Michael Blodgett

"LandepNews"

Michael Blodgett, who worked as a JET in Miyagi from 2005-2007, recently visited the disaster area to see some old friends and check the progress of post-disaster recovery efforts:

“I recently participated in a one-week travel and exchange sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Travel Bureau. I had lived and worked in Miyagi prefecture in the northeast of Japan (Tohoku) for 2 years from 2005-2007 while on the JET Program (Japan Exchange and Teaching Program). Twenty alumni from this program were selected to return to their communities in the prefectures most affected by the earthquakes and tsunamis that took place in March this year. I have to say the people of Miyagi prefecture never fail to amaze me. The people there have been working hard to get their lives back to normal and in many ways are making their towns and communities even stronger. The kindest and most hospitable people you will meet. The thing that sticks with me most from this trip is the Japanese strong sense of pride and optimism about the future. It truly is a great place and one I highly recommend you consider visiting if ever the chance.
Beyond visiting this great area of Japan, I reccommend donating to an organization such as the Japanese Red Cross Society to show your continued support for the Tohoku region. They have set up a special website devoted to the earthquake and tsunami relief efforts here: http://www.jrc.or.jp/eq-japan2011/index.html
A big thanks to JJ O’Donoghue – producer & editor of the video.
The music, “Eternal Hope”, is compliments of Kevin MacLeod at http://incompetech.com through creative common licensing.”

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