February is a beginning of Spring in Japan. And the first sign of spring is the deep pink color buds on plum trees. Unlike cherry blossoms in April, plum trees have more saddle and quieter bloom. Not as much flowers on branches, but very "zen" like beauty. Color of the flowers range from white to deep purplish red. My grandmother planted "weeping plum" tree in our yard when I was born, so I am particularly attached to the elegant look of it.
Oxidized sterling silver, hand pierced and hand stitched glass beads. Bail on back for pendant use with deep pink leather cord. 1 1/2"x2"x1/4"
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On March 11, 2011 Japan suffered a record-breaking earthquake, the worst in the country’s history, with a tsunami afterward that left devastation in the northern part of mainland Japan. The total death count is still rising and is expected to reach at least 10,000 just in Miyagi, one of the coastal prefectures.
As a native of Japan, I have never felt this helpless and homesick since I left my homeland to attend college in the United States 16 years ago. Japan is a developed country and I’ve always felt assured that my home and family were only a phone call or a quick email away, even though I live on the other side of the world. That assurance and comfort was quickly taken away when this disaster struck last week. I could not reach my parents because the phone line was jammed and electricity was out throughout Japan. The whole country was in panic and made me appreciate what I had taken for granted for all these years.
Even after I made sure my family and friends who live in the affected areas were safe, I could not rest without making some effort to help. I was advised not to ship anything over at this point because they are having gasoline shortages and are trying to save what they have for the rescue in the devastated area. The only thing I can do at this point is to raise awareness and funds to donate to the rescue and recovery effort.
My plan is to make a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry each month, which you can enter to win by purchasing raffle tickets for $10 each, the proceeds of which will go entirely to the U.S.-Japan Council Earthquake Relief Fund to aid Japan. This organization collects donations that will go directly to non-government/non-profit organizations (NGOs/NPOs) in Japan. This will be a way for me to help my country rebuild the tradition and culture in the affected areas. To find out more about this organization, please visit www.usjapancouncil.org.
I hope you find this idea interesting. I will start the first campaign in April and am planning to run it for a year. I truly appreciate your help in advance..
Sincerely,
Chihiro Makio
314 studio
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