NAJAS President Peter Kelley in Tokyo recently with Takashi Watanabe of the National Association of America-Japan Societies and Shogo Kamei, President of the Tohoku Japan-America Association. [More]
May 24 - Whenever I return to the United States, I try to speak at one of the many Japan-America Societies there. These grassroots organizations exist in many cities. Their members are both Japanese residing temporarily in the United States and Americans with an interest in Japan. They often sponsor events to increase American understanding about Japanese culture and promote people-to-people exchanges.
Recently Peter Kelley, President of the National Association of Japan-America Societies, wrote me that 29 Japan-America Societies in the United States have established funds, or led local fundraising efforts, to raise money for earthquake/tsunami relief. Together they have raised $14.4 million to date, all of which will go to relief efforts in Japan.
I was very glad to hear that this network of grassroots organizations is helping Japan recover from its recent tragedy.
Until next time,
Jim
Your blog on Japan-America Societies interested me a lot. Mr. Shepherd, the former president of NAJAS, sent AFS Fukui Chapter congratulatory messages two years ago.
I really appreciate NAJAS donated such a huge amount of money to Japanese victims suffering from the massive earthquakes and Tsunami.
