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Looking to Philadelphia for Japan disaster relief

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit northern Japan Friday, local cultural leaders gathered at Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in Fairmount Park to ask Philadelphians to help.

Honorary Consul General of Japan Dennis Morikawa discusses the most recent updates from Tokyo at the Japanese House and Garden in Fairmount Park on Friday. (Maria Pouchnikova / Staff Photographer)
Honorary Consul General of Japan Dennis Morikawa discusses the most recent updates from Tokyo at the Japanese House and Garden in Fairmount Park on Friday. (Maria Pouchnikova / Staff Photographer)Read more
    by DAN GERINGER
    Published 

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit northern Japan Friday, local cultural leaders gathered at Shofuso Japanese House and Garden in Fairmount Park to ask Philadelphians to help.

Dennis Morikawa, honorary consul general of Japan, said the Japanese government wants to determine the full scope of what is needed before officially requesting aid.

He said that Philadelphians who want to help can find the latest disaster-related information at www.jasgp.org - the website of the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, which is in South Philly.

The society hopes that the 40,000 visitors to the 2011 Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival - a celebration of Japanese arts, food and hundreds of cherry-tree plantings - now through April 15, will be moved to contribute to disaster relief in Japan.

A festival highlight is Sakura Sunday, April 10, at the Japanese House - live music, dance, martial arts, participatory activities such as calligraphy and origami, a pet contest and a fashion show.

Another is Dine Out Japan, April 10-14, which offers discounts at Japanese restaurants throughout the city, and will include disaster-relief collection.

Morikawa said that he was "greatly saddened" by news of the earthquake and tsunami, and that "my heart goes out" to families who haven't been able to reach loved ones in Japan to find out if they're OK.

Scott Nakamura, director of the Japanese American Citizens League's Philadelphia chapter, said he had many friends who were waiting to hear about the safety of their families in Japan.

People who wish to contribute to disaster relief immediately should text the word redcross to 90999. A $10 donation to the Red Cross' Japan disaster-relief fund will be charged to your phone bill.

The Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia's website has several useful links, including the Google Person Finder, to check on the safety of a friend or relative in Japan: www.japan.person-finder.appspot.com/?lang=en.

The Japanese TV news website is www.ustream.tv/channel/foxtokimekitonight