Concert for Japan

March 16, 2012

March 11, 2011, Japan.

A 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami destroyed coastal areas. The tsunami also flooded a nuclear power plant, the Fukushima Dai-Ichi, in northeastern Honshu. The triple disaster displaced over 300,000, killed 19,000, and made a 20-mile (30km) radius uninhabitable for decades to come.

On the anniversary of the disaster, Naomi and Michael Slack executed a charitable concert at River Road Unitarian Church in Bethesday, MD called, “Concert for Japan”, the only March 11th memorial event in the DC-Metro area.

The Slacks began planning the event in October 2011 as an opportunity for reflection and prayer for the victims and survivors of the devastated northeastern portion of Japan. They solicited sponsorship throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia and distributed self-designed flyers to raise awareness and make the concert possible.

There was no charge for attending but donations were accepted, with 100% of the proceeds going to Japan via the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA.

The concert had three themes: Introspection, Brotherhood, and Hope.

“It was an amazing and fulfilling benefit, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat,” Naomi Slack said.

I went to photograph the concert and continue to raise the awareness of the deep, multiple hardships such disasters place upon the survivors. They have lost their homes, loved ones, and potentially their health from radiation exposure.

Kouhei Kushita, an atomic engineer and earthquake survivor, plays a kocarina made of wood from the Fukushima region.
Award-winning pianist Naoko Maeda. Maeda also composes and has composed pieces for National Cherry Blossom Festival.
Air Force Major Tyler Harris gives testimony of his experience of the earthquake and tsunami aftermath. He was based in Misawa, Aomori prefecture when the earthquake hit.
A woman looks on as Air Force Major Tyler Harris shares his experience with the earthquake and tsunami.
Seiko Shimada prepares to sing “Nella Fantasia”.
Two little girls look on from the upper level of the church during the concert.
Eriko Murray singing at the River Road Unitarian Church during the concert.
Andrea Thornock sings with some drama at the concert.The audience gives a forceful applause at the conclusion of the concert.
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