Stand with Japan

Despite marked differences and a divisive past, the cultural connections between Japan and the West, particularly the U.S., grow stronger every year. Their love of baseball and pop music is matched only by our love of sushi and anime. It goes much deeper than that, though. There’s a mutual respect and admiration between our peoples; we celebrate each other’s triumphs, and we share in each other’s tragedies.

There have been no shortage of tragedies recently, it seems. Disaster and loss are recurring themes in every region of the world. And every victim, every survivor, deserves our sympathy and support.

But what is happening in Japan sets a new standard. Three devastating blows: an unbelievably powerful earthquake, followed by a terrifying tsunami, and then the (still evolving) nightmare of nuclear meltdown. Any one of these could destroy a nation. The combination of all three is simply unimaginable.

But of one thing I’m certain: Japan will survive this and will emerge even stronger. History and national character have proven time and again the resiliency of this remarkable culture.

Doubtlessly they could do it alone…but they won’t need to. They have earned the friendship of the world, and it is the world’s duty, and honor, to stand with Japan in her time of need.

One of the most enduring icons that Japan has bestowed upon us all is the image of the Samurai. The ideal of Bushido is an inspirational, timeless model for a life devoted to duty and honor.

So perhaps now is a good time for we friends of Japan to examine the Seven Principles of Bushido, as a timely reminder as to how one stands with one’s ally:

1. Chu: Duty and Loyalty
2. Gi: Justice and Morality
3. Makoto: Deep Sincerity
4. Rei: Polite Courtesy
5. Jin: Selfless Compassion
6. Yu: Heroic Courage
7. Meiyo: Honor

Japan is not and will never be alone.

How to help:

Text to donate - The American Red Cross has once again launched a texting campaign to raise money for relief efforts in the Pacific region. Last year, the Red Cross was able to raise over $20 million for Haiti relief through simple text donations.

If you would like to donate to the American Red Cross for Japan Earthquake Relief, just text REDCROSS to 90999. Each text will provide $10 towards the Red Cross’s humanitarian efforts

Donate via Facebook - The Red Cross has also launched a campaign on Causesto raise at least $25,000 for relief efforts. By logging in to Facebook, you can donate anywhere from $10 to $500 to help Tsunami victims and their families.

As of publishing time, the Causes campaign has raised over $40,000 from over 1,000 donors and 3,000 promoters.

Donate via iTunes - Apple is also dedicating resources to the crisis in Japan. They have created a simple donation page in iTunes that makes it simple to donate anywhere from $5 to $200 to the Red Cross with just a few clicks.