private conversation, not even the administrator. Now here is the cool part; you can invite as many people to your conversation as you like, sort of like three way calling. Go here to start a conversation or click on a persons avatar to invite them to converse. Or access conversations from your inbox above. You can also invite in more people from the conversation thread (you will see the Invite More link over on the right hand side of the conversation).

We look forward to your participation in making the FVJ Community Forums the most valuable destination possible for Tohoku relief volunteers.

You can register with your Facebook account:
http://whiterabbitpress.com/fvj/index.php

Saving up for a Tractor for Minamisanriku.

2011-06-29T00:18:00.001+09:00

Foreign Volunteers Japan member, and regular contributor to the disaster relief efforts in Minamisanriku, Dru Taylor has spotted a great find. He says that he's "trying to buy this tractor or something similar so we can get people growing their own fruit and veg in and around Minamisanriku with OGA for AID. We can really make a huge difference with a tractor like this. Any offers ? especially for funding ." He said he's "willing to drive it at a sponsered rate per KM to raise funds to take it to its final destination after purchase."

He said that the tractor will go to be used on "land suitable for farming but not being used at the moment (in Minami-Sanriku) that has been offered for use." OGA for AID is a phenomenal project set up in Minami-Sanriku and organized by the Ortiz family who have expanded a wide disaster relief and charity network centered around the Ortiz International School.

As the tractor is up for auction, there is a chance that it could sell quickly, so we'll need to act quickly to raise funds. The tractor is up for auction in Japan for 998,000 yen (Approx $8000 USD or 5000 pounds.) , which should be manageable if enough people are interested in this project. If you are interested in helping acquire a tractor for the people of Minamisanriku, please contact us at foreignvolunteersjapan (at) gmail.com, and we will get you in touch with Dru and the team at OGA for AID soon after.

Great idea Dru! Hope we can help you pick up the tractor!

Back to Rikuzentakata

2011-06-21T13:11:00.005+09:00

* Written by Rob Keyworth

Rikuzentakata in mid-May a photo by Foreign Volunteers Japan on Flickr.

Well, it's been nearly two months since our last trip north and today Andy and I took advantage of the last day of the JR special pass and headed north to Tohoku. It was a long but ultimately rewarding day - up at 4, home at midnight and in the middle we'd managed to drop off 1.5 tons of food to where it was needed. But as ever that doesn't begin to explain the journey we had.

We've been planning this trip for a few weeks but had a number of difficulties in arranging the fresh food that we wanted. Our previous suppliers were unable to provide the size of order that we needed and they introduced us to a wholesalers who were happy to provide what we needed but we were unable to provide the documentation in time. And in the end we spoke to the Amazing Paul Yoo of 'The Fruit Tree Project' (http://volunteerakita.org/) and he introduced us to a supplier in Kesennuma who was only too happy to provide us with 250,000 yen's worth of fresh produce. So Andy and I set off this morning to Ichinoseki on the brilliant JR pass (10,000 yen day trip, ends today - why?) where we picked up the truck and headed to Kesennuma.

Our supplier was simply superb and had our entire order ready to be picked up when we turned up at around 11am and had most of his staff ready to load up the truck for us. A short time later we had 250,000 yen's worth of carrots, potatoes, onions, daikon, leeks, oranges and apples loaded on the truck and we were nearly ready to go. There was a slight delay as the owner then raced around the store to get some supplies for the drivers. After looking at us he decided we had way too much healthy food in the truck so he came back with a bag full of chocolate, crisps and a couple of bottles of water and we were on our way - what a star!

On the drive in to Kesennuma I again realized what I've missed over the past 15 years. The area was, and in many places, stunning. Beautiful mountains, beautiful country scenes. Idyllic.

250,000 yen worth of fruit and vegetables bound for Rikuzentakata.

We drove the few extra kilometres into Kesennuma and Andy wondered if there was a race track nearby as there was a smell that was very strong smell in the area. It took us a while to realise that that was actually the smell of the town. The smell of rotting houses, rotting fish, rotting everything.

The last time I was in Kesennuma we skirted around the most devastated areas and this time we had to drive right through it. What was surprising was that although the majority of the ships that had been stranded ashore had been moved, the homes and businesses looked very similar to what we had first season at the end of March. It was as though they'd been forgotten.

The major difference between now and then was the temperature. My first visit to Kesennuma and it was trying to snow. Today it was 30 degrees. Which creates a whole new set of problems.

Our initial plan was to drive from Kesennuma to Rikuzentakata and drop off aid at the temporary housing. However, for whatever reason we were unable to find the temporary houses and ended up in Rikuzentakata.

A bit lost, a bit confused, but also genuinely stunned. On my last visit there was 7-8 km of devastation and I genuinely thought that it would take years to clean up. If you haven't been there, it's difficult to explain the current situation but there has been massive progress; There are mountains of wood, steel, rubber. A field with hundreds (thousands?) of cars that have been destroyed but all put together. It's almost unrecognizable from the fields of devastation from two short months ago. It's still bad. It's still very, very bad. But on the surface at least, it is improving. We went looking for shelters/temporary housing where we could deliver our supplies. We dropped off at a couple before heading to the main distribution center who gladly took what we had left. It was unfortunate that we were unable to deliver directly to the temporary housing but due to time constraints this was simply impossible. We did manage to deliver 1.5 tons of food for which the people were very grateful.

As ever, there are many people to thank for making this happen.

IFG for donating some of the money raised from the Futsal tournament. And everyone who attended.

The Black Lion and all of it's customers who supported the Big Iwate Drive and the Books sales.
Paul Yoo for the introduction and his supplier for making it happen.

Thank you for your support. And please keep helping us and everybody else that is trying to help.

NPO: ON THE ROAD with FRIENDS- Looking for volunteers

2011-06-11T14:35:00.001+09:00

The volunteer rate up in Tohoku has fallen quite dramatically following Golden Week. That was expected of course, but the sharp decline has left some serious manpower shortages for various projects. During Golden Week (May 2nd-8th) there were 54,100 volunteers up in Tohoku, yet only 24,100 volunteers for the week ending June 5 -- a drop of nearly 45%. As a result, I will begin profiling various NGOs looking for volunteers over the next couple weeks. Feel free to post about others in the comments section.

This week's entry is about an interesting volunteer organization based up in Ishinomaki.

The group is called ON THE ROAD with FRIENDS. They are a Japanese NPO that seems to fall somewhere between Peace Boat and ALL HANDS in regards to their operational structure, and how they manage their volunteer teams. Before taking up the Tohoku cause, ON THE ROAD had set up school building, charity and food distribution projects in India and Jamaica, and their experience shows in how they've managed to set-up and scale-up their operations in Ishinomaki.

Their general project focus includes “cleaning fallen furniture due to the earthquake, as well as mud and debris that flowed into houses from the tsunami, preparing meals at the evacuation centers, and organizing and delivering relief goods…. Although participation for a long time would be preferable, even participation on the weekend or for a week would be okay.”

ON THE ROAD’s chief director, Ayumu Takahashi says that “Aid activities do not require a showy performance and demonstrations. All we have to do is to continue doing what we are requested to do silently and consistently on the spot. We are waiting for the volunteers who can work with us together with such a strong will.”

Volunteers with them are to camp out in the `volunteer village` that they have set-up on a camp ground near Tajiri station, in Osaki city, Miyagi prefecture.

