Ways you can help in Tohoku

Three years following the triple disaster, the regions around Tohoku may still appreciate the encouraging messages of “がんばろう！” (“hang in there!”), but they also need practical assistance.

People are still living in temporary housing—many of them have lost everything and will forever be distressed by the continued effects of 3/11. The area is still far from recovery—despite major progress in rebuilding efforts—and help is still needed. Find out what you can do to help by clicking on these links and assisting in these volunteer programs. Whether you lend a hand in building housing, delivering supplies, donating funds, or visiting, any gesture is welcome and appreciated.

How to Help

It’s Not Just Mud

http://itsnotjustmud.com/

Foreign Volunteers Japan

http://foreignvolunteers.org/

Habitat for Humanity

http://www.habitatjp.org/contents_e/involved/index.html

”’Smile Kids Japan

http://www.smilekidsjapan.org/

Intrepid Model Adventures

http://www.intrepidmodeladventures.com/?page_id=1925

Japan Volunteers

https://japanvolunteers.wordpress.com/

Peace Boat

http://www.peaceboat.org/english/?page=view&nr=109&type=28&menu=107

Save Minamisoma

http://www.saveminamisoma.org/

Vigor Japan

http://www.vigorjapan.co/

RAIF (Animal Rescue)

http://raif.exblog.jp (Japanese only)

And a tip of the hat to Akihabara News: Today until 11:59 pm, any search for the keyword “3.11” will trigger a donation of ¥10 towards a financial group that provides funds for sports and educat_ional activities for children in Miyagi, Iwate, and Fukushima Prefectures.
http://akihabaranews.com/2014/03/11/article-en/yahoo-japan-your-search-311-generates-donation-679105672

Earthquake Disaster Kit

Make sure you keep those essentials around the house and at the office:

http://www.tokyo-icc.jp/guide_eng/kinkyu/05.html

Get Help

–Vivian Morelli

Main image: Sebra / Shutterstock.com