Restore jobs and businesses to areas heavily damaged by the March 2011 tsunami, support children recovering from the disaster and help local organizations improve their ability to respond to future emergencies.
One of the largest earthquakes ever recorded triggered a tsunami that killed more than 15,000 people, spurred a nuclear crisis and caused an estimated $235 billion in damages — Japan’s worst disaster since World War II. Entire coastal communities were wiped out by the surging waters.
- Emergency response: Provided relief supplies to meet the basic needs of 42,000 people living in shelters and helped children heal from trauma after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
- Economic opportunity: Delivering start-up grants, employment incentives and loan-interest subsidies to encourage new businesses and hiring in tsunami-affected towns.
- Children & youth:Helping children cope after disaster and teaching caregivers how to address psychological stress.
- Disaster preparedness:Partnering with local organizations to improve responses to future emergencies.
All stories about Japan
Japan: Three-year-old Rin Suzuki, displaced tsunami survivor
Rin Suzuki, age 3, has been living in the Kesennuma gymnasium with her parents for two weeks.
Japan: Helping the Japan tsunami’s littlest survivors
The youngest survivors of disasters are often the most resilient, but also the most fragile. While earthquakes and tsunamis rob children of the same things that most adults hold dear — homes, families, friends — kids lack adult coping mechanisms. The emotional toll can be devastating.
Japan: Neighbors for 33 years
Japan: The tsunami's lasting emotional toll
It's been almost two weeks since people along coastal northeastern Japan saw the signs of coming tsunami waves and saved their lives by racing to safety. The water hit their cities and towns, taking away loved ones, their homes, their jobs.
Japan: Learning to cope with the tremors in Japan
I’m not used to being in a place where the ground shakes. I spent my youth and early career years in New Jersey and New York City — not exactly quake country.
Japan: Report from the disaster zone
About half the city completely ruined. A line visible from where the water surged, stopped and then withdrew. On one side of the line, everything destroyed. On the other side, everything normal.
Japan: 8 P.M. in Portland, noon in Tokyo
Before I call it a night, a quick update from our partner Peace Winds in Japan. I didn't get a hold of Tomoko until about 12:30 P.M. her time, which was 8:30 P.M. for me.
Japan: Candlelight vigil and fundraiser for Japan: Friday, March 18
Dear members of the Portland community, Please join me at Candlelight Vigil and Fundraiser for Japan on Friday, March 18 from 6:00–8:00 P.M. at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
Japan: Our friends in Japan
Today I've been corresponding with Rieko, who has been a good friend of my mother's since I was a kid. We met Rieko when she and her family lived in Beaverton years ago, but now she and her family are back in Tokyo.
Japan: On my way to Japan
I'm on my way to Japan to support the emergency relief efforts of our partner, Peace Winds. But I wanted to take a moment to say thank you.