Here is a YouTube video detailing some of the work that ON THE ROAD has been doing:

Their webpage is up at: http://saigaishien.jp/ (for a regularly updated Japanese version) and http://saigaishien.jp/en/ (for the less-updated English version.)

Please apply via e-mail after reading the volunteer application guide below and agreeing to it. As we have to have some dialog by e-mail, apply with a margin of several days before your departure.
After arrangements by the administrative office, we will report the duration when you can participate, guide for the volunteer activities, how to access the site, and other information via an e-mail within 24 hours. Please take a good look at it.
Please make arrangements for transportation by yourself, and let us know the arrival date and time via e-mail.
When you arrive at the site, you will start the volunteer activities after receiving an orientation and signing a letter of intent.

*Depending on the situation in the disaster area, the period may be extended.

Though there is no limitation to the number of days of participation, the persons who can participate for longer periods are prioritized in principle.
First, apply with the information on the dates you want to participate.
After adjustment, we will inform you about the dates you can participate via e-mail.

*In addition, clerical work, jobs related to the operation of the volunteer village, and other tasks.

For further details on how to apply, including the contact email address, please visit their English page directly, at http://saigaishien.jp/en/

55% of donations not reaching victims in Japan

2011-06-10T01:45:00.000+09:00

Less than half of the more than 80 billion yen in disaster-relief donations already sent to prefectures affected by the March 11 quake and tsunami has reached the hands of people waiting for urgently needed cash to rebuild their shattered lives, it has been learned.

Although a committee tasked with distributing cash donations to survivors of the Great East Japan Earthquake has decided how to hand out the second batch of payments, only 45 percent of the money already sent to 15 affected prefectural governments has reached people's pockets. The slow progress in the distribution of donations is largely seen as due to the loss of family registries and residents' certificates in the tsunami, as well as a lack of staff in the affected areas.

Earthquake survivors are counting on these funds to buy the cars, refrigerators and other goods needed to put their lives back on track. They also need money to secure jobs and places to live.
According to the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry about 82.3 billion yen has been sent to 15 prefectural governments by the four organizations involved in the committee in charge of donation distribution. Only about 37 billion yen, or 45 percent, has reached the disaster survivors.

The donation panel comprises the Japan Red Cross Society, Central Community Chest of Japan, NHK and the NHK Public Welfare Organization, in addition to the 15 prefectures.

According to the Miyagi prefectural government, 33.1 billion yen in donations sent by the committee was disbursed to 34 city, town and village offices as of Monday. The municipalities, however, have paid out only about 9.3 billion yen, or 28 percent, as of Friday.

"We lost our car in the tsunami and we can't buy a new one to get on with our lives without money. I hope the donation money arrives as soon as possible," said a 64-year-old unemployed man who is living at a shelter in Higashi-Matsushima.

The prefecture's social welfare section said many municipalities lost their family and resident registries in the tsunami. Without these documents, it is difficult to decide who is entitled to a share of the donations. "The quake left us with a ton of clerical work, and we're short of staff who can handle making donation payments," one official said.

To be paid, a person needs a disaster victim certificate. To get a certificate, one must undergo an inspection. The problem is that there is not enough staff to handle the issuing of the certificates, which has severely slowed up distribution of the donation money.

The Tagajo city government said staff shortages mean it takes at least one week to issue a certificate. But even after a person gets a disaster victim certificate, the city said it takes even more time for them to get paid.

Tagajo resident Ayako Hirayama, 57, visited the city office Saturday to apply for a certificate. She lives in an apartment with her husband and her son's family because their house was flooded by the tsunami. They have no refrigerator, so they have to go shopping nearly every day. She said having a place to store food would be a big help, but a city official told her the donations would not be distributed for about a month.

"Without money I'm just wilting with worry. We're really having to tap our savings, so I'd like to get the donations as soon as possible," she said.

In Fukushima Prefecture, the distribution rate is 61 percent, much higher than Miyagi. The prefecture has received about 35 billion yen and quake-hit residents have been paid about 21.5 billion yen.

"We sent a staff member to each of three municipalities for a week in late April to make progress on handing out disaster donations," a prefectural official in charge said.

The distribution rate in Iwate Prefecture is about 47 percent. Out of about 10.2 billion yen, about 4.9 billion yen has made its way to disaster survivors. The prefecture said it has sent 44 officials, including workers from other prefectures, to five cities and towns that had especially serious damage in the tsunami to pave the way for smooth distribution of funds.

"Gradually, we've been able to create an environment where we can make payments easily," a prefectural official in charge said.

Meanwhile, some disaster victims have complained about a large gap in the first round of payments. People were eligible for 350,000 yen if their residence was totally destroyed by tsunami or fire, while only 180,000 yen was available for residences that were half destroyed or half-burnt.
Masakatsu Yamazaki, a 70-year-old fisherman from Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture, said the distinction biased. "A lot of houses that were 'half-destroyed' can't be lived in. Treating totally destroyed houses and half-wrecked homes differently isn't fair," he said.

above reprinted from the June 8 Daily Yomuiri Japanese Newspaper

Volunteering -- Safety Precautions

2011-05-24T00:55:00.004+09:00

Got a call from Damian Penston this morning, who is concerned that many groups doing clean-up work in the affected areas may not be conscious of health risks associated with asbestos and other contaminants they are likely to be exposed to if working near destroyed buildings, etc.

This is a reminder that if you are volunteering in a disaster zone, it is imperative that you take responsibility for conducting your own thorough research on the health risks associated with the work you will be doing, assessing the dangers, and taking appropriate precautions.

That said, here are a few recommendations gathered from different sources.

1. If you are near broken buildings and there is any risk of asbestos dust, please wear a dusk mask with at least an N95 rating. HEPA filter masks are best. Here is an article that touches on the risks.

2. Depending on the conditions where you are working, there may be broken glass, exposed rusty nails, and other hazardous debris. Please consider obtaining boots with steel toes. It is also possible to purchase metal insoles to insert in the bottom of your boots to prevent puncture. If your boots are rubber rather than leather, remember that a nail can still puncture the side of the boot and watch where you step.

3. A tentanus shot booster is recommended. Even a small cut or wound can lead to tetanus.

4. Even if you are just clearing mud in fields and not working around a lot of debris, I recommend rubber or leather gloves over cotton ones. The dust goes right through cotton gloves and will desiccate and irritate your hands over time.

5. Other recommended items include helmets, goggles (especially if you wear contacts), long sleeve rain gear, towels (worn around the neck), whistles (for summoning help in an emergency), etc. This link (Japanese) illustrates guidelines for outfitting yourself. Once again, you must decided how much of this gear is appropriate to the conditions in the area where you are working.

http://www.rsy-nagoya.com/rsy/common/pdf/suigai-manual.pdf

6. When you finish working, it is always recommended that you wash up thoroughly and gargle.

Here is a link to one source of affordable safety gear (thanks, Sandi!):

http://www.workman.co.jp/catalog/_SWF_Window.html?mode=1062

5/23 - This just in from Damien:
http://www.maacenter.org/asbestos/abatement/diy-abatement.php
"It is also important to note that individuals with facial hair should not participate in asbestos removal, as protective gear may not fit properly and potentially expose them to loose particles."

