Care to host a Japanese family?

[Dover]

Various groups around the world are cropping up to organize efforts to host any Japanese families or individuals wishing to leave Japan during this crisis.

Here are just four sites based primarily in the U.S., though this is happening all over the world:


http://www.japaneserefugees.com/

http://urgence.japan-community.com/en/

http://japaneserefugees.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=28

http://www.facebook.com/hostjapanesepeople


* BTW - I am not endorsing any of these groups, nor do I have adequate background on them,
so do your homework if you care to jump into this endeavor or...organize your own. I'm not yet
seeing what connections these groups have with Japan or confirmed requests for housing outside
of Japan by its citizens as yet. And then there are any number of other logistical hurdles that would need to be addressed.
In other words, while this is certainly a noble endeavor, it seems to have some kinks to work out first.

Also, if you are inclined to make donations, do your due diligence to be sure they are a legitimate
humanitarian organization.

[Oceansaway]

1. K&R...n/t

[kristopher]

2. is there a need?

To my knowledge there aren't any significant number of people wanting to leave the country.

It *is* a warm gesture, however, and it can't hurt to have it available as things might yet change.

[slay]

4. Indeed - best to be prepared. Looks like a core breach is in effect at one reactor at least

i just hope the Japanese people are not too proud to ask for help before it's too late.

*edited for spelling

[AndyTiedye]

3. Some Will Never Be Able to Return to their Homes

Plutonium has a half-life of 24,100 years.

[freshwest]

7. A fact conveniently forgotten by the pro-nuke lobby. Don't pay that any mind!

[freshwest]

5. Thanks for the links, this is what needs to happen now.

If I could provide a home for a family, I would. I've already contributed to the Red Cross fund although I'm not too fond of them. Supposedly it's going straight to Japan.

[Dover]

8. I think Mercy Corps is a good one to donate to as well:

https://www.mercycorps.org/donate/japan?source=55400&gclid=COuK8Na16qcCFUVqKgodkmz6aQ

[ClarkUSA]

6. Won't they all need visas? It's not as if they'd be coming over for a short vacation.

I have a spare bedroom in a great school district, so I may look into it if there's a Japanese student in my area who doesn't want to go home for awhile.

From what I've seen of your links, not one Japanese family has asked to come over yet.

[kristopher]

9. Tourist w/ Japanese passport automatically granted 3 month visa

I don't think any will. I have friends and family there and they show no inclination to leave even though it would cause them no hardship.

They stand together.

[Dover]

11. Can't know those answers as potential hosts are listing their personal email addresses

for contact. Don't know if they have been contacted as yet. Also these websites have only
just gone up.

As I said in my OP there are logistical kinks to work out and I don't know what the real
need is because there are apparently no direct lines of communication or government efforts
leading this endeavor. So I wouldn't make any assumptions either way just yet.
It might be a communications issue because no major organization is in charge of the effort as far as I know. In other words, IF this option was announced to Japanese citizens, would some
of them take it?
It might be too early for such drastic measures, but as was pointed out, it's good to begin to lay the groundwork should the situation get worse. It seems fitting that American Japanese organizations head up these grassroots efforts. Maybe they are.

I like your idea of hosting a Japanese student/citizen who is already in this country who may not be able or willing to return to Japan.

[brooklynite]

10. My one concern about this...

...is that you would be hosting someone with the resources to move an entire family out of the country for an extended period, which is probably not the sort of person who really needs the help.

[freshwest]

12. Very thoughtful comment. I expect it would require organizations here to do this.

IDK how the Japanese takes care of those at the lower economic end although I don't think they have the level of disparity we have here. For those who have lost their families, and some clearly have, they will be the ones in most need.

I have heard that families are the primary support system in Asian societies, they are less fragmented by moving for work than we are. Anyone is free to correct me since I have little idea of this.

I know several people who hosted Japanese students and kept in contact over the years. They will be the first in line for this, maybe.

My heart breaks thinking of those who know they are poisoned by radiation and what awaits them. As far as I know, the Japanese have a good health care system and the knowledge post WW2 to take care of them.

But in the wake of so much happening at once, and the economic and supply troubles that follow these things, once again, IDK.

[Johonny]

13. kick for later