Genkidesu ka

We need more of these in the USA.  Right by our distributor HQ. On our trip to Hakuba on Saturday morning (3am), elderly people were walking around as if it were 9am. Like 80-90 years old.  Something you don't see at all in the states.

A nice park a few blocks from the distro HQ.

I liked the signs.

Right in front of the Native Products HQ office.

I had uploaded these photos from our trip to Japan as part of our photo essay, and there are tons more. But a week after I got back the earthquakes hit.  Our friend Eric Thomas is out there as well and has been telling me that the aftershocks are still going. From every two hours, to averaging five times a day now.

On March 24, our Japanese distributor sent us these photos. Here are some photos on their relief effort trip.

Justice Department advisory:
Members of the public should perform due diligence before giving contributions to individuals or organizations soliciting donations or claiming to provide assistance to the victims of natural disasters. Suspected fraudulent charity schemes should be reported to the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, the Disaster Fraud Fax at 225-334-4707 or the Disaster Fraud e-mail at disaster@leo.gov.

Here is a list of where you could help.  We aren't endorsing these organizations, but please do your research to find out where your money would be best spent.

American Red Cross
Visit redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone.

Salvation Army
To contribute to earthquake relief, text 'JAPAN' or 'QUAKE' to 80888 to make a $10 donation or visiit salvationarmyusa.org

Save The Children
Save The Children is sending an emergency team to assist its staff in Japan. Donations to the group's Children's Emergency Fund will help preserve the welfare of children there.
savethechildren.org

Global Giving
GlobalGiving is working with International Medical Corps, Save the Children, and other organizations on the ground. All donors will get email updates on how their funds have been used. This project will disburse funds to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami.

www.globalgiving.org

NYC 311
Mayor Michael Bloomberg says New York City will help direct local donations to the victims of Japan's earthquake and tsunami. New Yorkers who want to donate should call 311 or go to the 311 Web site.

www.nyc.gov/apps/311

UJA-Federation of New York's Japan Earthquake Relief Fund
UJA-Federation has set up an emergency fund to provide relief to the people affected there. Money from the funds will also be used to provide relief to other areas affected by the tsunamis, should that prove necessary. Donations can be made online, by telephone or by check.

Online donations: go to http://www.ujafedny.org/japan-quake-fund
Telephone donations call: 1.212.836.1486
Checks: Donors should make their checks payable to: UJA-Federation of New York and write "Japan Earthquake Relief Fund" in the memo line.

Checks should be sent to:
UJA-Federation of New York/Japan Earthquake Relief Fund P.O. Box 4056
New York, NY 10261-4056

International Medical Corps
A contribution to International Medical Corps helps ensure the disaster relief to the services they need today, including primary and secondary health care, food and nutrition, clean water and sanitation, mental health care, and the skills they need to rehabilitate.
www.internationalmedicalcorps.org

World Vision
World Vision needs support to help children and families suffering from natural disasters around the world. Donations will help rush emergency supplies like life-saving food, clean water, medical supplies, and shelter to those who need it most.
donate.worldvision.org

Convoy of Hope
Convoy of Hope's Disaster Response team established connection with in-country partners who have been impacted by the damage and are identifying the needs and areas where Convoy of Hope may be of the greatest assistance. This non-profit focuses on disaster relief efforts and accepts donations either online at their site or via text message by texting TSUNAMI to 50555.
donate.convoyofhope.org

Operation USA
To donate, visit www.opusa.org

INTERACTION
The group is the largest alliance of U.S.-based international nongovernmental organizations and lists many ways to help on its site, www.interaction.org.

NETWORK FOR GOOD
The aggregator of charities has a list of programs and ways to donate to relief efforts. Visit www.networkforgood.org.

WORLD VISION
The Christian humanitarian organization focuses on children, aiming to lessen the emotional and psychological damage that many children suffer during crises. To donate, visit www.worldvision.org.