Mar 25

WIT Life #158: Charity concerts, etc. for Japan’s recovery

Events, Translating/Interpreting, Uncategorized, WIT Life, Writers Add Comment (1)

WITLife is a periodic series written by professional Writer/Interpreter/Translator Stacy Smith (Kumamoto-ken CIR, 2000-03). She starts her day by watching Fujisankei’s newscast in Japanese, and here she shares some of the interesting tidbits and trends together with her own observations.

Japan’s recovery efforts continue to take place, and while it is easy to feel helpless in the face of the disaster’s aftermath we can each help out in our own small way.  I would like to highlight some upcoming events that will enable you to contribute to the cause while enjoying good food and music.

First up is Dine Out for Japan Relief, a week-long event in which the 70+ participating restaurants are donating 5% of their proceeds to Japan’s tsunami recovery and relief efforts.  There are many familiar Manhattan Japanese favorites like Ippudo and Sakagura, as well as some stellar non-Japanese restaurants such as ABC Kitchen and Bar Basque.  So if you are planning a meal out between now and March 30, why not feel good about supporting Japan at the same time?

On the entertainment side, here are two events you won’t want to miss.  First is Stand With Japan, a charity concert for the earthquake and tsunami victims featuring 20 different artists.  Tickets for this concert which will be held next Tuesday, March 29, at 8 p.m. are $40 and can be purchased here.  The second event is a benefit concert for Japan from pianist Taka Kigawa next Saturday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets can be purchased on the website or by calling 866 55 TICKETS. Both Taka and Nozomi Terao, head of the NPO Happy Doll sponsoring the first charity concert, are personal friends so any support you can give them as well as the cause is much appreciated!