We’re announcing Project Tohoku, our Japan tsunami response project! Due to the sheer scale and complex nature of this event, emergency response remains active even two weeks after the earthquake and tsunami. As a result, we do not yet have specific information regarding the start date of volunteer opportunities. Please check back for updates in the coming days.
The magnitude 9.0 earthquake that struck on March 11th, and the devastating tsunami that followed wiped out many coastal communities including Ofunato and Rikuzen Takata (both in Iwate prefecture). Tens of thousands of homes were damaged in Iwate alone, where nearly 44,000 people remain in evacuation shelters. Those who are able are beginning to clear debris from their homes and businesses, but the challenges are great and complex.
After extensive discussion and assessment, we were asked to provide support to the local government. The officials also accepted our offer of assistance in a role that would allow for program expansion, allowing us to begin our work in these two communities. We anticipate significant need for warehousing/logistics and distribution support, debris sorting and clearing, and other key programs where we’ll be able to leverage our vibrant volunteer resources.
The situation remains fluid and our programs are in development. The strong volunteer interest and motivation amongst the Japanese and expatriate community is inspiring and noteworthy; we are excited to empower unprecedented levels of local and national volunteers in this project. International volunteers with Japanese language skills will play key roles in the project start-up, and while we do anticipate opportunities for general international volunteers,we don’t have any at this time.
We thank the municipalities and leadership of Ofunato and Takata for their collaboration during our assessment, and look forward to working closely with them in the coming months.
How can you help?
It may be weeks before international volunteers begin to respond in Japan, but there are several ways that you can help respond to the Japan tsunami today:
- Donate to the Japan Tsunami Response Fund
- Host a fundraising event
- Set up a custom fundraising page and encourage your friends and family to donate
If you want to put together an event, please let us know at events@hands.org and we can help support you. Any other questions, email fundraising@hands.org.
Japan: Project Tohoku Announcement
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[...] All Hands: A US-based volunteer non-profit already set up on Fukushima. [...]
Norman says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 6:53am
Hi,
Bag packed and waiting, just let me know when the international general volunteers are needed. Keep up the good work and take care.
Patrick says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 6:56am
What specific skill sets are needed?
Additionally my wife grew up on Okinawa and retains some Japanese language skills and cultural knowledge.
Please feel free to respond to my email address or on the thread.
PLS
Ian Gagel says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 9:11am
If All Hands does intend to use international volunteers with Japanese language and cultural skills, can I please be notified via email? I am a student at the University of Cincinnati with an Asian Cultural studies major and emphesis on Japanese. Thank You!
Ian Gagel
Carolyn Shawgo says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 9:42am
My 22 year old granddaughter speaks fluent Japanese, she attended Japanese/American schools from kdg. and I have volunteered on the Red Cross National Mental Health Team and with GVN in Haiti and with Geovisions for 3 months in Ecuador. I am scheduled for a placement at an Indian Reservation is June. Please consider the two of us for working with children, families and social issues. Carolyn
Dylan Seaman says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 10:53am
David,
Thank you for the update. I will do what I can stateside for the moment. A donation will be coming to Hands in the coming months. looking at my limited budget at the moment and if the Project in Japan is still going in the fall, please sign me up for a longterm stay. (I have a contract to work in Alaska for the next 6 months that I can not change.)
Have a safe and productive day everyone.
Dylan
Alicia Martin says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 1:17pm
Thank you david,
I’m a college student in Santa Barbara, CA with 4 years of Japanese under my belt. I have studied abroad in Japan 2 years earlier and many many ties there. I also have volunteer experience in New Orleans. I am available and interested in any volunteer opportunity to held Japan.
Alicia Martin
Alicia Michele Martin says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 1:19pm
Thank you david,
I’m a college student in Santa Barbara, CA with 4 years of Japanese under my belt. I have studied abroad in Japan 2 years earlier and many many ties there. I also have volunteer experience in New Orleans. I am available and interested in any volunteer opportunity to held Japan.
