We have all been watching in disbelief the tremendous destruction in Japan from the earthquake and tsunami of March 10, 2011. As Japan begins the process of rebuilding and healing after this epic disaster, our Sangha would like to do its part in supporting relief efforts there. Bishop Matsumoto left for Japan on Saturday, March 12th and brought with him a check in the amount of $10,000 that was delivered to Honzan to aid in relief efforts. It is only through your generous contributions to our annual fund drive that makes this kind of immediate response possible.

In the spirit of Interdependence, Dana, and Karuna, we would like to continue our support for those affected by this disaster by establishing the 2011 JAPAN DISASTER FUND.

1. Please make your contribution to your respective temple (payable to your respective temple).

2. Due to the severity of this disaster, this fund drive will continue to the end of August 2011. Temples, please forward your donations to Headquarters on: April 30th, June 30th and August 31st. This will allow us to donate to Honzan and the Red Cross on a more timely basis. As you send in your temple check, payable to “Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii” , please memo it with “2011 Japan Disaster Fund.”

3. All donations received will be given to Honzan and to the Japanese Red Cross Society. Let us support relief efforts for both our Hongwanji community and the larger community.

4. REPORT OF RELIEF EFFORTS BY THE HONGWANJI
The following is an update of the relief efforts made by the Hongwanji in response to the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster.

March 11, 2011: Central Emergency Disaster Relief Office established at Hongwanji

March 11, 2011: Letter of Concern sent to those affected by the disaster and 2,000 towels sent to the Tohoku District Office

March 12, 2011: Message of Concern sent to those affected by the disaster and additional 1,000 towels sent to the Tokyo District Office

March 12, 2011: Disaster/Relief Assistance Offices established at the Tohoku Kyoku Distict Office (at Sendai Betsuin) and the Tokyo Kyoku District Office (at Tsukiji Betsuin)

March 12, 2011: Decision made to send an initial 30 million yen (approx. U.S. $300,000 to disaster region)

March 12, 2011: 2011 Tohoku Kanto Pacific Coast Region Great Earthquake Disaster Relief Fund Drive initiated by Hongwanji

March 12, 2011: Signboards erected at the Hongwanji and Ohtani Hombyo (Ohtani Mausoleum) expressing concern and sympathy for those affected by the disaster

March 12, 2011: Hongwanji sends investigative team to the disaster zone

March 12, 2011: Hongwanji Social Welfare Department Supervisor dispatched to the disaster zone together with the First Assistance and Relief Staff from Hongwanji

March 12, 2011: Messages of concern and sympathy sent from the Hongwanji to the local temples affected by the disaster

March 13, 2011: Hongwanji dispatches Second Assistance and Relief staff to the disaster zone

First Assistance and Relief Staff and local Disaster/Relief Assistance Office staff extend messages of concern and sympathy, as well as relief goods to 15 temples in the Miyagi Prefecture region affected by the disaster

March 14, 2011: First Assistance and Relief Staff arrives at Ishinomaki City disaster area to deliver water and food to the evacuation centers at the Ishinomaki Girls High School and the Ishinomaki Prefectural High School

March 14, 2011: Second Assistance and Relief Staff from Hongwanji, together with Sendai Betsuin Buddhist Women’s Association members and Betsuin Kindergarten staff prepare and distribute pork soup and riceballs to evacuees in front of Sendai Betsuin

March 15, 2011: Hongwanji First Assistance and Relief Staff returns to Hongwanji. Supervisor of the Hongwanji Social Welfare Department remains in the disaster zone. Plans being organized to dispatch the Third Assistance and Relief Staff to the disaster zone

March 15, 2011: Third Assistance and Relief Staff from Hongwanji dispatched to the Tokyo District Office Relief/Assistance Center (at Tsukiji Betsuin); Fourth Assistance and Relief Staff dispatched to the Tohoku District Office Relief/Assistance Center (at Sendai Betsuin)

March 16, 2011: Third Assistance and Relief Staff returns to Hongwanji

March 17, 2011: Second Assistance and Relief Staff returns to Hongwanji; Tohoku District Disaster Volunteer Center put in place

March 18, 2011: Fourth Assistance and Relief Staff, together with Supervisor of the Hongwanji Social Welfare Department, returns to Hongwanji; Fifth Assistance and Relief Staff dispatched to Sendai Betsuin

(translated from the Hongwanji Japanese Website : www.hongwanji.or.jp)

5. There are numerous organizations that are involved in relief efforts, one such organization is “Aloha For Japan.” For information on other relief efforts, please visit their website at www.alohaforjapan.com

Thank you for your continued generosity and support during this time of tragedy. Mahalo!