地震 - Earthquake

Although we promised a translation this week, we at Mou Ichido feel the need to give tribute and our sympathies to the countries struck by the disastrous earthquakes, tsunami, and other disasters. We will also be pausing our translation activities in respect of those who experienced the loss of lovers, family, and friends. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.

To be honest, there is not much we can say in regards to this tragedy. The lives lost all over the Ring of Fire were all precious, and we sympathize with those who experienced losses in light of these recent natural disasters.

Therefore, we'd like to earnestly ask you to donate something to a charity that is working on helping those in the region.

Donations do not mean only money. Although money is applicable in many situations, for those of you without money or income, please consider donating time to help an organization gather emergency supplies or organizing relief to those in need. There are direct benefits such as tax deductions. But there is also joy in simply knowing that you have helped in some way, shape or form.

Beyond these activities, you can also show you care by simply sending messages to those you know in Japan and expressing concern over their and their loved ones' well being. Whether it is over Twitter, emails, or a hard letter, concern and empathy can sometimes be the greatest gift.

We recommended an organization on Twitter called Tzu Chi that has demonstrated its ability to provide humanitarian services and aide in face of various disasters. There are also other charities that you can provide to that can help those in need. For another extensive list of organizations you can donate to, please look here (pressing Google translate will give you relatively comprehensive results).

Also, please remember that not only Japan has been affected by these tragedies. There are plenty of other regions that have been hit with aftershocks and tsunamis following the giant earthquakes in Japan, most notably Indonesia. If possible, please considering giving to these regions as well.

The both of us here on staff are willing to collect donations to send to humanitarian organizations if you are interested in contributing through us. Unfortunately, if you donate through us, there will be no tax deductions available, and we also will not be claiming any tax deductions from anyone we donate to. It will simply be a 100% collection of donations sent to Tzu Chi to ensure that those in need are helped. Please feel free to PayPal us (at mou.ichido.2010[at]gmail.com) and we will record your amount before creating a check for a total amount to be sent.

If you have read this far, thank you very much. We hope that you can help those who are suffering, and if you have already, please feel free to leave us comments recommending other organizations or activities that you find helpful.

Posted in: 2011,MIchi