Alicia Martin
Lynn says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 1:23pm
Thank you so much for this update. When the time comes where volunteers are needed for hands-on help, I would be honored to know about it to begin the process to do so. Thank you so much for the update.
Lynn
S collier says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 1:23pm
Great update!! Mr. David, I speak fluent Japanese, so please let me know what I can do to help your organization!!
Camille says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 1:30pm
Hey David,
Please keep in touch. I grew up in Japan and speak conversational Japanese. My high school girlfriends are telling me its still really tough and dangerous.
I await an opportunity to help on the ground.
Camy
Adam Bolton says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 1:48pm
Hey David,
Again much appreciated for the regular updates. I’ve been waiting intently to hear anything new about developments over there.
Currently I’m setting up a facebook page to rally more supporters, bringing interest to all of the organisations looking to do some good.
Although I don’t have a great deal of money at the moment to donate myself, I’m looking to set up a sponsorship page, to aid in getting funds there as well as possibly muling donated items there myself.
Please keep us all posted. I’m eager to get involved.
Adam Bolton says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 2:13pm
One more note, after re-reading the main content under the video, I notice you mention looking for warehouse and logistic support.
Please keep me in mind as I have years of experience in this as well as substantial forklift operation skill.
John Corney ROV Pilot,medic says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 3:06pm
Thank you David for the updates.
Please let me help. (1) I Speak Japanese
(Chesai, Scharshi, Nihongo) around Intermediate level. (2)I have been a medic in a war zone. (3) I have 19 years experience as a senior Chief Audiologist in a hospital. It is likley that some people will be suffering balance difficulties from trauma to the vestibular mecanism of the ears I can help. (4)My day job is Remotly opperated/Unmanned Vehicle/robot Pilot
I can assess needs in this area.
(5) I hope to raise one million yen by selling my Japanese Antiques etc to HELP. I AM READY TO GO I HAVE NOTHING TO STOP ME. MY FAMILY ARE IN AGREEMENT THAT I SHOULD GO. (6)I have for some years belonged to Janan Zone Friends with 800+ hits to my profile. I have friends in the area affected. I will go with you help or without it. Please get in touch urgently so that we may work together. Thank you again. John
John Corney ROV Pilot,medic says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 3:11pm
Correction to last posting Janan = Japan.
JC
sara says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 3:17pm
thanks for update let me know when international volunteers are being accepted so i can go over to Japan and help out
jim says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 3:28pm
wood it be passable for me to come over and help
Xiaochen Su says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 3:53pm
Dear David,
Thank you very much for the info.
You mentioned that International volunteers with Japanese language skills will play key roles in the project start-up.
I am currently living and working in Tokyo, and am able to speak Japanese, English, and Chinese.
If there are any opportunities out there for me to participate as a volunteer, please do let me know.
Thank you!
Frith Barbat says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 3:56pm
I speak, read and write Japanese at a pretty high level and lived there for three years. I would love to volunteer there in some capacity for a week or two. Please keep me posted about projects!
Thank you for your work.
Frith
Rajay Seudath says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 6:33pm
Thanks you for your video update. In Tampa, we’ve been doing bucket donations with various organizations at the University of South Florida. From what we’ve learned during the Haiti earthquake, monetary donations are the best things at the moment. Let’s all do our best and all that we can from our respective parts of the world. As a fluent Japanese speaker, I am eager to get over to Japan when international volunteers are permitted to go.
Please keep us informed and thanks for all your hard work!
日本の為に皆がんばりましょう！
Nippon no tame ni minna ganbarimashyou！
（Let’s all work hard for Japan’s sake!)
Prasanna Kalkumbe says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 8:24pm
I am Japanese language expert & Disaster management expert person. I would like to do some work on this project. I am also running Japanese language school . Most of my engineering students are interested to work as a volunteer on this project.
I have completed N1 of Japanese language International exam.
