The public is invited to attend the Japan Festival at Hermann Park during the weekend of April 9th and 10th. http://www.jashouston.org/japanfestival.htm
The annual event is a celebration of the Japanese culture, but this year it will also double as a fundraiser for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Several local Japanese organizations are uniting in this effort to raise money and supplies to send to their country, which is also dealing with radiation leaking from several nuclear plants.
Meanwhile, on Friday, the Counsel General of Japan invited dignitaries and members of the general public to sign a book of condolence for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Houston Mayor Annise Parker both stopped by the office located in downtown Houston.
“This is a very personal human tragedy,” said Mayor Parker. “They are resilient and strong and will come back and rebuild, but they are going to go through a painful time to do that.”
Congresswoman Jackson Lee said she was touched by the amount of compassion for the victims that has been expressed by people in Houston. The Congresswoman presented the deputy counsel general with a proclamation and vowed to use the power and influence of her office to help Japanese Americans living in Houston.
“With passports, many of their families are still missing and we’ve collected medical supplies,” said the Congresswoman.
Mary Benton Media 