In view of the landslides in Hiroshima City, Japan, a fundraising campaign has been organized with all funds donated earmarked for the victims of this tragedy.
In view of the landslides in Hiroshima City, Japan, a fundraising campaign has been organized with all funds donated earmarked for the victims of this tragedy.
On Aug. 20, heavy rains caused severe flooding and landslides in Hiroshima City. As of today, it has been reported that 58 people have died with another 28 persons still missing. It is estimated that more than 1,600 residents of Hiroshima City have had to vacate their homes and are housed in temporary shelters.
“Hawaii for Hiroshima” Fundraising Committee, consisting of concerned citizens and organizations with roots and ties to Hiroshima Prefecture, is coordinating fundraising efforts for this cause statewide.
All monetary gifts for this fundraising effort are tax-deductible and are being accepted by the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii at 2454 South Beretania St., Honolulu, HI 96826 (Attn: C. Hayashino).
Donations checks should be made payable to Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii and noted for the Hawaii for Hiroshima Fundraiser.
One of the fundraising organizers, Wayne Miyao, chairman of the Hiroshima Hawaii Sister State Committee, said, “As we have so many ties, relationships and friends in Hiroshima, we are saddened by this recent tragedy. We welcome and humbly ask for the support of the people, businesses and organizations in Hawaii whose hearts are with the victims in Hiroshima.”
Another organizer, Robert “Bob” Nagao, president of the Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai, added, “We look forward to the support of all Hiroshima Kenjin Kais located throughout the State of Hawaii as well as those interested in Hiroshima and in Japan.”
The City and County of Honolulu and the City of Hiroshima established a “sister” city relationship in 1959, which is one of the oldest such “sister” city relationships between a city in the United States with a city in Japan. On Aug. 6, Mayor Kirk Caldwell attended and participated in the Hiroshima Memorial Peace Ceremony to honor the victims of the bombing of Hiroshima.
The Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce and the Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce and Industry created a “sister” chamber of commerce relationship with each other in 1981. Through the years, numerous exchanges promoting business opportunities have been completed in Hawaii and in Hiroshima. In May 2014, the Honolulu Japanese Chamber of Commerce, working with the DEBT of the State of Hawaii presented “clean energy” seminars in Hiroshima and other Japan cities.
The State of Hawaii and Hiroshima Prefecture established a “sister” state relationship in 1997. Its goals have been to promote programs and causes centering on business and economic development, education, cultural and arts, athletics, and peace initiatives.
The Honolulu Hiroshima Kenjin Kai was established in 1955. The purpose of this organization, which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary of its establishment in 2015, is to promote and perpetuate the unique customs and traditions of Hiroshima.
The Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii, which was established in 1988, continues to be a valuable community resource, strengthening Hawaii’s diverse community by educating present and future generations in the changing Japanese American experience in Hawaii.