Japanese Student Association holds commemorative activities this week

On March 11, 2011, a powerful earthquake off Japan’s northeastern coast and the subsequent tsunami devastated the island country. In the following months, Syracuse University’s Japanese Student Association (JSA) worked hard to raise funds and awareness to help Japan in the rebuilding process.

This year, the JSA is launching a series of events titled “Recovery, Restoration, Rebirth” during the week of March 19 that will commemorate the victims of the tragedy and celebrate how far Japan and its people have come along the journey of recovery one year later.

The Hall of Languages will be lit in red, the color of the Japanese flag, the week of March 19.

In Japan, the crane symbolizes the hope for well-being, happiness and recovery. JSA members and other SU students have created a large crane from 1,000 paper origami cranes. The crane is being displayed in the area between the Hildegarde and J. Myer Schine Student Center and Newhouse 1 during the week of March 19.

Origami paper cranes have also been fashioned into a Japanese flag that will be on display on the first floor of E.S. Bird Library for two weeks beginning Monday, March 26. It will be sent to the Consulate General of Japan in New York City in May.

On Friday, March 23, JSA members will host an educational event about the disaster from 6-8 p.m. in room 323 of Huntington Beard Crouse Hall. Onigari, traditional Japanese rice balls, will be available for $2. Those attending will also have the opportunity to learn more about Hanami, a traditional spring celebration in Japan. The newly created Japanese flag will be on display. The JSA will also have handmade pins available for $3. Proceeds will be sent to the Consulate General of Japan at the end of the semester to aid in the recover/rebuilding process.

For more information about these events, or to learn what you can do to help restoration efforts in Japan, e-mail jsasyracuse@gmail.com.