20 March, 2011

Dear colleagues,

On behalf of the Scout Association of Japan (SAJ), I would like to extend my gratitude to brothers and sisters in Scouting around the world for expressing sympathy and condolence toward the people who have suffered the severe damage from the recent earthquake and  tsunami.  One week has passed since the  incident, the number of death and people missing are reported to more than 25,000 and about 334,000 people are evacuated.

We confirmed some loss of Scouts and leaders in Miyagi Scout Council and many others are evacuated into temporary accommodations.  All of the Scout Councils in the affected area were damaged and have lost their function. But Scouts of those Councils are already out in the field trying to do whatever is necessary to support  others while they are also the victims of the incident.

Scouts and leaders in other area of Japan have started collecting money immediately. Some Scouts of other NSOs who are studying in Japan have also joined their neighbor groups for raising money campaign.  Right now it is still in the stage to send materials and volunteers through prefectural government and we are asking our members to do whatever they can do at their local level.  Planned blackout due to the damage of the Fukushima nuclear power plant is limiting the operation of SAJ Head office as well.

We would like to give our most sincere thanks for the countless email messages offering support both economical and manpower.  However, because of the nuclear threat and other organizational system in Japan, SAJ is still not in the stage of accepting volunteers from outside Japan at present.  Therefore, we have been able to provide the information about the bank account for those who wish and are able to support the affected area and the recovery activities.

Bank Name: Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Mitaka Branch

SWIFT Code: BOTKJPJT

Account No: 4001756

Beneficiary: Scout Association of Japan

Bank Address: 3-26-12, Shimorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0013 JAPAN

Bank Draft and International Money Order payable to the Scout Association of Japan, by

registered airmail, will be also acceptable.  Our postal address is as follow:

Address of SAJ: 4-11-10, Osawa, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo 181-0015 JAPAN

Credit card transactions will be announced later.

Financial report of the contribution received will be accounted on our website in appropriate time when the recovery efforts have settled down.  We will keep you updated on our website (www.scout.or.jp). Once again, many thanks for your generosity and thoughtfulness.

Yours sincerely,

Kunisada Kume

International Commissioner

KK/mb