"Gaman" means to endure with fortitude and dignity. Here's a video with actor/activist George Takei, in the spirit of gaman, asking for the world's help for victims of the quake and tsunami in northern Japan. The song playing in the background is "Gaman," performed by Lea Salonga and Telly Leung, from the musical Allegiance. Take a look:
Speaking of donations, here's some useful information on ways to give to disaster relief, passed along by the Little Tokyo Service Center in Los Angeles:
CASH DONATIONSOkay, so some of this information is very specific to Southern California -- but they're still reliable groups representing reputable relief programs. When it comes down to it, cash donations are the quickest and easiest form of assistance. For more information, go to the Little Tokyo Service Center website here.
This is the quickest and easiest form of assistance which can be applied broadly to aid disaster areas and provide an infusion of economic aid.
Japanese Chamber of Commerce Foundation
They are a Japanese and Japanese American business association and are collecting donations on behalf of UNICEF (United Nations Childrens Fund). Checks can be made payable to "US Fund for UNICEF" with the note "Japan Disaster Fund" and send to:
244 South San Pedro Street, Room 504, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Call (213) 626-3067 for more info.
Japan America Society of So. Calif.
A 100-year old nonprofit with both local and national chapters, has set up a special fund. Checks may be sent to: Japan America Society, 345 So. Figueroa St., Suite M-1, Los Angeles, CA 90071. Identify "Japan Earthquake Relief Fund" in the check memo line. Call (213)626-6217 for more info. Secure online donations can be made at www.jas-socal.org
Red Cross
Those who want to help can go to www.redcross.org and donate to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief. People can donate via their website and also text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to help those impacted by today's events.
The Japanese Red Cross is a highly experienced disaster relief organization with 2 million volunteers nationwide. It has deployed 95 medical teams, made up of more than 700 people, including doctors and nurses. It is currently operating emergency medical and relief operations in the stricken areas.
The best way to contact or locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Japan is to through the U.S. Department of State's Office of Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 or (202) 647-5225.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has also offered to assist Japan with restoring family links via their website at www.icrc.org/familylinks.
One-Day Donation Drive at LA City Hall by Councilmember Jan Perry
Drive and drop off your cash or check donations (made out to American Red Cross/Japan Disaster) at City Hall on Main Street between First and Temple streets between 6 am and 6 pm on Thursday, March 17. You won't have to leave your car.