Appeal for Donations for the
Tohoku-Kanto Great Earthquake (March 2011) Relief

As you already know, the Tohoku (Northern) Region of Japan experienced an earthquake
of epic proportion with an accompanying devastating tsunami that turned peaceful
communities into hell on earth that is beyond anyone's imagination. The last time an
earthquake of this size occurred in this area was over 1,000 years ago. These
communities were well aware of the power of earthquakes and tsunami and they were
well prepared, having taken reasonable preventive measures such as a 10-meter (over 30
feet) high dikes that encircled the villages and towns in case of a major tsunami.
However, the waves were over 40 feet in height and easily breached the massive walls.

It has been difficult for many of us to watch the total devastation the region has
experienced in the comfort of our own homes with aerial videos from helicopters and
You-tube posting by observers who survived. Is there anything we can do? What can
my contribution do? If I donate, where will the money ultimately go? These are some of
the thoughts that are sure to cross your minds as it has crossed my mind as to the utter
powerlessness of the situation.

The Episcopal Diocese of New York was quick to assist the Metropolitan Japanese
Ministry and provided us with a link to Episcopal Relief & Development Fund
(http://www.er-d.org/ ). This long standing fund has a track record of providing
programs and funds geared for immediate and long-term redevelopment of disaster areas.
Most recently they were very active with the Haitian communities after the devastating
earthquake just last year.

In 1923 the Great Kanto Earthquake hit Tokyo. At that time, the Diocese of New York
extended its helping hand in the form of aid and donations to the people of Japan. At the
Cathedral of St. John the Divine there are two vases presented to Bishop Manning by
the Ambassador of Japan in thanks for the generous support and prayers shown by the
Diocese to the people of Kanto region in that time of need.

Eighty three years later we are again called by our brother and sisters, fellow members
of the Anglican Communion, in their hour of need. The Metropolitan Japanese Ministry
urges all those who would like to contribute, to make their donation through The
Episcopal Relief & Development. ER&D will be working with MJM and the Nippon Sei
Ko Kai to ensure aid is given where and whenever needed.

MJM will attempt to establish contact directly with some of the parishes that were
affected by the disaster. We will keep this information updated on this website. We
anticipate posting specific information as to individual parishes and situations in the
future at this website.

We would urge all who wish to donate to go to http://www.er-d.org and make your
donations there. The one thing we can ask all of us to do is to pray for the victims as
well as pray for God's grace on the survivors and all who are involved in rescue and

redevelopment of the disaster stricken area.

-Shoji Mizumoto,Treasurer
On behalf of the Metropolitan Japanese Ministry