Remembering Cranes for Japan

Remembering Cranes for Japan
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

I heard the news today that Japan had another earthquake... and so close to the anniversary of last year's devasting events. I also found it ironic that today's Google Doodle commemorates Akira Yoshizawa the grandmaster of origami.

My heart and prayers go out to all those that suffered the devastation of last year's horror and to those who went through today's horrible reminder!


Today's photo may be a bit of cheat, these were last year's photos compliled into a collage tonight. If you didn't see last year's efforts they are 1000 Cranes for Japan and Update

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Collage - Picasa from last year's Cranes for Japan project

Special thanks to Photobook Girl's recent article on Free Collage Tools for reminding me of this very handy feature in Picasa. BTW, she is far more creative with photobooks and collage than I am and is an excellent source for tips on books!

Update: 1000 Cranes for Japan

77/365 Kimmidoll and Crane
Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

The movement and effort continue! In little over a week the Flickr Group 1000 Cranes for Japan has grown to 668 members posting 879 photographs, it's amazing to see such caring and unity in this community of photographers. In addition, the group founder has uncovered another group willing to make monetary contributions for Origami Cranes and/or photos of the cranes.

Students Rebuild is collecting 100,000 actual paper cranes, which will be woven into a piece of artwork.

The Bezos Family Foundation has pledged $2/crane up to $200,000! The funds will be donated to Architecture for Humanity efforts to help rebuilding efforts in Japan, you can read more here: studentsrebuild.org/japan/ they also have a Facebook Page Paper Cranes for Japan

So much can be gained.... Just Do Something!

1000 Cranes for Japan

74/365 Yotsuba's Crane   Originally uploaded by maggie_gem

"The crane in Japan is one of the mystical or holy creatures (others include the dragon and the tortoise), and is said to live for a thousand years. In Japan, it is commonly said that folding 1000 paper origami cranes makes a person's wish come true. This makes them popular gifts for special friends and family." Wikipedia

The earthquake and ensuing tsunami of March 11th has brought many people around the world together in efforts to support all who have been impacted by this tragic event. I stumbled upon one such group on Flickr that is gaining a following of photographers from around the globe that are making origami cranes for Japan, to offer support and hope in difficult times.

I've never created any origami until seeing this group, but with the help of this excellent tutorial on YouTube I was making cranes in no time.

Maybe you'd be interested in participating and raising awareness of the efforts that are being made to provide support. You can view the group photos at 1000 Cranes for Japan Group on Flickr. Through this group I also learned that Miya Company is offering to donate $5 to Save the Children for each of the first 1000 photos of cranes submitted to their email. You can read more about their effort at this web-page www.miyacompany.com/static.asp?htmltemplate=1000cranes.html

Thank you Hilary, I am honored to be a "Mention" on the Post of the Week!