Charity Futsal Cup

2011-05-21T11:45:00.001+09:00

5-A-Side Charity Football, Friday June 10th with all proceeds going to Foreign Volunteers Japan to support the Tohoku Relief Effort.

Tournament hosted and sponsored by IFG Asia Limited and Footniks.

Date : Friday June 10th from 6pm – 10pm

Venue : Think Park Futsal Court, Osaki Station. Near Footniks in Osaki

Teams : 8 Teams of 5 people with subs (one female per team)

Games : Minimum 4 games for each participating team

Entry Fee : Y3,000 per player

Awards Ceremony and Prize Draw at Footniks after the Event

Prize Draw includes fabulous prizes including sports gear, meal vouchers, a case of beer and bottles of wine

Footniks will donate Y200 to FVJ for each drink purchased

Spectators very welcome.
Full poster after the jump:

Volunteering in Iwanuma

2011-05-15T23:44:00.005+09:00

Here is some more specific information about volunteering in Iwanuma, where our team spent a week clearing mud during Golden Week.

The Iwanuma VC is very welcoming to international volunteers and there were staff members who spoke some English. Here is the essential volunteering information and FAQ (scroll down for English.)

Much of the work clearing mud from homes is finished in Iwanuma, but people still need help clearing their fields and gardens. The 2 cm crust of sludge must be removed with shovels and wheelbarrows and piled near the road so that it can be trucked away. Even after the sludge is gone, it will take several seasons for the rain to flush out enough salt from the soil for crops to be grown.

Recently, there are approximately 150-300 volunteers per day. Most work clearing mud and debris. Other activities include helping evacuees move into temporary housing, sorting supplies, washing photographs, etc. Job matching takes place in the morning beginning at 8:30, and once again in the afternoon. It is possible to volunteer for full or half days.

Access

Here is the location of the Iwanuma VC.

Trains to Iwanuma are running. It is a 20 minute walk to the VC from the Iwanuma train station. The train takes around 23 minutes from Sendai station. Shinkansen and air access to Sendai has also been restored. There are a number of Youth Hostels in Sendai if you wish to commute from there, but we recommend staying in Iwanuma. It is roughly a 40 minute drive to Iwanuma from Sendai.

Accommodations

There is a park next to the VC where volunteers can camp, and volunteers are also welcome to sleep in their vehicles in the VC parking lot. There is a restroom and tap in the park, and information posted on nearby bathhouses. It is useful to have a car to get to the bathhouses, but if you are coming by train you can probably gang up with fellow volunteers to get a ride to the baths.

The Hotel Harada has rooms for 6000 yen per night, Internet and parking included, and is a 20 minute walk from the VC.

ホテル原田 Hotel Harada

〒989-2442　宮城県岩沼市大手町3-18

Miyagi-ken Iwanuma-shi Otecho 3-18

TEL 0223(24)2525（代)

FAX 0223(24)6761

The Momokou Ryokan (桃幸) has rooms for 5000 yen per night. It has a small parking lot. It is a 20 minute walk to the VC.

宮城県岩沼市中央一丁目1番1号
Miyagi-ken Iwanuma-shi Nakao 1-chome 1-1

■TEL： 0223-24-1101

Please see the previous post for information regarding insurance, gear, etc.

Tohoku Needs Volunteer Help Now!

2011-05-15T22:02:00.006+09:00

Clean-up crew in Iwanuma breaks for lunch, including FVJ members Jade, Sandi, Rajesh, and Camellia.

The Golden Week rush is over and volunteer numbers have dropped off steeply, but there remains a lot of work to do in the tsunami-affected zones in Tohoku.　If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to get involved, this is the time!

Much of the work consists of clearing debris and sludge left behind by the tsunami. The tsunami has left a 2-3 cm crust of sludge on everything it touched. The SDF has cleared roads and public areas, but private property such as homes and fields must be cleared by hand, with shovels and wheelbarrows. The sludge and debris is piled near roads, and power shovels and dump trucks will later come to collect the piles. When it is too dry, the sludge turns to dust, crumbling and spreading and filling the air. Too wet and it becomes mucky and heavy. For that reason, it is imperative that as much sludge as possible is removed in the next few weeks, before the rainy season arrives, followed by the summer heat.

What to bring:

1) Volunteer Insurance (fukushi hoken) http://www.fukushihoken.co.jp/

Volunteer insurance not only covers medical care if you are injured while volunteering, it also covers costs if you damage someone else’s property or cause someone else to be injured. It is very affordable, ranging from around 500 to 1500 yen for 1 year’s coverage. Be sure to get natural disaster (saigai) coverage. You can acquire it at your nearest branch of the Japan National Council of Social Welfare.

2) Gear – If you are shoveling sludge and removing debris, you’ll need rubber boots and leather or rubber gloves and some good dust masks (a rating of N95 is recommended.) If you wear contacts, be sure to bring safety goggles. Boots with steel toes and/or metal insoles to prevent puncture injuries are best, depending on the environment in which you’ll be volunteering. If possible, find out as much as possible about the specific conditions where you will be working.

Other recommended materials include: shovels, buckets, towels, hat or helmets, long sleeves, long pants, rain gear.

3) Food, water and gasoline – in the early weeks following the disaster, volunteers were encouraged to bring all of their own provisions so as not to burden local supplies of food and gasoline. In most areas, this is no longer necessary, and buying food and water locally is in fact better for local businesses. You should pack a lunch each day when volunteering, though sometimes there is free food available for volunteers that is contributed by independent charities.

Etiquette:

1. Be discreet about taking pictures. Do not take pictures of disaster victims, evacuation centers, and private property.

2. When in doubt, err on the side of maintaining a solemn demeanor. You may be in the presence of people who have lost their loved ones, homes, livelihood, etc.

3. When in doubt, inquire before throwing things away. Letters and photographs can be collected for restoration by the owner or at the VC.

Where to go:

A number of Volunteer Centers are once again accepting out-of-prefecture volunteers. This list is current as of 5/13/2011, but be sure to check the VC’s latest information before heading out.

Miyagi

Kessennuma VC

Ishinomaki VC

Iwanuma VC* (some English)

Higashi Matsushima VC

* Tents can be set up in park near VC. Volunteers can sleep in vehicles in parking lot near or opposite VC.

**Tents may be available to borrow.

Fukushima

Soma VC*

Minami Soma VC*

--> 5/17 New website for Minami Soma VC

Shinchi VC*

*out-of-prefecture volunteers are accepted if able to secure local accommodations. Please do not sleep in vehicles or tents.

Iwate

Inquire here for more information:

岩手県社会福祉協議会地域福祉企画部　ボランティア・市民活動センター
Tel：019-637-9711
E-mail：vc-1@iwate-shakyo.or.jp

All Hands Tohoku Project: Hiring Volunteers from May 11th to 17th

2011-05-08T22:00:00.004+09:00

I’ve been up in Ofunato, Iwate for the last two weeks with the All Hands Tohoku Project. I haven’t done many posts about the experience yet, because the group had hit full capacity for their volunteer projects through to the end of the month.

However, All Hands Tohoku Project is now recruiting 10 volunteers for the period of May 11^th through May 17^th.


All Hands Tohoku Project Volunteers working at a box factory hit by the tsunami.

After having worked with them for the last two weeks up here in Ofunato and Rikuzen-Takata, I really have to convey deep appreciation for the amazing work that they have been doing, and highly recommend volunteering with them.