John Phillip Torres says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 9:55pm
Thank you for the update. Looking forward to help out the clearing of debris and the distribution of food and medicine there. More power and God Bless to all the volunteers of this project!
manish kohli says:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 at 11:33pm
i manish kohli 31 male from new delhi india. and i really want to volunteer and help people who are suffered in Japan Tsunami please send me some information about the volunteers team.i want to be the part of that team which is going to Japan for helping the people who are suffered.. or please contact me on my mobile.. 0091- 98714-86402 or mail at manukohli23@yahoo.co.in
waiting your reply sir
paul wayero says:
Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 1:22am
Am happy to hear that announcement and i pray that that a humanitarian hand is offered to those that are vulnerable,cause this reminds me as i spear headed Uganda Redcross society Kampala south branch to wards the collection of none food items for the Bududa Land slide victims and Namusuba flood victims.Being a Volunteer focal person of disaster risk reduction at that time i feel grate to have that opportunity to volunteer in Japan.
Kapila Jayadewa says:
Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 2:06am
Dear Sir,
I have over 3 year of working experience, doing tsunami relief work in Sri Lanka. during the 2004 Asian Tsunami. I have also worked in Japan earlier and can speak good English and Japanese Language as well. I am Currently working for a Japanese NGO in Sri Lanka called Kano Lanka foundation. I have many ties with Japan and have lot of friends in Japan. I felt very sad when I heard about the 2011 tsunami destruction in japan and felt very sad. I would like volunteer in Japan in It’s Tsunami relief work to do what I can do At this time of need. I am familiar with Japanese culture and way of thinking in Japan. So if u Have any volunteer opportunities in your organization please let me know. Kapila
Nadeem says:
Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 3:40am
I can speak japanese language very well. I know culture of japan , I want to help the people of japan .
O'Shay Walker says:
Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 4:26am
Hi, I’m currently a student at Florida State University. Being an active member of the Japanese Student Association (JSA) at Florida state, we work with the Asian Coalition of Tallahassee and more personally with the heads of the Japanese community. Two days after the incident we have had multiple fundraisers, selling goods, written prayers, made a 1,000 cranes and had a candle light vigil, all of which has been mentioned in the news.
Having study the language and culture, I would love to be considered to do volunteer work when it is available. これからよろしくお願いします。(Let’s work hard from now on)
Rebecca says:
Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 4:32am
I am a teacher currently living in Japan. I would like to join your volunteer mission, whenever it happens. Please email me with any info you might have, or any help I could be.
Thank you.
Jason Pfeifer says:
Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 6:26am
Thanks for all you are doing. Keep us posted on volunteering options. I’m open to going to Japan if needed. I do not speak the language, however, my skills in leadership management and my general willingness to do what ever is needed could be beneficial.
Thanks
575-613-4855
John Corney says:
Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 8:49am
Not sure what happened but my previous posting is not showing.
I have many skills which could be used to help and I am in a position to go at any time.
Skills which my be of help are:- Speak Japanese at around intermediate level.
Have been an Evacuation Medic in a Warzone.
I am an ROV Pilot/Tech of the types of Robots that can go in to collapsed buildings. I possess a Doppler probe that might be able to detect remotly if a body is alive. I just want to help.
Please contact me by email. John.
Let’s all do what we can for Japan.
Gambatta Kudasai!
Haiyan Khan says:
Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 12:45pm
Thanks so much for doing this. Iam from New Orleans and would love to volunteer and be part of the project on site.
Please include me in your communications and you will be getting donation from me shortly.
312-498-9793
Jonathan Greaves says:
Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 1:04pm
I am waiting Patiently for an opportunity to Volunteer my time and skills in the aid of Japan. When the opportunity comes for volunteer help over in japan I would Like to assist in anyway I can over in Japan.
Please feel Free to email me about any upcoming opportunity to Help over in Japan, thank you.
Sincerely, John Greaves
Loretta Lowe says:
Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 1:41pm
Welcome back home David – hope you get some rest. Glad to see you are making inroads to see how the All Hands volunteers can be of help. Once you are ready for international volunteers – I’d like to come for two months (June/ July). Thanks for looking for ways that the many caring international travelers (who don’t have a lot of money to donate to big organizations) can still help.
