Regarding Japan...

[shadowkat]

In the Metro this past week there was a blurb that resonated for me. The Japanese don't like to ask for help. They like to handle it themselves. But are incredibly generous. I totally get that - because I hate to ask for aid or help too. But sometimes you need to ask for help - you just can't do it alone.
And Japan is drowning.

Here's the video I posted last week to Facebook:

http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/world/2011/03/12/nhk.japan.tsunami.aftermath.nhk.html

And here's the one from Japan, posted by honorh who is there right now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=oqvsykuwh88

If you want to give aid and Japan does need it (often those who don't ask up front need it the most) - I've been told that Oxfan International is a good place to go to and legitimate. That's the biggest problem right now about aid giving is finding legitimate organizations.
We all know we can't trust the American Red Cross - which is a poorly run organization and the aid often goes to administrative costs as opposed to the people who need it.

http://www.oxfam.org/en/emergencies/japan-earthquake-tsunami

I also know that the US NAVY has been sending ships and aid from both the President's speech and a friend on lj who works for the US NAVY and has been posting on it.

Comments

[shadowkat67.livejournal.com]

You're very welcome!

I think they are starting to accept help now, which is good news.
They are a very proud and very strong and very generous culture.

One thing that moved me - was that poor and struggling Afganistan sent over $50,000 in aid right off the bat. Can't remember where I read it though. I think in the Metro.