The core focus of their current project involves individual recovery projects focused on local businesses, individual homes, schools and even local government facilities that had been badly damaged by the tsunami. Much of this work involves debris removal, shoveling tsunami sludge, using ropes and pulleys to remove cars that were deposited in strange locations, using carpentry tools to remove floor boards in traditional Japanese homes so that the tsunami sludge can dry out safely, and then using buckets and shovels to clear out that sludge.

There are many more projects underway.

I’ll post much more information tomorrow,

But please consider applying ASAP if any of the above is of interest to you.

Here is a detailed PDF of the All Hands Tohoku outline:

http://media.hands.org/print/documents/2011.project_tohoku/2011.05.06-project_tohoku_documentation.pdf

The application form has been taken offline (since the original capacity of volunteers has been filled – In order to apply, please send an email to

projecttohoku@hands.org

including the following details:

1) Your name

2) When you would be able to volunteer (ideally between May 11^th to 17^th)

(People who can only volunteer for a couple days of this will also be considered.)

3) Your travel plans, and probably arrival time.
4) Where you heard about this opening/How you heard about All Hands.

Further details will be included in a reply email from All Hands: Project Tohoku.

All Hands volunteers during Golden Week

For Japanese volunteers:

ボランティアしたい日本人の方々へ：　

プロジェクト東北はボランティアされたい方の応募も開始いたしました。

One Day in Fukushima

2011-05-05T10:03:00.001+09:00

By Axel Lieber

Please support this petition to the Japanese government to allow animal rescue groups back into the exclusion zone.

On April 21, 2011 I joined Japan-based animal welfare group JEARS (jears.org) on their last rescue mission inside the 20km evacuation zone around the Fukushima 2 nuclear power plant, before the government locked down the area. One of the effects of declaring this evacuation zone and relocating the affected human population to emergency shelters has been mass-scale abandonment of animals. Tens of thousands of farm animals, pets and horses are inside the evacuation zone. Many have been set free by their owners and are roaming the area but others that had been leashed or locked up have perished from dehydration or starvation. Images on the Internet showing dogs that had died in their chains and reports of cats locked up in houses cannibalizing each other had been part of my motivation to come and help. If I could break only one starving dog out of its chains, the trip would be worth it.

Having loaded my car with six cages I have purchased at a DIY store, I drive into the area, observing signs of earthquake damage as well as the beauty of the landscape along the way. The zone consists of lush, rolling hills, gorges with white water rivers, a shoreline that is good for surfing and a few villages. At the edge of the zone, police stop me and take down my details. They do not yet have the legal power or orders to prevent me from entering. They wish me the best of luck when I have explained what I am up to.


These gentlemen from Kanagawa want to know just exactly what I think I am doing here.

Past their road block, traffic is still surprisingly busy. I arrive at the road junction where I was asked to meet Susan Roberts, one of the co-founders of JEARS, with nobody in sight. Getting out of my car, right away I spot a dog that is running around the junction, forcing other cars to slow down. Checking out the area I realize that nobody is home. There are still cars parked in front of some of the houses but nobody is in, and the doors are locked. Following the barking sounds from another dog, I encounter a middle-aged gentleman milling about in a yard. He tells me that this is his second house, a kind of get-away (from the wife?), and he has come back to pick up a few things before it is too late. The barking dog is his. Asked whether he knows who the other dog belongs to, he tells me to feel free to pick it up - clearly the owners have left it to its own devices. He then launches into a tirade about the idiocy of the bureaucrats in the Ministry of Agriculture who are responsible for bringing misery not only to tens of thousands of animals but also, in many cases, to the owners who have not abandoned them happily. Not too sure if he singles out the correct ministry but I can’t argue with the gist of what he is saying.

When I see that the stray dog is heading off down the road, I call it. It stops immediately and without hesitation comes back to where I am. It is friendly and lets me pet it. It is very thin but generally in good health. Its friendly nature takes on an aggressive edge when I bring out the plastic-wrapped lunchbox I have bought from a 7/11 convenience store. The dog makes a spirited attempt at snatching it from me and tearing up the plastic with its teeth before I manage to establish who really is the owner of that box. I feed the hungry guy some pieces of teriyaki chicken and in the process almost feed my fingers along with the chicken.


At the junction, my first pick-up.

At this moment, Susan and her crew arrive in their Toyota Hi-Ace van, a vehicle large enough to hold seven or eight average cages. Susan is an English teacher living in Kansai and running an animal shelter there. She was one of the first animal welfare activists to take action in Fukushima. Rumour has it that she has already rescued one-hundred animals since the beginning of the crisis. The other members of the team are Miho, a girl from Tokyo acting as driver; Stuart, a retired vet from the UK; and Dennis, an animal rescue veteran from California who has come with a group called Kinship Circle to support JEARS. Shaking hands, we have a laugh at the fact that I have already picked up one animal before I am even officially initiated into the business of rescuing animals. The dog clearly likes being picked up. As soon as I open my car's door, it hops in, no invitation extended. It has also tried to hop into another car that had stopped by the road while I was talking to the man who had an axe to grind with those idiot bureaucrats.

And so we head off deeper into the zone, through a tunnel behind which radiation levels measured in earlier days had been drastically higher than in front of it. I slip on my N95 mask now, wondering what the plan is.

You don't need a plan in there. The animals are everywhere. Anyone with a van and a few cages can pick up a half dozen dogs in just a few hours. The time-consuming part is not finding the animals but, in some cases, to catch them. Our most difficult catch of the day is a mixed breed that has been set free but has stayed in front of its owners' house, by its kennel where food has been left. The dog is too distrustful, smart and alert to let itself be caught easily. After almost half an hour of trying to somehow outwit the animal without using force, we decide to leave Stuart, the English vet, alone with the dog and return half an hour later. The idea is that Stuart is the least suspect of our group as he has not participated in our encirclement tactics and is therefore the one with the best chance of building trust with the suspicious fellow. This works, and when we return half an hour later, the dog is in the cage, along with a soccer ball.

In the half hour we have been gone, we pick up three more dogs, including a young dog that first escapes upon our approach but turns around when I call it, and quickly becomes buddies with me. Accordingly, I christen him “Buddy”.

In between catching animals, we see streets broken by the earthquake, power lines that have collapsed and are dangerously hanging down onto the asphalt, and convenience stores that have been boarded up (announcing by handwritten note that they are “Out of operation”.) We see pet food dumped on the street in many places by thoughtful passers-by or animal welfare organizations. We see cows that have been turned loose and are ripping up people’s gardens. We see residents taking their belongings out of their houses, not knowing whether they will ever be allowed back. And although there are indeed people inside the zone, it is largely deserted and has an eerie quiet about it.

This Lawson is "Out of Operation"

A cow that has nothing to complain about.

A damaged bridge. Imagine the force that did this.

When we leave the zone around six o’ clock, we have picked up nine abandoned dogs in varying condition, one cat in very bad shape, and a tenth dog that its owner has phoned JEARS about, giving them an address where the dog could be found. About half the dogs are in excellent shape, the others show various signs of trauma, malnourishment and illness. Some of these things may have nothing to do with the disaster but may stem from lack of care by the owners prior to the troubles.