My San Francisco State Students are doing a fundraising event at The Parlor Nightclub, April 28th. Anyone in the Bay Area, come that night!
Tiago Carvalho. says:
Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 5:21pm
Hi, i went tuesday for sooma-city(相馬市), to be voluntary in that region…..i returned home today, and the situation is very difficult. we removed mud in entry of school that will provide shelter for people who lost their homes due to flooding..
Michael Harris says:
Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 7:06pm
Thank you for the up-date David. I lost my sister to cancer three years ago, and when I saw video footage of the tsunami, I saw 10,000 of my sisters being swept away. It touched me more deeply than I have ever experienced in my life. The people of Japan are our brothers and sisters of Earth, and I want so desperatly to go there to help them rebuild their lives. I am a carpenter and heavy equipment operator and will do all I can to help, and am willing to committ to a long stay of volunteer work. Please let me know when I can be of service. Thank You for All you do in this world to help those in desperate need, and may God bless you.
Sincerely,
Michael
rolly says:
Thursday, March 31, 2011 at 11:31pm
i really want to volunteer
i please send me some information
GBU
William Crisman says:
Friday, April 1, 2011 at 4:41pm
I’m glad to hear that the news on the projects upcoming is going well.
William Stratford says:
Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 10:31am
I’m very excited to hear that an effort has finally begun! I am also excited to go over and volunteer whenever more general volunteers would be able to come over. Would taking the next few weeks to start learning Japanese be useful in getting me over there? (I know some but not enough to talk with people, more enough to get the mood of a conversation)
Thank you again very much for helping the Japanese people when they are in need and providing a volunteer opportunity.
Janice Gearty says:
Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 3:40pm
Dear David, I happy to hear the progression for volunteer opportunities. As soon as you have placements for international volunteers please let me know. I am available for the month of July. I would like to prepare (purchase plane tickets,set a place to stay, etc.) as soon as possible. I look forward to hearing from you. Janice
Michael says:
Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 8:55pm
I was an exchange student in the Tohoku region of Japan about 15 years ago. I’m currently living in Fiji. I would love the opportunity to do long term volunteer work in Japan as soon as volunteers are sent.
Surabhi Pratap says:
Monday, April 4, 2011 at 3:26am
Hi David!!
I’d like to volunteer for the relief work in Japan as soon as they allow international volunteers.
I am a resident of India (Mumbai)and unfortunately dont have any training in the Japanese language.
Pls Advise what is the best way forward.
candace clark says:
Monday, April 4, 2011 at 1:07pm
I gogo dance at a few clubs here in denver, on april 8 one of the nights I dance for is having a costplay for a cause party. We are donating a dollar for every person through the door, in addition to doing $5 song requests all of which will be donated.
I am very interested in being an international volunteer. I’m a student trained in first aid and cpr, in addition to some medical training and wound care. I also spent last summer interning with the denver county medical examiners office and so am no stranger to tragedy.
Andrea Kline says:
Monday, April 4, 2011 at 8:27pm
Hello!
I thought I read somewhere not to post in the comments about wanting to volunteer but in case I am mistaken, I didn’t want to be left out. I have already signed up to volunteer with you and am willing to go and stay as long as I’m wanted/needed. I will be graduating here in mid-May majoring in East Asian Studies, specifically Japan and I’m also in my fourth class of Japanese. While I do not know the language fluently, I have a pretty good basis. I am really looking forward to opportunities opening up for international volunteers. Ill keep checking in.
Joshua Bliss says:
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 5:24am
Hi
I am a construction professional currently in tokyo. I want to offer what ever practical help I can. My language skills prohibit any kind of construction management but I can undertake any hands on task. I have an international licence for any kind of vehicle (heavy truck,bus etc).
