Menlo Park Contributes To Japanese Relief Effort

Hundreds of concerned local residents showed up to the in Menlo Park last night to support, and donate to, the relief effort to help Japan in the aftermath of the Tohoko earthquake and tsunami.

The nearly 300 people in attendance were treated to a performance by the San Jose Taiko drum ensemble that celebrated the cultural heritage of Japan.

Before the performance, students gathered on stage in the school's Jensen Hall and shared stories and figures regarding the devastation that Japan has been forced to deal with since the 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the country's coast on March 11.

The temblor and subsequent tsunami claimed the lives of more than 11,000 people and leaving countless other either injured or still missing. It is estimated that the cost of damage could eventually be more than $300 billion, making it the most expensive natural disaster ever, according to the stats presented by students.

Early estimations are that the event brought it more than $2,000 to be donated to the disaster fund, as about 250 advance tickets were sold at $10 a piece.

All funds raised were donated to the The Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund, under the auspice of The Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California.

These facts and figures presented by local youth, compounded by the painful images shown during a slide show put together by school staff, and the powerful bass of the Taiko drums, created a resoundingly touching experience for those in the audience.

Dennis Sasagawa, a fifth grade teacher at the school, was one of those responsible for bringing San Jose Taiko and directing the fundraising effort.

"I'm just thankful for the opportunity to help raise money for this great cause," said Sasagawa, whose wife was born and raised in Japan, near the disaster zone.

Sasagawa, who gave an emotional address to the crowd, said the disaster had deeply affected him to the point that it was too difficult to watch the slideshow presented. And the crowd felt the impact as well, through the sentimental words and images presented, as well as the deep thump of the handmade Taiko drums that shook their core.

Drummers danced and beat their instrument in unison, punctuating the performance with occasional yells and shrieks that gave those in attendance a sensation they were experiencing a celebration of both contemporary and ancient cultural heritage.

The drums that stand between three to four feet tall were made by the San Jose Taiko performers, who said their last song was a tribute to the human spirit and kindness demonstrated at last night's charity event.  The drummers donned wide smiles while performing despite the unfortunate circumstances underlying the event, serving as a bittersweet reminder of the necessity to persevere.

"If we can all come together and help, everyone will be able to get through this together," said attendee Joan Reyes, of Menlo Park.

Her sentiments were echoed by her husband, Dennis, who said the couple came out to support a good cause organized by a local group.

"We wanted to be here so we could say with pride that we helped our hometown contribute to Japan's recovery," he said.