Disasterous 8.9 Earthquake and Tsunami Hit Japan

A devastating 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck Japan at 2:46p.m., Friday March 11th, followed by violent and frequent aftershocks. Said to be the most powerful in Japan’s recorded history, the initial earthquake was centered near the east coast of the island nation, killing hundreds. Thirty-foot waves swept their way inland as far as 6 miles, hitting several northeastern prefectures, including Miyagi. Tsunami warnings have been issued for most of the Pacific Rim. The Tokyo Broadcasting System has reported widespread damage, with a high number of casualties and over 500 people missing.

In light of this devastating news, North American companies and organizations such as Crunchyroll Inc., FUNimation Entertainment, Anime Expo, and the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation (SPJA) have begun aiding in the funding for emergency response and long-term recovery efforts for the earthquake victims. As of 12:00p.m. PST, Anime Expo’s webcast, AX Live, has been broadcasting live coverage on the situation in Japan by communicating with correspondents on location. Meanwhile, anime/ manga/ game industry members are continually checking via social networking sites in the aftermath of the natural disaster.

Everyone’s thoughts and prayers are with the earthquake and tsunami victims. I especially hope that those who have been labeled officially missing are found soon. If you’re wondering about how to aid the relief, a list of organizations and ways you can help has been provided below:

• Direct your browser to the official American Red Cross website. For those of you who are looking for a quick way to donate, text ‘REDCROSS’ to 90999 to make a small $10.00 donation. It will be charged on your next phone bill.
 • Global giving has also set-up a Japan earthquake and tsunami relief fund.
 • Sakevisual, an independent OELVN visual novel company, has also generously set up a deal for anyone donating to her website. Donate at least $5.00 and all of the proceeds for this week will go to the Japanese relief fund and in return, she’s giving away a free copy of Jisei and 35% off Kansei.
 • FUNimation voice actor, Micah Solusod, is doing commissioned sketches for $10.00. All proceeds will go to relief efforts in Japan.
• Global Giving
• Numana
• The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
• Mercy Corps
(Originally posted by Anime News Network and the Inside AX blog)

I’m glad to see such an immediate response rate to the news of the disaster in Japan – within the anime community, the fans and Japanese company affiliates are showing their support in any way they can. Thank you to all those who are donating, or keeping the Japanese people in mind.

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Evangelion Inspires Real Operation Yashima

In response to the Tokyo Electric Power Company’s call for power conservation, an unofficial campaign to help spread the word has begun under the name Operation Yashima.* It is code-named after the elaborate plan presented in the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion, which involved carefully calculated long-distance sniping of Angel Ramiel’s core with a position rifle that completely saps Japan’s electrical grid. According to ANN, the campaign promoters opened a page with a bulletin about the real Operation Yashima from Evangelion's fictional Nerv organization.

*The title was originally inspired by the events that took place during the naval Battle of Yashima, which took place March 22, 1185.