On 11th March 2011, a disaster unlike any seen in modern times swept across Japan, claiming almost 20,000 lives and creating over 300,000 refugees in the Tohoku region. Among these were 236 children who lost everything – their homes and their family all in one day.
This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami – it’s a time to reflect, and a time to commemorate the lives lost. We hope that you will join us for an evening of remembrance and culture in aid of the orphans of the disaster.
19:30 – 19:35: Welcome by Aid For Japan.
19:35 – 19:50: Zen Buddhist monk, Julian Daizan Skinner Roshi, introduces his newly published anthology of poems and carvings from Zen monk Enku. Enku was born Gifu in 1632 and was orphaned when his mother was swept away in a flood.
19:50 – 20:05: Japanese martial art demonstration.
20:05 – 20:15: Networking break – an origami crane lesson will be taking place during this time.
20:15 – 20:20: Overview of the Tsunami’s impact by Japanese cultural lecturer, Akemi Solloway www.akemisolloway.com.
20:20 – 20:30: Traditional shakuhachi (flute) performance by Justin Senryu.
20:30 – 20:45: Update from Aid for Japan and its future activities .
20:45 – 21:00: 2 minute silence, followed by a traditional koto performance by Sumie Kent.
All proceeds from the event, including entrance fees, book sales and additional contributions, will be donated to Aid for Japan, which supports children orphaned during the 2011 disaster. Tickets for this event are £10 each.
There will also be a limited number of tickets available on the door.
After the event, we are looking to book a table at a nearby restaurant. If you would like to join us, please do let us know in advance. All are welcome.
Visit our Aid For Japan 5th Anniversary Event page for more details.