The Banetsu expressway takes us across the Japanese mainland to the other side of this narrow island, into Niigata City. Isabella Aoki-Galloan, the owner of the shelter there, comes to the parking lot by our hotel to pick up the three dogs in my car (including Buddy). The other animals will have to spend the night and the next morning in the parking lot as shelter is still being constructed to take them in.

Keeping eight animals in a city car park is a major operation in its own right. We spend until 2 o’ clock in the morning feeding, watering and walking the animals, picking up poo, soothing and petting them and reallocating them to more suitably sized cages if we have misallocated them in the chaos of the retrieval operation. I also have to help wrestle down a formidable Akita dog that will not accept its captivity without a fight. When I finally take a shower on my room, I realize that I smell like a pack of stray dogs.

I am up again at seven o’ clock in the morning and spend another four hours with the group and additional members of the Kinship organization lending a hand, taking care of the animals. By now, some of the more stressed and traumatized animals seem to relax a little, bark less and relate more to their captors.

This dog has not been brushed or washed in years,

Car park pow-wow

Finally word comes from the shelter that we can move out. The shelter is thirty kilometers outside the city, located on the foot of Mt Kakuda and surrounded by woodlands and fruit tree plantations. It is an ideal location to be running an animal shelter.

What I see there is astonishing. This is not a small pet hotel but an enormous disaster relief shelter that is now housing three-hundred animals, two-thirds of which are rescued (the other third are guests of the pet hotel business the owner runs and from which the shelter activities were born.) Three large main buildings that used to be barns and other farming facilities have been converted into compartmentalized animal holding structures. More space has been attached to these buildings in the same way winter gardens are attached to houses. Containers normally used to give construction workers a place to have lunch have been converted into holding facilities as well. Quarantine holding has been established in front of the gates (this is where our animals went). A volunteer vet is there to examine arrivals, run quarantine, hygiene and other health routines, and deal with medical problems. Seven full-time staff and a fluctuating number of volunteers who come from many places around the country clean cells, feed the animals, walk the dogs, talk to the cats and repair fences and doors. The noise of three-hundred animals barking, miaowing, complaining or laughing (I guess, even a dog can laugh) is overwhelming. Coming out of the Fukushima twilight zone into this haven of compassion and professionalism, I feel deeply moved.

Isabella, the owner here, takes a minute to chat with me. She looks tired and pale, with deep rings under her eyes. Clearly, at this moment, sleep is a luxury. Running this place is like running a war hospital. She assigns a couple of dogs to me to walk outside the shelter which I gladly do.

Pet hotel rooms

Inside one of the main buildings


The quarantine building

Then I run into Buddy who has just been shampooed (after the vet had examined him for radiological contamination - of which there was very little) and led out to dry by the main gate. When he sees me, he performs a dance of joy that breaks my heart. Living in a Tokyo apartment with both my wife and I in fulltime jobs, I see no way to adopt the little fellow and have to leave him behind in the pandemonium of the sanctuary.

Driving back toward Tokyo, I reflect on two of my life’s most disturbing and yet inspiring days. I feel humbled and ashamed, comparing myself to the people who as early as a month ago have started this animal rescue operation. They are English teachers with little financial means and yet they have done more good than a hundred-thousand other people – myself included. I am deeply disturbed by the prospect of thousands of animals dying or possibly being actively exterminated by a bureaucracy that has yet to publically articulate its rationale for the lockdown of the Fukushima exclusion zone. I have not busted any starving dog out of its chains because we had to act fast and pick up as many of the animals we could see running around in the open, rather than spending hours to look for those animals that are chained and therefore harder to notice. They are still out there, needing a compassionate hand to save them. They will probably never feel the touch of that hand.

Anyone who wants to help can do so by volunteering man hours at the shelters or participating in rescue missions, donating money or adopting an animal. Fukushima is now - for the time being - in complete police lock-down but further up in Tohoku there are many more animals that need help. JEARS and others will now focus their attention in those areas and welcome volunteers, even for just a day.

Please support this petition to the Japanese government to allow animal rescue groups back into the exclusion zone.

Buddy.

Shuji Sets For Tohoku / Local Help

2011-05-01T23:08:00.000+09:00

From Supporting Japan - Nagoya

--------------------------------------------

Shuji Sets are used to practice Kanji

I'm working through HOPE International Development Agency Japan / HOPE Clubs to supply 40 Shuji Sets to the heavily damaged Oshima elementary and junior high schools at their request and am writing to ask for your help. I know that all of you have given a lot already but this is an urgent need I'm hoping we can work together to fill. Each shuji set costs 1980 yen.

Students in a HOPE Club at my Chubu University have raised enough money to buy 10 of the 40 sets needed and I will personally match this by contributing enough for 10 more. That makes 20. We still need 20 additional sets to be at the schools in Oshima by May 23rd.

If you have students, could you consider this to be a possible fund raising project for them? If you don't have students, could you possibly help yourself or share this information with others who might be able to fill this need? Students (and anyone) are welcome to write and include messages of encouragement to send along with their gifts.

The shuji sets can be ordered directly from Amazon at the link I'm providing at the end of this mail. Should you or your students be able to help, please have kits sent to ...

Chuck Sandy
Chubu Univerisity
1200 Matsumoto-cho
Kasugai, Aichi
487-0011

phone: 090-9930-1559...
to arrive no later than May 19th. You can also send messages from yourself or your students to this address as well. If you will be able to help with this, could you please let me know how many kits you (and your students) will be able to provide. Shuji sets might not seem like an essential item, but having enough of them to go around is essential for these schools to get back to classes

Shuji set from Amazon:

A link to one of the schools on Oshima whose students will receive these sets:

http://www.k-macs.ne.jp/~osim-s13/

If you're not able to help, please don't feel bad at all. I know that everyone is working in their own ways to do all that they can. Thanks for that and happy rest of GW to you all!

Best!

Chuck

Attention Animal Lovers: Another way to help

2011-05-01T15:55:00.003+09:00

If you have been looking for a way to help the four-legged residents of Tohoku, take a look at the website of JEARS:

http://jears.org/

According to their site,

Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support (JEARS) is a collaboration of three established and registered no kill animal rescue NPOs in Japan.
The intention behind the creation of JEARS is to coordinate rescue and support efforts for animals in crisis due to the March 11 Earthquake and Tsunami in Northern Japan.

You can donate directly on the page, and there is information about volunteer opportunities. You can also get information about adopting or fostering animals.

Hope International Development Agency - Oshima Island

2011-04-30T17:03:00.002+09:00

This is an excerpt from a field report gathered by Hope International Development Agency Japan’s (HOPE-JP) volunteers working on Oshima Island in Miyagi Prefecture. It illustrates how important it is for an organization to continually gather reliable intelligence on the situation in the areas within which they operate. In the short term, this means meeting basic needs, but we can start to make predictions on the long term rebuilding needs of the communities as well by listening carefully to the local people’s concerns, fears, and first hand observations.

Field report from the 27^th of April 2011

Ranta, HOPE-JP volunteer, walked around Oshima talking with local people about their situation and what they might need. An old woman working in a small food shop said that products are beginning to be distributed and she is now able to sell and buy food once again; there is still no beef, pork or chicken available but fish sausages are available, as well as sake and beer. She has heard that supermarkets in Kesennuma will reopen soon and she is hoping to return to near normal eating habits.

