L.A. Becomes Japan Rescue HQ (In real and virtual!)

After a few days to allow the feelings of horror and loss wash over me as Japan experiences the single greatest disaster the nation has experienced throughout the post-war period, a feeling of restlessness has taken hold.  Over the last few days, I had been using Twitter and Facebook to sift through much of the western media's general ignorance of events in order to help keep friends and followers informed of life as it struggles in Japan, as well as share news of efforts being made to assist. And like many readers, I myself cannot help but be lulled into thinking there's no better option than to just curl up into bed helplessly as the drama unfolds, but not only as a fan of world cinema & animation, but as a fellow human being, my conscience would not allow me to bundle up just yet.

It should be more than clear at this point that the recovery effort taking place, particularly in the northern region of the country will be a protracted, difficult undertaking. So many routes have been compromised, making supplies, food, and energy a challenge to move. Not to mention the ongoing efforts to search for missing family members cut off from traditional communication methods. The Tohoku quake, and aftermath is a disaster of immense proportion that must be regarded delicately, and with all the informational clarity possible. This way, the collective efforts of not only those affected can flow smoothly, but the options we have as caring parties can assist those in need work ceaselessly.

This is the kind of effort that will likely affect all angles of daily life for years to come. And this is where we come in....


And thankfully due to the efforts of some local anime & manga names, here are some great ways you can help!

Firstly, I'd like to offer massive kudos to Daniella Orihuela Gruber of All About Manga for instigating the ambitious Anime And Manga Bloggers For Japan project, which offers two lovely options for fans to donate. FirstGiving's ShelterBox & Doctors Without Borders are among the services selected to help, and are ready for your donations.

                               So if you've yet to do your part, or just wish to help more, please do.

Secondly is what is shaping up to be a fantastic event at Meltdown Comics in L.A. this Thursday evening; Voice Actress, Stephanie Sheh & friends (including Troy Baker,Wendee Lee, Richard Epcar, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn & more anime industry names) host WeHeartJapan  

An art show/auction event featuring some great works by Sawdust Bear, Cathy Clark, Brett Jackson, and a great more to be announced. For more details and updates, please go to http://www.weheartjapan.com

And for those of you unable to attend, please consider Anime And Manga Bloggers For Japan.

Thanks again to you all for your thoughts during this difficult time. And stay tuned to my Twitter feed for updates should you wish. 

Japan's Quake Crisis & What You Can Do To Help!

Never expected to post something to this effect on the Kaijyu pages, but it seemed only right. Even if these pages are normally dedicated to works of fantasy and speculation, there is no denying the importance of very real events that potentially affect us all.

My Twitter feed last night (Pacific Time)was pretty much filled with the normal, even after the sizeable temblor that had happened a day before, but it was soon replaced by reports of something far larger, and has consistently become a disaster of near unimaginable proportion.

I won't go into the details that Twitter and other independent news sources(including ordinary folks with devices, braving through what is clearly a terrible time) have valiantly shared, but the earthquakes/tsunami malestrom that has rocked Japan over the last few days (leading to a terrible 8.9 quake, followed by smaller, yet significant ones in Nagano & Niigata as of today) have left not only hundreds to thousands dead or missing, but many of us in the sphere racked with worry. There is no simple way to describe the sheer helplessness I've been feeling since this began to unfold. And since Twitter and Facebook have been good at helping get word out to others where phones are inoperable, and to help folks find their families and loved ones, it seems the best that can be done for the time being.


And this is where you can help. Many services, including the ever wonderful folks at the Red Cross are accepting donations Go Here.

Google has a people finder Here.

Should you wish an alternative to Red Cross for donations, please consider Global Giving.

Also worth looking into is ShelterBox, who have a pretty clear cut system.

Here are some Emergency Numbers & resources to consider Here.(also includes available shelter information.)

For additional Japanese phone carrier service info: (keep in mind, phones have been troublesome, with twitter being one of the best means to keep in contact)  Here.

As for live coverage, as much as I've valued NHK, and Al Jazeera, Yokoso News has been tireless, and consistent this whole time.

I appreciate your patience, and also hope you take the time to consider helping the people of Japan.

Stay updated via Twitter & share info there should you know anything! So many of us would appreciate anything you can offer. This is me being thoroughly real with you all, it would mean a lot to me.