The '1,000 Cranes for Japan' Project

Just days after the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan, a few Japanese moms at got together with one mission in mind: to find a way to help their country and those most affected by the tragedy. 

Yoshiko Igarashi, Hisako Pradhan and Megumi Kongsberg had seen their local school rally for other causes so they were confident they could do the same to help Japan. The women discussed raising money by means such as handmade jewelry and bake sales. However, once Keith Nomura, principal at John Green, heard them discussing the ancient Japanese tradition of senbazuru, he supported the project and became an active participant. 

Senbazuru promises that a person who folds 1,000 origami cranes will be granted a wish, such as long life or recovery from illness or disaster. Many times a family or group of people comes together to accomplish this labor of love. 

There is a book, often read in elementary schools, called Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes. It’s the true story of a girl named Sadako who was 2 years old and living in Hiroshima when the United States dropped atomic bombs on the city during WWII.

When Sadako was 10, she was diagnosed with leukemia, caused by radiation. She had to stay at the hospital, but wanted to go home. She longed to  be strong enough to run in races, one of the things she most loved to do. So Sadako started folding paper cranes, in hopes of folding 1,000 and being granted her wish for health.

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is about hope, telling how one sick little girl could encourage a nation in such a dark time. Igarashi, Pradhan and Kongsberg want to do that, too — send hope to Japan. 

The ladies have orchestrated a project that will bring all the students at Green together to fold “1,000 Cranes for Japan.” Last week, these moms and a few others for whom the cause was personal led presentations in each of the 30 classrooms at Green. 

A few fifth-grade students, who also were well-versed in origami, helped the younger students make their own. By the end of the week, 790 origami cranes were made. The remainder of the 1,000 cranes will be made at home by parents and siblings. 

“Everyone, including teachers, parents and siblings, are encouraged to make an origami crane,” said Nomura. He added that he liked the project because it got all of the students and families involved. 

The cranes will be strung together and hung at the school. Nomura’s wife, an artist, is designing this meaningful display. Each student also filled out a “Wish for Japan” message. These notes of hope also will be be displayed at John Green. 

A special viewing of the “1,000 Cranes for Japan,” will be held May 5.  This special event will be in conjunction with a student art show.

The second annual Art ‘N Action Student Art Show had been planned for that evening. Art ’N Action is a program in which all Green students participate. 

Parent Amy Chau chairs this wonderful event and says she is thrilled to share the night with the “1,000 Cranes for Japan” exhibit. 

“I think the origami project ties in wonderfully with our art show,” she said.

“It’s a cultural event for all our Green families. Hopefully, it will bring in even more donations for Japan.”

For now, the mom’s leading the “1,000 Cranes for Japan” project are simply asking that each family at Green make a donation to Japan. All of the money raised at Green will be donated to the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC).  The center will make sure 100 percent of donations made will go to Japan and the people who need it most. You can read more about the organization by clicking here.

In addition to the “1,000 Cranes for Japan,” Springfield Montessori School in Dublin is holding a baked goods and handmade jewelry sale Monday through Friday to benefit the people of Japan. 

The baked goods will be available only Monday from 3 to 5:30 p.m., but the  jewelry will be sold all week from 3 to 5:30 p.m. To see some of the jewelry, click here. In addition to these pieces, there will be “statement jewelry,” which convey meaning and messages.  Please see the photo box for examples of these pieces.   

To read more about the Japanese tradition of 1,000 cranes, check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thousand_origami_cranes or   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadako_Sasaki. Maybe your school will join the cause. 

By making a donation, we are adding hope—and support—to a country in need. And by getting kids involved we are empowering them and showing them they can make a difference in the world around them.

I think Igarashi, Pradhan and Kongsberg and all the other moms involved in this project should feel proud. They have found away to help Japan and teach others about the Japanese tradition of 1,000 cranes.  I am sure they have brought honor to their families and friends. I feel honored just being involved in their mission. Together we can make a difference.