An old fisherman reported that after a bit tsunami during the Meiji period which claimed 6 family members his family moved to a higher area of the island and thankfully his home and his family were spared any damage during this tsunami. The island is hoping to produce konbu or wakame (types of seaweed) this year but that squid and octopus fishing will take over five years to return to normalcy. Many fishermen are planning to leave the island to find work in other areas. The beach and port have sunk by 70 centimeters.

Some of these bits of information raise concerns for the long term recovery of Oshima Island, the local economy is based largely on fishing and tourism, and both of these have been very much affected by the events there. Hope Japan, and many other organizations, are working with the local people to find solutions to these and many other problems facing the people of Oshima Island.

Looking for Home Communications Managers for children's homes

2011-04-28T21:49:00.004+09:00

Are you a warm-hearted, motivated and organised individual looking for a way to support your community during this difficult time? Can you guarantee that you will be in Japan for at least one more year?

Smile Kids Japan has partnered with Living Dreams to form Smiles and Dreams: Tohoku Kids’ Project. The intention is to build and continue strong relationships with the 18 childrens’ homes in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima, in order to set up regular fun and interactive volunteer visits for the children at these homes. Although the Tohoku Kids’ Project focuses on these 18 childrens’ homes, our ultimate goal is to have regular visits set up in all orphanages across Japan within the next 3 years. For this, we need you.

Smile Kids Japan and Living Dreams are looking for Home Communications Managers (HCMs). HCM responsibilities will include:

Fostering personal relationships with staff members at a children’s home to establish and maintain regular, long-term visits as frequently as possible, but at least every 3 months.
Conducting needs assessments of the home and acting as a liaison between that home and members of the Tohoku Kids’ Project
Helping distribute items that are donated to children’s homes
Attending events organised by the Tohoku Kids’ Project that take place at the home as often as possible

Our goal is to have two HCMs for each home in an effort to make the workload easier for our HCMs. One HCM will require good Japanese, but both coordinators do not have to speak fluently.

As an HCM you do not have to worry about working alone. Members of the Smile Kids Japan team are always available to take questions and give advice and will also connect the HCM community across the country to offer further support and ideas. Any questions or problems that you encounter can be directed to Smile Kids Japan immediately.

If you are interested in becoming a Home Communications Manager, please download and complete the form below. Please return the form to anna@smilekidsjapan.org.

Children's Home Communications Manager (HCM) Application - Word Document (798KB)

Volunteering in Iwate Prefecture

2011-04-25T04:02:00.003+09:00

Most of the VCs in Iwate are accepting local volunteers only and ask that out-of-town and out-of-prefecture volunteers do not come to Iwate.

Fukushima VC info

2011-04-25T03:43:00.004+09:00

Soma VC in accepts out-of-prefecture volunteers only on Saturdays and holidays. They especially need people with nursing and caregiving qualifications. Activities include sorting aid materials, cooking, caring for the sick and elderly, cleaning up houses, childcare at the evacuation center, and providing companionship for the elderly. During Golden Week, they anticipate that volunteers many not be able to do the type of volunteer work they want to do.

Minami Soma VC cannot accommodate additional volunteers at this time.

Volunteering During Golden Week - Miyagi Prefecture

2011-04-25T03:28:00.006+09:00

Volunteer Centers in Miyagi are bracing themselves for the Golden Week Rush. There is a great deal of concern that the numbers of volunteers will overwhelm the VCs in terms of parking, availability of jobs, etc. If you are thinking about volunteering during Golden Week, if there is any possibility of delaying your activities until after the rush dies down, please consider doing so.
Tohoku will need many volunteers over the upcoming months, and your efforts will be most effective if you schedule them according to the VCs' needs.

Here is a general updates on the status of the four VCs in Miyagi that have been accepting volunteers from outside of the prefecture:

Ishinomaki VC is asking that volunteers coming during Golden Week register in advance.

Watari VC will not accept new volunteers from outside of the prefecture as of 5/1.

Iwanuma VC plans to continue accepting volunteers from outside of the prefecture, but there is great concern about the availability of jobs. The number of volunteers yesterday already climbed from 180 to 280. In the past, volunteers have been turned away at this VC or asked to wait when there has not been enough work to go around. There is also concern about the availability of parking and camping space.

Kessennuma VC asks that larger groups register in advance and asks volunteers to bring extra gasoline in case local supplies are overwhelmed by the rush.

Comprehensive List of Volunteer Opportunities

2011-04-24T11:54:00.001+09:00

* Posted in FVJ by Professor David H. Slater

Below is a list of volunteer opportunities, compiled from your suggestions and my Jochi students' fast net-work. (Thanks to both groups!)

No information on radiation or economics or donation--just volunteering. We hope it is useful to some.

Also, here are some advice from organizers:

Our first step in relief is still to give money; contribute to local organizations; or even to organize food and supply drives yourself where you are. Much of the work esp. up north is still being done by professionals. Let's support them.

But many people want to donate time and energy, esp. up north. That is great, too. But if you go, do NOT go on your own. It might be dangerous, but mostly it probably is a poor use of your time and energy. Go through an organization or group already set up. MOST ACCEPT VOLUNTEERS AS THEY NEED THEM, NOT ALL THE TIME. So, don't just show up; contact them first.

We have tried to find places that foreigners would be able to volunteer at, but of course these are organized to solicit and support Japanese volunteers first. (If you have no Japanese language ability, go with someone else who does; otherwise you will be draining off resources that could be spent other places.)

Remember, there are all sorts of work that needs to be done for all ages and levels of physical strength. But this work is not easy, whether you are cleaning out homes, moving
drift wood, bathing elderly people or cooking 2 meals a day for 500 people. If you are not healthy yourself, get full information on the sort of work expected.

If you go, please keep these in mind:

1. Dress appropriately for the cold.
2. Wear work clothes, including boots and gloves, etc.
3. You should have proper identification and insurance--some places will not accept you unless you do.
4. No picture-taking (no “disaster tourism;” what a term!)
5. For day-work, you are usually expected to supply your own food and water, and toilet paper, etc
6. Be ready to work hard, at least for a while; but be ready to stand around waiting, also. That is part of the deal.
7. Go with others....

It was suggested that you in groups—either groups of friends or better, with some school or work group. This work is stressful and rather shocking esp. if you head up north, and support for the supporters is useful.

Also, it is more likely that people will continue to volunteer again if there is some institutional link, eg., "Smash Tennis Club Relief to Miyagi” or “Hedge Fund Directors’ Collection Agency,” etc. that could organize things where you are and repeat trips to other sites.

Disclaimer: some links might be down or a bit different. And while all of these groups have some at least one recommendation, of course, we cannot guarantee all of the organizations here are working smoothly by the time you read this. Check it out yourself.

Good luck,

dhs

*************************

Some Volunteer Opportunities for Tohoku

This is a clearly incomplete list of volunteer sites, as of April 4, 2011.

Please send updates to d-slater@sophia.ac.jp

Contents: 1. First stops, 2, General info, 3. Foreign groups, 4. Faith-based groups, 5. Other NPO, 6. Facebook groups, 7. Aggregator sites, 8. Social welfare offices, 9. List of city offices.

(Language of the site noted.)

1. FIRST STOPS

Good sites that give you guidelines how, and how not, to volunteer.

