As part of Sunday’s vigil and fundraiser for Japan earthquake and tsunami victims at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, attendees grasp candles while sharing in a moment of silence at sundown.
UPDATE Thursday, March 31, 12:01pm | Hundreds flocked to the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the campus of Cal State Long Beach Sunday to pay tribute to Japanese earthquake and tsunami victims, event organizers said.
The event, which doubled as a fundraiser for relief efforts in Japan, raised more than $14,500. That money is being donated to the U.S./Japan Council Earthquake Relief Fund, which will direct 100 percent of the funds to medical and rescue efforts.
Commencing to the thunderous sound of Taiko drums courtesy of the Long Beach Kokoro Taiko group, the event drew a crowd of more than 600 who flocked from near and far to participate in the fundraiser and candlelight vigil held amidst the serenity of the traditional Japanese flora.
Set against the tranquil sounds of Yuzan Shirai on the Shakuhachi flute and Yoko Awaya on the Koto harp, the Koi-laden lake at sunset glowed orange with the reflection of hundreds of flickering candles as the crowd bowed their heads in a moment of silence.
Mayor Bob Foster presented Consul General of Japan Junichi Iharra 1,000 origami cranes with a wish for peace and healing, a traditional practice in Japan, during the ceremony. Iharra’s words were moving as he spoke to the crowd, calling for strength and solidarity in the face of the ongoing aftermath following the now 9.0 temblor (it formally had been rated as an 8.9) that shook the island nation so hard on March 11 that it moved it slightly on the map.
In attendance were state Assemblyman Warren Furutani, D-Long Beach, state Assemblywoman Bonnie Lowenthal, D-Long Beach, Councilman James Johnson and Mayor Eunice Sato. Representatives from the offices of Rep. Laura Richardson, D-Calif., and state Sen. Roderick D. Wright, D-Gardena, were also on hand.
The event was coordinated and sponsored by the Long Beach Japanese Cultural Center, Interval House, the Long Beach Yokkaichi Sister City Association and the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at CSULB.
Thursday, March 24, 8:43pm | A fundraiser ceremony for the people of Japan will be held on Sunday at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the campus of Cal State Long Beach.
The Long Beach community will gather in solidarity for a candlelight vigil to remember the victims and raise funds for the survivors of the 8.9 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that battered the island nation on March 11.
Among those expected to be in attendance are Mayor Bob Foster, Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles Junichi Ihara, state Assemblyman Warren Furutani and the Long Beach Japanese Cultural Center’s Ken Nakagawa, organizers said.
Sunday’s ceremony will feature traditional Japanese flute, or shakuhachi, music; an incense offering; the presentation of 1,001 origami cranes symbolizing peace and healing; and taiko drums representing a united call to action.
The arch 27 event will begin at 6 p.m. and is slated to run about two hours. It is free and open to the public, and donations will be accepted for the U.S./Japan Council Earthquake Relief Fund, with 100 percent of the proceeds being directed to medical and rescue efforts in Japan, organizers said.
The Japanese Gardens are located on the CSULB campus, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., across from Parking Lot 16 on Earl Warren Drive. Click here for a map to the garden.
Additionally, the city’s Cambodian community has organized a fundraiser car wash that will run throughout the day Sunday from 9 a..m. to 3 p.m. at 2338 E. Anaheim St.
The cost is $6 per car and $8 per SUV or van, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to japan relief efforts.
A list of certified charities providing assistance to japan can be found at USAid.gov or by clicking here.
As part of Sunday’s vigil and fundraiser for Japan earthquake and tsunami victims at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, attendees grasp candles while sharing in a moment of silence at sundown.
Consul General of Japan Junichi Iharra speaks to a crowd of more than 600 following his receipt of 1,000 origami cranes with a wish for peace and healing from Long Beach Mayor Bob Foster during Sunday’s vigil and fundraiser for Japan earthquake victims at the at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden.