What is “Voices For Japan”?
I suppose the best answer is to say that it’s a reminder. With other, more recent events (notably the situation in Libya) pushing the crisis in Japan further and further out of the 24 hour news cycle, it’s only a matter of time before the devastation caused by the earthquake and tsunami become a distant memory. Unfortunately, for the people of Japan, it’s a part of their daily lives. While they’ve certainly come a long way in repairing the damage, it’s still just the beginning of a long process.
Where did the idea for “Voices For Japan” come from?
The idea came from the voice-over community itself. I had the honor as being a liaison for the Anime Fans Give Back to Japan event, contacting a number of the guests who appeared on both the 24 hour fundraising event, as well as the event that took place the following Sunday. While working in that capacity for the event, I saw the overwhelming response of the voice-over community firsthand. Despite the fact that there were two separate events held by the Unofficial One Piece Podcast and the rest of the Anime Fans Give Back to Japan crew, there still wasn’t enough time to fit in everyone from the voice over community who wanted to contribute.
Thus, “Voices For Japan” was born. It will not only stand as a reminder to those who listen that Japan is still in need of aid, but also as a chronicle of how the anime and video game community united to support the country that provided joy and entertainment to them throughout their lives.
These are the stories of people whose lives have been impacted significantly by the nation of Japan. For many, the impact goes beyond their careers in voice over. In the coming weeks, you will hear personal, intimate stories about their experiences with Japan, with some of these stories spanning across generations. They serve as proof that what unites us is not our religion or nationality, but our humanity.
What is the goal of “Voices For Japan”?
I think it’s may be simpler to begin by saying what “Voices For Japan” is not. It’s not a fundraising drive. There are plenty of other, more visible places to donate, such as the Red Cross and Global Giving (the organization that a donation from Anime Fans Give Back to Japan goes to), and we support and encourage our listeners to donate to the charity of their choosing.
It may be more accurate to say that “Voices For Japan” is a call to action. Regardless of whether or not you’re able to donate money to the relief efforts, there is still a lot that you can do, and it won’t cost you a dime. Whether it’s sharing links, posting flyers, telling friends and family, or even going old-school and organizing a bake sale, it’s important to take action. The initial media blitz is over. It’s unlikely you’ll see too much about the situation in Japan leading the news or on the front page of the paper in the weeks and months to come. However, that doesn’t lessen the need for help.
So, as you listen to the interviews that we present to you in the coming weeks, please remember to take a page from what our guests are doing and find a way to take action and make a difference. In the words of our friends at Anime Fans Give Back to Japan:
“Anime fans, unite!”
Anime Fans Give Back to Japan website:
http://helpjapan.onepiecepodcast.com/
The American Red Cross website:
Global Giving website:
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