Above: U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu (right) visited the Japanese embassy to sign a book of condolence. He also reaffirmed continued U.S. commitment to assist the Japanese government to Japan’s Ambassador to the U.S. Ichiro Fujisaki (left). The envoy has conveyed his nation’s gratitude to the U.S. and to the public.

Washington, D.C.–The whole nation, touched by the March 11 horrific earthquake, tsunami and on-going nuclear crisis in Japan, has gone all-out in opening its hearts and its wallets to support the emergency relief effort.

Racing against time, the Asian American community–among them the Japanese American community, a Pan-Asian partnership, and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS), also in partnership with several organizations–is mobilizing all its resources, and seeking the most effective way to send donations and other aid.

At press time, co-sponsors of the Pan-Asian Fundraiser reported they had over $45,000 in one night. The event took place on March 25 at the China Garden in Rosslyn, Virginia.

Larry Hajime Shinagawa, Director and Associate Professor Asian American Studies Program at the University of Maryland, said over 360 people came. Some 20 reporters covered the event. “It was just amazing!” he remarked on the coming together of the community.

The community’s work has received touchingly generous support from all sectors of American society. Help has come in many forms–from the kid in California who donated her piggy bank, to athletes who converted their basketball scores to cash, to the business community offering free telephone calls, or waiving money transfer fees.

President Barack Obama spoke for everybody when he expressed confidence in his March 16 press conference “that Japan will recover and rebuild because of the strength and spirit of the Japanese people.”

In this capital, Japan’s Ambassador to the U.S. Ichiro Fujisaki thanked President Obama for continued U.S. assistance. In TV appearances, he also updated the public, as well as conveyed his nation’s gratitude for the overwhelming support.

On March 25, Energy Secretary Steven Chu visited the Japanese embassy early in the evening to sign a book of condolence. He met with Ambassador Fujisaki, extending his support for the Japanese people. He also reaffirmed the nation’s continued commitment to assist the Japanese government.

JACL

The Japanese American community is showing the way in directly addressing the crisis, led by the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) in this capital. Four days after the tragedy, JACL and Direct Relief International in California joined forces to start the Japan Relief and Recovery Fund.

They noted that the on-going crisis “is a massive, complex emergency…that is beyond the capacity of any one organization to address fully.”

They stressed that “100% of funds donated to the Japan Relief and Recovery Fund, which will be managed by Direct Relief International, will be dedicated exclusively to relief and recovery efforts in Japan.”

Other recognized international organizations are also receiving donations from the public. But on March 22, WTOP radio in this capital reported the suggested $10 donation, for example, would take months to reach Japan.

In a joint statement, JACL National Executive Director Floyd Mori and Direct Relief CEO and President Thomas Tighe urged others to join their efforts.

Remarked Tighe: “Direct Relief’s long experience in emergency response and efficient, transparent use of donated funds, combined with JACL’s extensive network both within the United States and in Japan, will ensure that resources made available for this crisis are well-managed, well-spent, and used in the most productive manner possible.”

On March 24, Mori thanked those who have already donated to the Fund. He said donations may be made to the Japan Relief and Recovery Fund by visiting www.JACL.org, or by sending a check with JACL written in the memo line to: Direct Relief International, 27 South La Patera Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93117.

The Japan Relief and Recovery Fund has already provided emergency materials for thousands of displaced persons in 20 facilities throughout Miyagi prefecture. Special attention was being paid to persons with disabilities and elderly persons.

Founded in 1929, JACL is the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the U.S. It also operates one of its 112 chapters in Tokyo. Direct Relief International, established in 1948, is a privately funded humanitarian organization. It has been the largest provider of medical material aid (800 tons worth $60 million) since the Haiti quake in January 2010.

On March 15, Direct Relief also committed an initial $600,000 in cash to the effort. Likewise, it offered $15 million in medical inventory if needed, to assist with trauma care and health conditions related to injuries and exposure.

Also on March 15, JACL met here with 20 other Japan-focused organizations to share recovery effort plans. Some of the organizations at the meeting, hosted by the Japan America Society, included the US-Japan Council, the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation (NJAMF), Mitsubishi, US-Japan Research Institute, local college organizations and others.

