Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York and The Nippon Club have raised over $1.46 million for Japan Disaster Relief through the 2011 Northeastern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund.

Immediately after the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit northeastern Japan, JCCI and The Nippon Club established the 2011 Northeastern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund through the Chamber’s J.C.C. Fund to aid victims of this tragedy. In addition to this relief fund, the JCCI and Nippon Club have held various fundraising events such as lectures, sports activities and cultural events—all focused on raising more money for relief.

Thanks to your generous contributions to the Fund, as well as your participation in fundraising events such as the 19th Annual San-Betsu Charity Golf Tournament, we have raised over $1.46 million for relief efforts as of October 1, 2011. We greatly appreciate your support.

Furthermore, we were touched that many former participants of the Chamber’s U.S. Educators Program have been taking it upon themselves to organize grassroots fundraising campaigns in their schools, districts and communities to raise funds for Japan disaster relief. We are so moved that in this time of need, Japanese and Americans alike have come together to support this cause.

On April 19th, JCCI and Nippon Club held a joint steering committee meeting to decide about the allocation of $1,000,000 in funds raised for disaster relief. It was decided that the funds raised until April 30, 2011 would be allocated equally to the following organizations:

Another $200,000 in contributions was decided on at the JCCI and Nippon Club joint steering committee meeting held on October 14, 2011 and was announced at JCCI’s 27th Annual Dinner on November 15 at the Hilton New York:

A third round of contributions totaling $170,000 have been decided on January 17, 2012:

JCCI & Nippon Club Steering Committee have decided to extend the deadline of accepting donations until March 31, 2012. If you would like to make a contribution, please contact JCCI at 212-246-8001 or Nippon club at 212-581-2223.

Thank you so much for your ongoing support of our efforts to help the people of Japan.

Sincerely,

Tsutomu Karino
Executive Director & Secretary, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York
Executive Vice President & Secretary, The Nippon Club