Japan Shelter Boxes

It is now nearly six weeks since the earthquake and tsunami destroyed swathes of Japan’s coastline. A huge clean up operation has been underway since the disaster struck and the Japanese authorities are making strong progress as Japan rises back to her feet.

‘The country and the people are doing a phenomenal job of recovering,’ says SRT member Tom Lay (UK). ‘The progress of the clean up operation is creating a massive psychological and emotional benefit. There’s very much a feeling of Japan standing back up after a knockout blow and still fighting.

‘There’s definitely a sense of moving on from the people who have been affected by the disaster and they have hope as they move forward and look to the future.’


A gentleman in his ShelterBox tent in Yamamoto in the Miyagi Prefecture of Northern Japan. He lost his home in the tsunami. Photograph: Thomas Lay

The cherry blossom in Japan’s north is starting to bloom, a sign the weather is beginning to turn and the cold weather is coming to an end, a key factor as families begin to leave crowded evacuation centres. ShelterBox continues to work throughout the coastal areas affected, helping families affected by the disaster as they begin to rebuild their lives.

Tom Lay added: ‘The support we’re currently receiving from Rotarians in Japan is invaluable and they’ve been crucial in helping us operate in the areas we’re working in.’

Since the earthquake people around the world have been supporting ShelterBox’s work in a huge range of exciting ways. There has been something for everyone to get involved with, from an auction by iconic rock band Sonic Youth to a Twitter fundraising drive by author Maureen Johnson.

One of the latest fundraising drives for ShelterBox’s global disaster relief efforts is called ‘Songs of Love For Japan’ which is a three-day flash sale of 100 tracks of rare and inspiring music. Artists supporting the project include Tori Amos, Ani DiFranco, Wolf Parade, The XX, The Submarines and Josh Ritter.

The flash sale ends on Thursday, April 21 with all proceeds going to ShelterBox. To find out more or purchase the tracks visit www.solfj.org.



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