PATCH PICKS: Help for Japan from Local Food Businesses

A number of local restaurants and food stores have participated in relief efforts for the crippled and devastated regions of Japan in the wake of the recent two-fold destruction that hit their north eastern coast early in March.

Recent news updates report the death toll at over 9,500 with over 16,000 missing and over 260,000 left homeless, from the 9.0 earthquake and 23-foot tsunami. Still unfolding is the radiation exposure damage effects, from the nuclear reactor explosion in Fukushima.

Our Sister City, Iwata, Japan, although having escaped the tsunami, was impacted by the earthquake resulting in the loss of a Fujitsu factory and the shutdown of a Toshiba factory. Iwata is approximately 300 miles from the devastated area of Fukushima and became a place of refuge for people seeking shelter.

Iwata grows a very sweet melon, Iwata melon, and produces green tea which is exported for consumption in the United States. According to Kazu Aoki of, the melons are typically not widely exported due to the diffulty of retaining its freshness.

These individual food establishments recently gave permission to Tzu Chi, an international non profit, non-governmental, humanitarian organization that focuses on charity, medicine, education and humanistic culture, to set up charity stations at their businesses for one or more days. Tzu Chi, means “compassion and relief” in Chinese. Their northwest office is in San Jose on Oakland Road near Milpitas.

• is a well-stocked Japanese market with a deli and take out sushi party trays. Located at 143 E El Camino Real.Telephone: 650-691-1600.

• is an Asian grocery story with a bakery, a dim-sum and hot Chinese food station.  Located at 1350 Grant Rd. Telephone: 650-966-8899.

• has a wide variety of grilled and barbecued food. Located at 304 Castro St. Telephone:650-968-0381.

• is a cozy Chinese restaurant that features Szechuan beef noodle soup and other Chinese dishes. Located at 273 Castro St. Telephone: 650-960-0580.

The following food establishments have conducted their own fundraising efforts to support the Japan crisis:

•  just had a and according to owner Masa Uehara, he may have another one in the future. Masa's Sushi is a family-style Japanese restaurant offering a full selection of party trays, appetizers, lunch and dinner made fresh to your order. They have a sushi bar where you can enjoy watching the sushi chefs as they assemble their seafood creations and you can enjoy Japanese drinks as well. Located at 400 San Antonio Rd. Telephone: 650-941-2117.

• is currently accepting donations at their store and 100 percent of your donations will go to the American Red Cross for Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief. As of March 22, they had received over $22,100.  

When asked if the store's products supply has been or will be affected, manager Kazu Aoki stated that, "We're ok at this time, but it is still too early to tell."

Some of the products they import from Japan include fish cakes, yams and green tea. Currently, they are well-stocked with these items.

Nijiya Market is one of 14 Japanese markets under the same management throughout California and Hawaii. From fresh tuna and other seafood, to Japanese sake and beer, to unique produce and snacks, they are fully stocked with many products to choose from. In addition, they have a deli where you can stop for a sushi snack while you shop and you can order sushi party trays to take home. Located at 143 E El Camino Real.Telephone: 650-691-1600.

Upcoming Events and How You Can Help:

• There will be an Earthquake/Tsunami Victims Memorial Service at the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin on Thursday, Mar 24, at 7 p.m.  Located at 640 North Fifth Street, San Jose. Click here for more information. 
• If you would like to contribute to the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief, please make a donation to the and indicate on the check that it’s for the Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Relief.  The Mountain View Buddhist Temple will then forward all donations to the Buddhist Churches of America (BCA) who in turn will send the funds to the appropriate agencies in Japan. Donations can be dropped off at Sunday services or at the temple office. Donations are needed by April 10, 2011 because the BCA plans to send the funds to Japan in mid-April.  Located at 575 N. Shoreline Blvd. Telephone: 650-964-6159.

• ’ fundraiser: Donate for Japan: Yoga Nidra Meditation workshop with Aska this Saturday, Mar. 26, from 4 to 5 p.m.  100 percent of your donation will go to Global Giving’s Japan Earthquake Tsunami Relief Fund. Located at 590 Castro St. Telephone: 650-964-5277. This event is free to attend.

As there will be many places to donate, please exercise caution when selecting an organization to give your money to.  Check out the legitimacy of any organization before you give.

There are scams out there trying to profit–be leary of emails, websites and those requesting money to be wired. In addition to the above-mentioned local donation opportunities, you can go directly to The American Red Cross, a widely-known organization, at this website: www.redcross.org.