Fundraiser: Earthquake in Japan

A fundraiser to help people in remote areas of Japan affected by the earthquake and tsunami on New Year’s Day, January 1st, 2024. The target amount of 175.000,- CZK is equivalent to 1.080.000,- JPY. Donations can be made using the Donio platform.

On the 1st of January at 4 pm, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck the Hokuriku area on the coast of the Sea of Japan. The epicentre, and therefore the most severely affected area, is the Noto Peninsula. In some parts of the coast, the sea has been lost due to crustal shifts and small fishing ports have been stranded, which, in addition to the destruction of roads, further complicates the distribution of material aid and reconstruction work in the affected area. On the 11th of January, the Japanese Government declared the Noto Peninsula earthquake a disaster of exceptional magnitude.

The disaster claimed about 227 victims and a thousand injured, while 22 people could not be found. 8,854 homes were destroyed, and to date, around 16,200 people remain evacuated and scattered in 379 evacuation centres. And it is to these people that we want to direct our assistance. Road, infrastructure, water and electricity repairs are being handled by the Japanese emergency system. But the repair of homes and the return of evacuees to normal life is severely hampered by both the remoteness of the area and the prevailing bad weather.

We have long-term cooperation with the EU-JAPAN FEST Japan Committee, a Japanese non-profit organization. This organization has been promoting cultural exchange between Japan and Europe since 1992. Its staff is monitoring what is happening in the affected region and what will be most needed when the worst is over. EU-JAPAN Fest has helped us in the past, most recently last year with the Tanabata Festival. So we agreed that this time we would try to help them. That’s why we’re starting this fundraiser. For hygiene products, cleaning equipment, or the purchase of such necessary equipment that may not save a life, but will make it at least a little more humane. Whether still in the conditions without the privacy of an evacuation centre, or to start a new life in a home where nothing remains after the disaster.

Even though it is a rather symbolic support, it can still make a difference. The help also carries a message: No, you are not alone, you are known and thought of on the other side of the planet. In the Czech Republic, Japanese companies employ more than 50,000 Czechs. We are the same human beings and we are close to the Japanese in more ways than we think. And now we can actually help Japan! We’ll send the entire amount we raise thanks to you in the fundraiser from our transparent account to Japan, and our partner will use the funds to buy whatever makes the most sense in the locality at the time. This is about ordinary people helping ordinary people. In addition to the Czech-Japanese Society and EU-JAPAN FEST, ANIMEFEST and Kyogen Theatre are also helping with the fundraiser. Thank you very much for your help, which is of course the most important thing.

Donio.cz will issue a donation confirmation for each financial contribution. However, you can also help by simply sharing the information and link to the fundraiser among a wider circle of friends and acquaintances.

Your Czech-Japanese Association