Wednesday, March 16, 2011

More reflections on the crisis in Japan

I think the civility and altruistic customs of the Japanese culture is fairly well known. I have been following news on CBC, our public broadcating radio in Canada, and last night learned of the altruistic and noble behavior of the individuals working to try and mitigage the disaster in the nuclear reactor sites affected by the eartquakes. The workers are definitely aware of the fact that they will be harmed from their work, by several kinds of cancers in their bodies, but continue to voluntarily work, and there is a pool of technologists sharing the work .Individuals putting their lives at risk for the benefit of their fellow citizens.

A Japanese Canadian student association at York University have begun an origami campaign, they have a simple table where they create origami cranes (this is a very profound, traditonal way to help - It has I think  roots from Hiroshima), $1.00 per crane, to raise money to help. The idea has now been taken up by McMaster University students as well.

I am thinking of getting some children's books on this. Rosemary Wells has a couple of lovely illustrated books about a little "girl/cat" of Japanese descent living in the States, and her relationship with her grandparents in Japan, and their origami art. I'll see what my children might like to try with some paper folding, and see where it might lead us.

3 comments:

Melissa @ The Chocolate Muffin Tree said...

What a wonderful idea!! I don't know if you ever heard of Sadako Sasaki?
She was a Japanese girl who had leukemia (most likely from Hiroshima bombing) and had the goal to fold 1000 paper cranes so that she could be granted a wish. (a Japanese Legend) She died before 1000 were created and her friends helped to finish her goal. There is a memorial for her and books about her. I believe one book is called: Sadako and The 1000 Paper Cranes!

Thanks again for the compliments! I enjoy reading your posts!

Geraldine said...

One of the positive things that does come out of any crisis is the outpouring of support, aid and kindness from people trying to help. All over the world (including where we live here in BC) people are getting together to discuss and to implement any projects that they can to help the people in Japan. Even small measures multiplied by millions of people can be very significant. It also sends a message to the people in Japan that people everywhere do care and are wishing them well. Your initiative sounds very interesting Brenda. Children are some of the most giving people of all and their efforts are commendable.

Wishing you a Happy St. Patrick's Day too.

Geraldine said...

PS: On a totally different topic, I just stopped by your writing blog and the post (s?) there have disappeared! I don't know if this was intentional. I was looking forward to reading along at both of your blogs Brenda. Hope things are going well today and sending hugs your way too, G