Chandler Copenhaver says:
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at 12:05pm
I spent a bit over 2 years, from 2008 to 2010 in full-time service in Japan, to the south allover Kyushu, Hiroshima, and Okinawa. I am a fluent speaker of the Japanese Language and Love the people. I am looking for a way to return to help with this crisis this summer and would love to be apart of this organization in its relief efforts!
Samantha says:
Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 12:05am
Hi I am a Singaporean residing in Tokyo and I have intermediate Japanese abilty. I am very much looking forward to contributing towards Project Tohoku in any possible way. Pls do contact me at my email address or 080-1984-9994
Tom says:
Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 1:58am
Hello, I am a retired government official with considerable experience in emergency relief in clearing debry, logistics planning, and directing relief supplies to the proper channels. I served during 3 south Florida hurricanes and I have a Masters Degree in Business Organization, Management, and Leadership. I am willing to go to Japan to assist in whatever efforts are needed if transportation and room/board can be provided to me. I am a logistics specialist, teacher, and strategic planning expert. Certainly some organization could use my assistance there! Let me know what I can do to help. Thank you! Tom Kautto in Minnesota.
Dan Pham says:
Wednesday, April 6, 2011 at 2:52pm
I am probably the worst suited person to help. But all I can say is I have the will and heart to help! so please consider me, if this project is going to happen for how ever long you need me. Maybe one person can make a difference, in mass of the many proactive people in this organization =].
I am quite new to this, and have just recently found out about Hands.org. You all are amazing people and I would be honored to be among you. So heart warming to see that people genuinely care!
I know a little bit of japanese. if that helps =[ . But send me off for busy work and I will do it for sure! anything!
-Dan
Good luck with everything and hope to see this happening soon. Will be on stand by.
Tak Matsuda says:
Thursday, April 7, 2011 at 4:46pm
I’m a japanese-american, 26, LA, can read&write&speak fluently in both languages and recently quit my job so I can join for the volunteer efforts immediately. I have no volunteer experience or any specific special skills for the relief efforts but am currently taking CPR/First aid classes. I know your group is not taking any general volunteers but you did mention that “japanese speaking skills will play a key role in project start-up” so please contact me if you still need translators. Thank you for your efforts and hope everything is progressing over there.
Tak
Matovu Brandon Bukenya says:
Friday, April 8, 2011 at 6:39am
Thanks very much for the update mr.David. Like i requested in the beginning, iam ready to physically work with you people and help my brothers and sisters in japan. Iam a ugandan and i will only need an invitation from you so as to help me get a visa at the embassy then join in the helping. I will be very greatfull if responded to positivelly. Have a lovely day every one.
Bryan Ashley says:
Friday, April 8, 2011 at 1:13pm
Great work!
My 21-year old son is a Japanese-American engineering student in Montreal. He was born in Sendai and grew up partly in Japan. I would like to encourage him to go to Tohoku and do volunteer work for a couple of months in the summer. He speaks Japanese and English, is very strong and healthy. What is the best way to find out about volunteering and sign up? Thanks, Bryan
Ramsey says:
Monday, April 11, 2011 at 10:11am
Hey,
Interested volunteer here who also happens to be a Japanese and Anthropology major. I’d really like to help out and work with you guys, please let me know when you need volunteers.
Daniel says:
Monday, January 14, 2013 at 8:14pm
Hello,
I work for JICA (the Japanese version of the Peace Corps) from March until December. I’m currently enjoying a vacation, but very interested in any volunteering that I can do to help. I normally work in Nihonmatsu, within Fukushima Prefecture, and so very close to the various devistation areas. I’ve lived in Japan for almost 10 years and speak a decent amount of Japanese. I’m also handy with home handyman projects, but I’m no pro. Please contact me if there is a need for another body. Thank you.
Terri says:
Tuesday, January 15, 2013 at 12:08pm
Daniel, thank you for your interest in this project, but it has been closed since November of 2011. We have other volunteer opportunities, which you can find at hands.org/volunteer, but none in Japan at this time.