SEBA & I ARE SAFE IN LA. ANIME MATSURI, TOKYO PLANS CHANGING. PRAY FOR JAPAN ART FUNDRAISER TO HELP SENDAI EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS, MAR 19.
Crisis mode. If you’ve been following my Twitter, you’ll have seen my tweets about the devastating post-earthquake situation in Japan.
My Tokyo friends are having trouble flying out. Trains to Narita airport have stopped running and many flights were cancelled. Thankfully, Sebastiano got on a flight from Haneda to Los Angeles, and is here (shaken but safe). We’re in LA for the next 1-2 weeks, and are doing everything possible to help Japan. (How can we even think of anything else?)
UPDATE: Sorry if people don’t agree with us, but our position is unchanged – we think people should be more concerned about radiation and general instability in areas near Fukushima. We’re still going to do our best to help people get away from nearby areas, and have a ton of fundraisers planned in next few days.
Unfortunately, the Sendai crisis has shifted many of my upcoming plans. Please read:
† I am so sorry, but I cannot make it to Anime Matsuri in Houston, Texas next weekend. I was looking forward to meeting so many of you… Happily, the h.NAOTO Sixh and Hangry & Angry fashion shows are still on, and I urge you to attend and support.
† My Japan plans are also up in the air. The NOH8 Campaign, Belgian TV, and German TV crews are waiting at least a few more days to gauge the situation. I hope I can be in Tokyo by late March, but right now, everything’s on standby.
Seba and I worry about our friends in Japan. Sure, Tokyo is nowhere as badly hit as the epicenter (the footage is devastating). But there are blackouts, train stoppages, constant aftershocks — it’s stressful. And sure, a lot of Western media is exaggerating information about a nuclear meltdown. But the fact is, there is a 70% probability of a 7.0+ quake in the next few days.
The situation’s still not easy to assess. There’s no need to panic, but we hope people will at least consider going elsewhere for a little while… All we’re saying is, keep options open and stay safe. (Not everyone will agree, but that’s our take on things.)
What can those outside Japan do? Donate and take action. La Carmina and Sebastiano will be sponsoring many charity events in LA , for the people of Japan — especially the hardest-hit regions. This weekend, we encourage you to participate in the #PrayForJapan Art Fundraiser Exhibition.
The event is organized by Sweet Streets in response to the earthquake in Japan. 100% of art sales will be donated to the Red Cross (you can also or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10). The artists who have donated works include Camilla d’Errico and Tokidoki. LA friends, we hope you’ll join us!
WHEN: Saturday, March 19, 7-10pm
WHERE: JapanLA, 7320 1/2 Melrose Ave at North Fuller, Los Angeles, CA
OPEN CALL: The event is accepting art submissions. Email the curator, Caro, at info@sweetstreetsla.com for details.
No matter where you are located, there are tons of ways to help. The Huffington Post has a great article about the many ways to aid earthquake and tsunami relief efforts.
Your favorite J-Goths and J-rockers are doing their part to help. Gackt (who I saw perform in 2009) has organized the Show Your Heart foundation to collect donations for the victims. Supporters include Shinya (from LUNA SEA), Fujiwara Norika, DAIGO (from BREAKERZ), and Haruna Ai. Yoshiki of X Japan also donated his crystal piano for auction.
† For the next week, music label HearJapan will donate 50% of all sales to the Japan relief effort. Pick up a digital album here.
† Starwave Records and Darkest Labyrinth will contribute part of the income from their online shop to Gackt’s Show Your Heart foundation between March 13 and April 30.
† The tsunami destroyed the hometown of Takuya Angel’s mother. The cyber designer is having a 20% off sale, and all proceeds will be donated.
Please share this post and consider the ways we can all help Japan. If you’re in Los Angeles, we hope to see you this Saturday night at the art fundraiser. As always, more updates to come here and on Twitter.
Japanese Word of the Day: Uranaishi = Fortune telling, or the earthquake warning beep that goes off on cell phones
Song of the Day: Odd Dimension – The Ecstasy of Hopes (Powerful track.)
SHARE & COMMENT
LA CARMINA
16 Comments
I think the fundraisers are all great!
I was actually touched seeing all the J-rockers doing their part to help. Especially to Gackt who is seriously all out with his relief funs drive, Yoshiki who even went so far as to auction off his crystal piano, Miyavi and others. ♥
ya! Already in contact with Caro and am donating artwork and jewelry for this Saturday!
awesome blog!
thanks for telling everyone where and how to donate!
lets pray will get better asap.
and lets pray for all affected people…
xoxo
Glad to hear so many people getting involved. I saw Gackt’s block post for his Show Your Heart project, too.
i would love to help in any way I can. If I hear about anything going on in Seattle for Japan relief I’ll let you know!
What happened in Japan is most devastating! Just like in Haiti, the world is needed to help a fellow who is down. We must accumulate all our resources and send it to Japan.
gah! i tried to submit work, but it was too late…. i will just have to come to the show and support.
I’d love to participate, though I don’t have anything right now and I don’t live in CA(Shipping time may vary)….I hate having excuses.
I’m glad to hear that Seba is well. I send positive thoughts to all that are trying to relocate, and to the people that want to stay. I’ve been reposting your blog entries to my blog as well to help spread the word and give my followers and fellow fans of Japanese street culture and music an insiders view and account of what is going on right now for the people of Japan. http://shinjukusecretarydreams.tumblr.com/
I know how much you want to be in Japan, but it might not be safe to go there, and the facilities there are so strained. I know you have friends there, but would they want you to be there, when the threats are so high of more earthquakes?
Just seen NHK news and the nuclear reactors are leaking dangerous radiation. Thepresident has gone on tv and have told people from 20km/30km to get in doors, dust off clothing, close ventilation or air con as there is dangerous radiation dust.
I pray for all the life damaged or taken by this terrible tragedy and im sure you will do what you must, when the time comes.
Ive been sharing as many donation links as i can.
That all being said, I think that the worst of this has fallen behind. The situation here in the vast majority of Kanto is scared but stable. Yesterday, Tokyo was running almost like nothing happened. Right now yes we do have the trains cut down again, but this appears to be largely a precautionary measure.
Just keep your faith and everything will be alright. Good luck to you guys. Thanks for sharing!
We’ll be continue to pray for you guys. Keep up the great work! You will get there soon.
That was really devastating. That was really a hard time for Japan. But I know that Japan can make it through. cell phone accessories