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 eighth 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 a special event of remembrance in aid of the orphans of the disaster.
Date: 10th March (Sunday) 17:00-18:00
Place: Islington Yoga School, 357 City Road, London EC1V 1LR (near Angel station).
There will be a presentation of a video interview with Yukio Saito. Saito Sensei is headmaster of Ishinomaki Nishi High School. Ishinomaki town was severely damaged by the tsunami in the disaster. Saito Sensei has written about the experiences of those at the school during and after the disaster.
As the school buildings were on higher ground, many local people took shelter there and the school gymnasium became a mortuary that eventually held more than 700 bodies. The title of his book Ikasarete Ikiru (lit. ‘Allowed to live so Live’) describes the mission of those who survived – both children and adults. Saito Sensei will be visiting London this summer.
Cost: £10 includes one drink (wine, beer, soft drink, tea, coffee) and a Dorayaki
After this event we will have dinner at a Thai restaurant nearby: Thai Square, Islington, 347 Upper Street, London N1 0PD.
Please let us know if you would like to join us. Contact: info@aidforjapan.co.uk