$45K from Pan-Asian fundraiser

A Pan-Asian fundraiser meeting in the District to help earthquake/tsunami victims in Japan, “as mentioned earlier on Facebook,” drew a strong response. Director Shinagawa of the Asian American Studies Program at the University of Maryland was among those who sent an email blast to individuals and groups.

Over $45,000 was raised at the Pan-Asian event. An initial list of sponsor follows: Platinum Sponsors: Honda North America and Toyota Corporation. Gold Sponsors: JACL-DC and OCA DC. Bronze Sponsors: Asian Fortune and Asian American Political Alliance (AAPA), Cantonese Association, Chinese American Citizens League (CACA), Capital Alliance, Chinese American Association;

Conference of Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL),Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC); guests of Ms. Diane Hibino, Hepatitis B Initiative-DC, Minami Family (Warren Minami/Kristine Minami), National Association of Professional Asian American Women (NAPAW), National Japanese American Memorial Foundation (NJAMF), OCA NOVA, Onoe Dance Enterprise, and Organization of Chinese American Women (OCAW).

Non-Profit Participating Organizations: Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS), Chinatown Community Cultural Center, Chinese Youth Club, Kollaboration DC, Maryland Vietnamese Mutual Association (MVMA), South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), and U.S. Japan Council (USJC).

Student Organizations: Asian American Student Union, University of Maryland, Chinese Student Association, University of Maryland, Chinese Student and Scholars Association, Washington Region, Filipino Cultural Association, University of Maryland, Japanese American Student Union, University of Maryland, and Korean Student Association, University of Maryland.

APAICS

The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) joined partner organizations to co-host the Capital Hearts for Japan–Earthquake Relief Fundraiser, held on March 26 in this capital.

APAICS President and CEO Gloria Chan stressed that “100% of proceeds” will go to “Save the Children” efforts in Japan. Capital Hearts for Japan is a coalition of diverse organizations in the Washington, D.C. Metro area. Asian American Government Executives Network (AAGEN) was among the first organizations to join Capital Hearts.

Aside from APAICS, co-host organizations were: AAGEN, Asian American Journalists Association, Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership, NAAAP-DC, Kollaboration DC, Alpha Kappa, Delta Phi Alumnae Association, Asian Pacific American Bar Association-DC, Chinatown Community Cultural Center, Class of Change, Department of Justice Pan Asia, Freeline Music Group, Filipino Young Professionals-DC, Generation Echo Entertainment;

Japanese American Citizens League DC Young Professionals, Lamda Phi Epsilon DC Alumni Association, Pacific Culture International, Pop Show Japan/Katana, Regroup TV, Sejong Society, Sigma Psi Zeta Alumnae Association, South Asian Bar Association DC Chapter, Taiwanese American Professionals DC, The Washington Area Japanese Culture Meetup, Toramaru Entertainment, United Nations Association-YPIC, 20s & 30s Asian Going Out Group.

The fundraiser, scheduled at The Park on Fourteenth, featured a Silent Auction and “live” performances from local artists.

Donations and assistance in many forms have come from various sources. On March 16, John Malott, president of the event organizer Japan-American Society, said proceeds from the Cherry Blossom festival this month would go to the relief effort, according to an AFP news agency report.

In California, the Dodgers and NBC LA held a “drive-through” relief event at Dodger Stadium on March 14 to raise money for the American Red Cross Japan relief efforts.

On March 24, JACL and Direct Relief announced 20 players from the National Basketball Association (NBA) were donating $1,000 for every point they score in their March 25-27 games. Among the players: LaMarcus Aldridge, Marc Gasol, Pau Gasol, Al Horford, JaVale McGee, Derrick Rose, and Russell Westbrook.

Others have committed a set donation, including DJ Augustin, Jarron Collins, Jason Collins, Mike Durleavy Jr., Tyreke Evans, Darillo Gallinari, Xavier Henry, Antawn Jamison, Jason Kapono, Quincy Pondexter, Brian scalabrine, Etan Thomas, and Ben Wallace.

Asian Fortune Foundation presented a check directly to the Japanese embassy in this capital. Asian Fortune newspaper is also devoting a regular section on the Japan relief efforts by the community.

President

Also in the nation’s capital, President Obama called Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan on March 16 to convey the American people’s concern, and to discuss the country’s emergency assistance and relief efforts in Japan, a major U.S. ally.

