Aid For Japan was committed to supporting the orphans of the 3rd March 2011 tsunami. We gave them a UK support network and a platform for them to share their stories about how they survived, coped with collective grief, and thrived.
In the beginning our charity ran summer residential courses in Tōhoku, Japan for the orphans with English volunteers. It gave us a chance to directly support and get to know the orphans through a series of activities and events.
Activities were designed to inspire confidence and trust among participants. Such as visiting an animal shelter that had rescued many of the pets lost in the wake of the disaster and having a cultural exchange between the UK and Japan.
It is more than ten years since the tragedy of the tsunami, but the victims of the disaster cannot be forgotten. Many of the children we made connections with have grown up into incredible adults, with some telling us they would like to take a more active role in shaping our charity.
Today, we aim to let them tell their stories about how they survived the earthquake, how they coped afterwards and thrived. Our intention going forward is to bring more stories about the emotional impact natural disasters have on individuals and communities.
Through the production and translation of videos made with the young adults to working with prominent Tōhoku figures, such as the music artist asari, we provide a platform and an understanding place for survivors to share their stories.
Natural disasters will only increase with climate change and most often affect people from non-English speaking countries, such as Japan. Therefore, translating their stories for an English-speaking audience is a core goal. We are beginning to ask, listen and record the orphans’ incredible experiences.
Here’s a video “Getting to know Maria-chan” who was orphaned by the Earthquake and Tsunami and now wishes to be more involved with the development of our charity.
Our History
2021
Ten years on since the disaster and we are still in contact with the orphans who have grown up into amazing young adults. Although this marked the charity’s ten year anniversary it came during the global Covid-19 pandemic. We were not able to travel to and from Japan, so we held an Online Cultural Fair showcasing Japanese culture to raise awareness.
2014
We organised a trip with the children to Yokohama Fireworks Festival, held English lessons, took part in traditional Japanese craft- workshop and visited a marine museum. We also went to the beach and played the traditional Japanese game of suikawari – to strike a watermelon!
Credits: Film by Cordelia Lawler
2013
We ran a summer residential course in Kiyosato, Japan with some of the children in care at KEEP School. The project involved several activities, including creating a song in English and Japanese, learning different cultural etiquette and outdoor activities such as hiking.
2011
The Great East Japan Earthquake struck on 11th March 2011 at 14:46 JST.
Upon learning about the devastation, the charity was founded by Akemi Tanaka, a Japanese language and cultural lecturer living in England. She went to Japan to visit orphanages in the area over several years to see if any children needed our support.
Where your money goes
Aid For Japan is regularly looking for donations to help with the cost of running these annual courses, particularly to cover the expenses involved in transportation for the orphans as well as the costs involved with the organisation of the various activities. If you can help, then please contact us.
Your donations and fundraising efforts help to make a difference. The money raised directly funds Aid For Japan's initiatives and programmes that support the orphans. Thank you for your support, please donate here.