Coin Design to Commemorate the Reconstruction After the East Japan Tsunami and Earthquake of 2011

Click here for the story of this coin design. And here for the story of the Miracle Tree.

Thank you, Japan. Thank you from Japan.

Out for an appointment this week in Tokyo, I noticed something new on the front of the bus.

It's been one year since the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Click on the photo to enlarge it. The sign says in English, "Japan. Thank you." Perhaps what is meant is "Thank you from Japan."

Anyway, thank you Japan for being a symbol of strength and dignity through this year! And thank you, World, for supporting Japan through this difficult time!

This sign appeared on a neighborhood yaki niku restaurant right after March 11th. It says, "Ganbarou Nihon." Some people translate it as, "Be strong Japan." Some say, "Hang in there, Japan." Others say, "Try to do your best, Japan."

This sign was on the shinkasen Big Sister and I took to Hakone in May, 2011. Ganbarou Nihon!

I saw signs everywhere. Keep it up Japan! And keep it up, World. Japan still needs our support!

N.B. The Japanese phrase is transliterated phonetically.

Hearts as Big as Texas

I called my mom yesterday to wish her a happy birthday. My cousin had something she wanted to tell me. She works for an elementary school in Duncanville, Texas where a class of fourth graders decided on their own to do something for the Japan earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. They organized a fundraising drive themselves and even made up a chant for it. They raised over $600 in their school to donate to the Red Cross. Thank you, everyone!

I am sure there are many more touching stories of children reaching out to Japan. If you know any, let me know in the comments.