At a press conference the following day, the President stressed: “The Japanese people are not alone in this time of great trial and sorrow. Across the Pacific, they will find a hand of support extended from the United States as they get back on their feet. After all, we have an alliance that was forged more than a half century ago, and strengthened by shared interests and democratic values.”

On March 17, President Obama went to Japanese embassy in this capital to sign a condolence book. Ambassador Fujisaki stood discreetly by the door as the president signed the book. He said the Japanese people are “grateful to the president and the people of United States. We are working 24 hours and his assistance means a lot to all Japanese.”

For those who wish to sign a condolence book, the embassy is located at 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC 20008.

Business Community

Response has also come from the business community. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce “has activated emergency response protocols, which include information gathering on the ground, coordination with relevant governments and non-profits, and ongoing efforts to expedite the business disaster response and ensure immediate relief where it is needed most,” according to Senior Vice President and National Political Director Bill Miller

Bank of the West announced on March 17 it was donating $200,000, and also “waiving fees on money transfers from the U.S. to Japan: Transfers can be made from Bank of the West branches in California, Oregon and Washington through April 30.”

Verizon announced calls to Japan, from March 11 to April 10, were free for most wireless and residential customers. Verizon Wireless post-paid customers in the U.S. will also receive free text and multimedia messaging to Japan for the same time period.

On March 15, Walmart announced an initial commitment of $5 million in cash and in-kind donations for emergency relief efforts. “We’re continuing to monitor the situation and look for additional ways that we can help with the relief efforts,” added Toru Noda, president and CEO of Walmart Japan. Doug McMillon, president and CEO of Walmart International said, “Giving back to our communities, especially in a time of need, is part of our culture at Walmart.”

Gautam Dutta, executive director of the Asian American Action Fund based in this capital, wrote in a blog, “Google has put up the Japan Person Finder which helps victims of the disaster share and access information about loved ones.”

Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) President Gerald Yamada sent a letter to Ambassador Fujisaki. He conveyed the group’s “wishes for an expeditious recovery for Japan from these horrific events,” adding, “We share the spirit of hope with the Japanese people.”

A JAVA news release also listed some options suggested by the Japanese government, such as checks to American Red Cross at 2025 E Street NW, Washington, DC 20006.

Other Groups

In other news: The Japanese American society in Washington (JASW) is taking several steps towards helping Japan relief efforts, including “hosting a meeting of 20 NGOs in the Washington DC area that have a Japan connection, so we can learn what everyone is doing and better coordinate our efforts,” according to Ambassador John R. Malott, JASW President and CEO.

National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) President Paul O. Hirose said, “If you would like to help, the Japanese Red Cross is accepting donations from the American Red Cross. Several NAPABA affiliates are mobilizing to raise funds–please also support these efforts...Many NAPABA members, friends, and colleagues were affected by this tragedy. Let’s join together in uplifting those in need.”

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett said on March 14, “I urge our residents to reach out to those they know who may be personally affected by the Japan earthquake and to generously contribute to national and local relief charities.”

Disaster Preparedness

Congressman David Wu (D, Oregon) said on March 11, “Today’s tragedy in Japan is a stark reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness for America’s coastal communities and Pacific Island territories…As the author of the Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2010, I am working to enhance vital hazard research and planning programs to bolster national preparedness and effective response capabilities.”

He said that on March 17, Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Diane Feinstein (D-CA) introduced S. 646, which is identical to his legislation. He plans to reintroduce his bill, which passed the House of Representatives on March 2, 2010 with bipartisan support. But a companion bill was never introduced in the Senate.

In related news, early on March 20, Sharon Bulova, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, welcomed home members of the federally-funded Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue team, VATF-1.

She noted that tragically, the local team and the L.A.-based team did not find any survivors. The two teams “transferred $145,000 in equipment to the Ofunato Fire Department for use in additional recovery efforts.”

She reported she had “presented Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki with a Fairfax County lapel pin to signify what will always be a strong connection between Fairfax County and the country of Japan.”

Earlier, she said of the mission: “Fairfax County’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, Virginia Task Force One (VATF-1) has deployed 74 personnel including search and rescue canines, physicians, paramedics, structural engineers, technical search and rescue specialists, hazardous material specialists and other support personnel and approximately 30 tons of equipment–as part of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA).