International

Hope Letters is an initiative to collect online letters directed toward communities that have been affected by the devastation in Northeastern Japan. As of April 11, 1,000 letters in both English and Japanese have been published online through this effort to convey hope and support to those in Japan. According to the Website, it has received more than 3,000 letters from 38 countries, since March 11. To send a letter, or view those that have been published, visit http://www.hopeletters.org/about-hope-letters.

 

Funds raised through the following efforts will go toward the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California-established Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund:

 

San Francisco
Japan Aid SF
Thursday, April 21

There will be a benefit concert at the Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St., from 7 to 10 p.m. to raise funds for the survivors of the March 11 earthquake, tsunami, and ongoing crisis. Sentinel, Poeticali Distherbd and Sambaxe will perform. All funds raised from tickets, raffle prizes and donations that night will go toward the Fund. Admission is $15 and includes one raffle ticket. Tickets should be purchased in advance since they may sell out. Attendance is not mandatory to claim a raffle prize. This event is for those age 21 and older. Noise Pop, the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California and Ocean Beach Print & Design have partnered to present the event. For more information, visit http://japanaidsf.wordpress.com.

Oakland, Calif.
Just Dance Ballroom Disaster Relief Benefit
Saturday, April 23

Just Dance Ballroom will host an evening of dancing to raise funds for relief efforts from 7 p.m. to midnight at 2500 Embarcadero. The event will feature live music from the Bay Area’s own Kickback Band, and a performance by Jeff Chan’s Mix & Mash Band. The benefit requests $20 at the door and includes refreshments. Attendees may pay cash or write checks to the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. Table sponsorships are available for $50 a seat or $500 for a table of 10. Credit cards cannot be accepted. All proceeds will go to the Fund. For more information, call (510) 436-9888 or visit www.justdanceballroom.com.

 

Morgan Hill, Calif.
E-waste recycling event
Saturday, April 30

The Morgan Hill Buddhist Community Center will hold an e-waste recycling event to fundraise for the Fund at the Morgan Hill Buddhist Community Center, 16450 Murphy Ave., Morgan Hill, Calif. Pacific Corporate Solutions will accept donations of the following unwanted electronics and office items: computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, keyboards, computer mice, hard drives, Christmas tree lights, computer and electrical cables and wires, UPS backups, monitors, TVs, cellphones, pagers, cameras, MP3 players, electronic test equipment, DVD/CD/VHS players and earphones. For more information, contact the offices of Jon Hatakeyama, DDS & Don Nguyen, DDS at (408) 779-7391. Monetary donations will also be accepted and can be made out to “Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund” or to the “Hongwangi Relief Fund” and sent c/o Dr. Jon Hatakeyama, 370 W. Dunne Ave Ste. #3, Morgan Hill, CA 95037.

 

 

Ongoing
San Francisco
Tuesdays for Tokyo @ DOSA
April 19 and April 26

DOSA will donate all profits — from both its locations, 1700 Fillmore St. near Japantown and 995 Valencia St. in the Mission District on these two days — to aid the relief efforts in the devastated areas of Northeastern Japan. Participants can enjoy South Indian cuisine while supporting the relief effort. For more information, visit http://dosasf.com, call the Fillmore St. location at (415) 441-3672 or the Mission District location at (415) 642-3672.

Hapa Dog at What’s Up Dog
Through Saturday, April 30

In an effort to contribute to the relief effort, What’s Up Dog, at 528 Larkin St. has created a Japanese-inspired hot dog called the Hapa Dog. Each Hapa Dog sold through April will contribute a dollar toward the relief effort. The hot dog is made with an all-beef sausage and includes such toppings as: furikake, grilled onions, wasabi mayonnaise and warm pineapple teriyaki sauce. Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Oakland, Calif.
Spice Monkey Café & Restaurant Dish and Drink specials
Through Monday, April 25

Spice Monkey Café & Restaurant, 1628 Webster St., is holding a month-long fundraising effort through Monday, April 25. With a purchase of one of the following special items, Spice Monkey will contribute a portion of the proceeds to the relief fund: Sunrise Sushi Bowl ($12) — pickled veggie mix of shredded carrots, zesty slaw, pickled bean sprouts, cilantro and jalapeño over a fried soft boiled egg and organic sushi rice topped off with a soy sauce reduction, nori and roasted sesame seeds. Add Roasted Pork for $3.50; Refresh ‘n’ Relief ($7.50) — a refreshing mix of soju, fresh mint, honeydew, simple syrup and lime served with a spiced cayenne pepper and salt rim. For more information, call (510) 268-0170 or visit www.spicemonkeycafe.com.

 

For additional coverage of the ongoing crisis in Northeastern Japan and more information on ways to help the relief efforts, visit https://www.nichibei.org/disaster_in_japan.

For tips on determining which charitable funds to consider supporting, visit the Better Business Bureau’s Standards for Charity Accountability online at www.bbb.org/us/Charity-Standards, or call (703) 276-0100.