Please read these first; English and Japanese

http://www.foreignvolunteersjapan.org/

Foreign Volunteer Japan

https://japanvolunteers.wordpress.com/
Put up by Sarajean Rossitto, who is all over the NPO scene in Japan!

http://www.pippikochi.or.jp/2011/03/post-32.shtml

Similar instructions in Japanese for Tohoku

2. GENERAL INFORMATION, INCLUDING VOLUNTEERING

http://disasterjapan.wordpress.com/
Disaster Japan: a useful clearing-house of information, including on volunteering

Also has a Facebook group of the same name.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Japan-Guide-Consortium-Volunteer-Interpreters-Earthquake-Relief/149712655091836

"Japan Guide Consortium Volunteer Interpreters- Earthquake Relief." Particularly for those with Japanese and English ability

3. KEY SITES FOR FOREIGN ORGANIZATIONS

These three are established organizations in Japan set up for foreign volunteers, little or no Japanese is necessary. (For the vast majority of sites listed here, even if part of the homepage is in English, it would be desirable and maybe necessary for you to speak some Japanese.)

http://www.2hj.org/index.php/

Second Harvest is Japan’s largest foodbank, and they are in full-swing, although now they are stressing donations as the most urgent need. Bilingual

http://www.peaceboat.org/index_j.html

http://www.peaceboat.org/relief/

Peace Boat is now coordinating teams of volunteers to travel to Ishinomaki City as soon as possible to assist in rebuilding the lives of those affected, and particularly to prepare hot meals. Bilingual

http://hands.org/2011/03/29/japan-project-tohoku-announcement/
All Hands is a US-based volunteer non-profit already set up in Ofunato, Iwate: English

4. FAITH-BASED INITIATIVES

Church groups appear to have gotten to the scene very quickly and have organized volunteer groups. Most accept volunteers of all faiths and affiliations.

https://sites.google.com/a/sendai-ymca.org/volunteer_support/home

仙台ＹＭＣＡボランティア支援センター; 東日本大震災支援のため全国YMCAを通して活動するボランティアのコーディネートを行ないます。

YMCA Volunteer Center in Sendai

ttp://www.crashjapan.com/

Christian Relief, Assistance, Support and Hope (CRASH) is a network supporting Christians to do relief work in Japan and around the world, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/crashjapan: English

http://www.caritas.jp/
カリタスジャパンとは、日本カトリック司教協議会の社会司教委員会を構成する一委員会です

Caritas Japan is a committee of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan which cooperates with the activities of the worldwide Catholic Church in the field of relief,
welfare and development.

http://www.lutheranchurchcharities.org/

Lutheran Church Charities; English

http://ja-jp.facebook.com/FBNERJ#!/FBNERJ?sk=wall&filter=2

宗教者災害救援ネットワーク; Faith-based network for Earthquake Relief in Japan: Japanese

http://www.tohokuhelp.com/list_relief.asp
A list of other faith-based groups; not clear how many of them are accepting volunteers: English

5. NPO SITES SPECIFIC TO A PARTICULAR GROUP OF TYPE OF VOLUNTEERING

http://blog.ap.teacup.com/bi-vo/
Volunteers to bring supplies by motorcycle
全国からバイクボランティアの有志が各被災地入りして、小さな声を拾い、きちんとした声にして支援体制を再構成したいと考えています.

http://resemom.jp/article/2011/03/29/1753.html
Homestay for children. Osaka: Japanese; looking for host family for the children made homeless東北地方太平洋沖地震等による被災児童のホームステイ受入れボランティアの募集

http://www.seikatubunka.metro.tokyo.jp/volunteer2/volunteer2.html
Tokyo Volunteers; looking for interpreter for those who can’t speak Japanese.

日本語がわからなくて困っている外国人を助けるための語学ボランティアを募集しています。

http://sites.google.com/site/jgcvolunteers/for_supporters

Japan Guide Consortium, looking for interpreters

http://nikkeiyouth.com/2011/03/26/day-0-and-day-1-in-ishinomaki/

A group of youth volunteers already up and running, doing good work; English

http://www.earthdaymoney.org/topics_dt.php?id=391

Earth Day Money: Calling for Host families for Earthquake Evacuees: English

6. FACEBOOK GROUPS
Facebook has been a important source of updated information, but are sometimes hard to find information in their format. Many of the references on this list were culled from different Facebook pages—many thanks to them! Reading them should give you an idea of the range, tenor and needs of different organization as they evolve. The experiences of different volunteers are often shared on these pages.

http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/home.php?sk=group_178425178871091&ap=1

Tokyo Quake Cleanup, a Facebook group devoted to gathering and circulating information about volunteer work in the Tokyo area.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_160310604024009
About the need and opportunities for English translators: English

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Youthfor311/156551637736665?ref=ts
東北地方太平洋沖地震、被災地復興のためのボランティア支援
Japanese FB page for youth volunteers

http://www.facebook.com/OGAFORAID

東日本大震災救援

Set up by OGA International School in Aomori

http://ja-jp.facebook.com/FBNERJ#!/FBNERJ?sk=wall&filter=2

宗教者災害救援ネットワーク; Faith-based network for Earthquake Relief in Japan: Japanese

7. AGGREGATOR SITES WITH USEFUL LINKS; MOSTLY JAPANESE

http://www.sinsai.info/ushahidi/

このサイトは震災情報をみんなで集め公開しているサイトです。被災地復興を願うボランティアスタッフが運用しています

A general site that brings earthquake, relief and volunteer information; Japanese

http://311.chofu-cw.com/

東日本大震災被災者支援のための調布ボランティア情報を掲載しています。

Useful site of up to date volunteer opportunities

http://volunteerjapan.jp/
東日本大震災におけるボランティア支援プロジェクト-

Volunteer Support Project for Earthquake Disaster in Eastern Japan

http://www.jpn-civil.net/

「東日本大震災　災害ボランティア活動に初めて参加される方へ」基礎事項フォーマットを掲載; Japan Civil Network for Disaster Relief in East Japan: Japanese

http://www.jifh.org/

日本国際飢餓対策機構（Japan International Food for the Hungry: 略してJIFH）は、非営利の民間国際協力団体（NGO）です。

http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkvnet/spots/_volunteer.html

NHK’s portal; points out the importance of volunteers being insured; in Japanese

8. SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICES

This appears to be the biggest single volume of volunteers? Due to the huge destruction, in many cases they were not up early, organized or ready to accept volunteers. They seem to be ready now, although not all are accepting volunteers when this list was compiled. But be sure to call first—do not just show up! All in Japanese unless otherwise noted.

http://blog.goo.ne.jp/vc00000

全社協　被災地支援・災害ボランティア情報

National Volunteer Information Network

http://www.tvac.or.jp/tuna/21011.html

東京都では、このたびの東北地方太平洋沖地震による被災地の方々へ送る救援物資を都民から集めております

Tokyo Bureau of Social Welfare and Public Health: Bilingual in parts

http://www.fukushimakenshakyo.or.jp/frame/saigaibokin.htm

社会福祉法人福島県社会福祉協議会では、災害ボランティア活動のための支援資金を募集しております。皆様の温かい善意をお待ちしております。

Fukushima Disaster Volunteer Center

Their blog: http://ameblo.jp/pref-f-svc/

http://www.city.iwaki.fukushima.jp/topics/010548.html
いわき市災害救援ボランティアセンターでボランティア募集。いわき市内在住の方、避難所での支援物資の受け入れ作業です

