Here in Japan, people are dour as the Bank of Japan cut its growth outlook for fiscal 2012 to +2.0 pct from its October estimate of +2.2 pct. It cited heightened concern about the eurozone crisis crimping the global economy, and the strong yen. Shortly after that, the government said it’s likely to fail in [...]
Last Thursday, Friday, and Sunday, we distributed 10,448 pairs of socks to survivors in Ishinomaki and Onagawa in Miyagi Prefecture. Here’s the route map from our base in Sano using the Tohoku Expressway, a distance of 349 km (217 mi): In a sign that ours is a blessed effort, we found a family that owns [...]
We are finally reaching the hardest-hit areas of Japan’s disaster zone. With each distribution, we find ourselves among wider destruction and greater need for support. That brings mixed emotions. We’re happy to provide support, but wish it wasn’t needed. I announced last Wednesday that three of us would take 4,000 pairs of socks on a [...]
We on the Socks for Japan team are spending almost all of our time processing socks or distributing them, which leaves few hours per week for emailing confirmations that we’ve received packages and writing reports on our distributions. Just before going to bed ahead of another early-morning departure, however, I’d like to escort you to [...]
Socks for Japan received a van to use on a two-day trip to Miyagi Prefecture on Thursday and Friday. Three of us — representing Japan, South Africa, and the United States — will take 4,000 pairs of socks to Watari and Yamamoto in response to both towns issuing emergency requests for socks and underwear. The [...]