Iwaki City volunteer center: A volunteer helping out the procedures of receiving supplies.

http://minamisouma.hida-ch.com/
Minami-souma volunteer center
① 引越手伝い　－　ひまわりデイサービスセンターを避難所として開設します。その準備のため、引越しの手伝いをお願いします。
<volunteer to help out moving out>
② 在宅者確認手伝い　－　鹿島区在住で在宅の高齢者等の安否確認をしております。地域の民生委員さんとペアで安否確認で訪問していただきます。
<finding alive elderly – working in pair with the area’s welfare commissioner>

http://msv3151.c-bosai.jp/

宮城県災害ボランティアセンターは、市区町村災害ボランティアセンターの運営支援と情報提供を行う協働型の組織です

Miyagi Disaster Volunteer Center

http://www.miyagi-sfk.net/

宮城県災害ボランティアセンター
宮城県災害ボランティアセンターを設置し、情報を収集しております。なお、一部の市区町村でも災害ボランティアセンターが設置されています。

Miyagi Social Welfare

http://www.shakyo-sendai.or.jp/

地域で活動する地区社協、民生委員児童委員、NPO、ボランティア団体等と連携・協働して、「だれもが安心して暮らすことができる福祉のまちづくり」を推進しています。

Sendai Social Welfare Counsel

http://www.hachinohe-shakyo.or.jp/

Hachinohe Social Welfare

http://www.iwate-shakyo.or.jp/

Iwate Counsel of Social Welfare

http://misawa-shakyo.jp/

Disaster Volunteer Center Misawa

http://awshakyo.exblog.jp:80/

Disaster Volunteer Center, Aizu-Wakamatsu

http://www.joso-shakyo.jp/
Joso City Center disaster

http://www.mito-syakyo.or.jp/
Disaster Volunteer Center, Mito City

http://www.ibaraki-welfare.or.jp/

Disaster Volunteer Center Ibaraki

http://chiba-saigai-vc.info/

Disaster Volunteer Center Chiba

http://urayasu-shakyo.sakura.ne.jp/

Disaster Volunteer Center Urayasu

http://www5.plala.or.jp/asahishi-syakyo/saigaiborannvorasen.html

Disaster Volunteer Center, Asahi City

http://www.abiko-shakyo.com/

Disaster Volunteer Center Abiko

http://www.pref.kanagawa.jp/osirase/02/0051/saigai-v/index.html

Kanagawa Volunteer Support Center Citizens

9. List of city groups accepting volunteers (no net access; just telephone numbers)

http://49981367.at.webry.info/201103/article_6.html

Foreign Volunteers Japan

Guest Post: Micah of HANDS Kitakami

Vol Projects: Aid Distribution #1: The Warehouse

List of Tohoku Initiatives

Holiday Volunteering (Part 1)

Volunteer in Ishinomaki with "It's Not Just Mud"

* The following is an excellent editorial piece on a volunteering experience with the It's Not Just Mud group, written by Brent Danley Jones, posted with permission.

Tohoku Planning Forum #2

BBC Interviews It's Not Just Mud project

The It's Not Just Mud project is certainly my first recommendation now for people wanting to head up to volunteer in Tohoku. Please check out the video at the following BBC New Link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-16377120

For more information on the INJM project, please visit the webpage www.itsnotjustmud.com

I will be writing a follow up post on my latest stay with the group, and will also be doing some posts on local businesses that they've helped get back on their feet over the last several months.

Cheers.

Ishinomaki Case Study: Recovery of Maruka Pro Fish Shop

We Will Always Remember You

Please fill in the Survey on tokyo hazard vulnerability and preparation

Please fill in the Survey on tokyo hazard vulnerability and preparation

東京の災害に対する脆弱性とその防災意識調査

東京の災害に対する脆弱性とその防災意識調査

It's Not Just Mud

F.U.E – Frequently Used Excuses

Foreign Volunteers Japan - Face To Face

Foreign Volunteers Japan - Face To Face

Collating listing of NPO/NGOs focused on longterm Tohoku Recovery.

Sarajean Rossitto of JapanVolunteers is currently compiling an updated listing of organizations focused on the longterm relief and recovery of the Tohoku region.

She is compiling the list on her JapanVolunteers NGO advisory blog, under the heading "Your help needed - Tohoku relief and recovery org listing."I have taken the liberty of reposting the tentative listing here as well.

If you see any missing links, or any other groups that you feel should be included. Please feel free to comment directly on her blog, or to post your comments here and I will share them with her.

Please send the names of the organizations in English and Japanese if possible, and include any relevant links to their webpage, or a bio of their activities if available.

The tentative list is as follows:

Romeo for Tohoku (Aroma Rich Juliet contest – I need your vote!)

Posted on behalf of hard-working Tohoku Volunteer Dean Newcombe, in support of his work with Intrepid Model Adventures and their long-term volunteer project in Ishinomaki:

Reflections and Narratives of Relief Work for Japan

Check Out Some Others' Sample Entries Here

Attachments (4)

Smiles & Dreams: Tohoku Kids Project

Paul YooCo-Director

volunteerAKITA / The Fruit Tree Projectvolunteerakita@gmail.comwww.volunteerakita.org

Aussie Beef

Time to plant those seeds.

* Entry written by Dru Taylor

On Saturday (actually 2 o`clock sunday morning as it became another epic journey/day) we managed to deliver 1400 seedlings to OGA for AID, 500 tomatoes, 500 peppers, 300 okra and 100 aubergine seedlings, along with the tools and poles for the tomatoes.

We started planting on Sunday morning before having to leave to get the rental truck back to Chiba and now Peter of OGA, and the local people have been planting the rest.

This story is the start of something fantastic in the rebuilding of Minamisanriku to get the people working making money but mostly seeing a future. Many people have worked hard to make this happen so I bow my head and thankyou all.

Announcing the FVJ Community Forums

I'd like to take this opportunity to announce the Foreign Volunteers Community Forums. Although created by Max Hodges a little while ago, I have to admit that I've been a little slow on the ball to promote and encourage discussion on the Forums.

Saving up for a Tractor for Minamisanriku.

Back to Rikuzentakata

NPO: ON THE ROAD with FRIENDS- Looking for volunteers

55% of donations not reaching victims in Japan

Volunteering -- Safety Precautions

Charity Futsal Cup

Volunteering in Iwanuma

ホテル原田 Hotel Harada

〒989-2442 宮城県岩沼市大手町3-18

TEL 0223(24)2525（代)

FAX 0223(24)6761

Tohoku Needs Volunteer Help Now!

All Hands Tohoku Project: Hiring Volunteers from May 11th to 17th

One Day in Fukushima

Shuji Sets For Tohoku / Local Help

Attention Animal Lovers: Another way to help

Hope International Development Agency - Oshima Island

Looking for Home Communications Managers for children's homes

Volunteering in Iwate Prefecture

Fukushima VC info

Volunteering During Golden Week - Miyagi Prefecture

Comprehensive List of Volunteer Opportunities

Paul Yoo
Co-Director

volunteerAKITA / The Fruit Tree Projectvolunteerakita@gmail.com
www.volunteerakita.org

〒989-2442　宮城県岩沼市大手町3-18