Japan’s 2011 Disasters Harvard President’s Message & RIJS Director’s Note

Message from the Office of the President

Drew Gilpin Faust
President, Harvard University

• Message to the Harvard community on the crisis in Japan
  March 18, 2011
• Remarks at ENLACE Earthquake Reconstruction Project
  Santiago, Chile
  March 22, 2011

Director's Note

Andrew Gordon
Director of the Reischauer Institute
Lee and Juliet Folger Fund Professor of History

March 14, 2011

The Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies and the broader community in the greater Boston area have been deeply shocked by the terrible news of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and their aftermath. On behalf of the faculty, staff, students, and affiliates of the Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies, I offer deepest sympathy and support to all our colleagues and friends in Japan and all people affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami of March 11. Our hearts go out to those who have lost their lives, loved ones, homes, or workplaces.

Within the Reischauer Institute and in the Harvard community more generally, there is a strong desire to help in any way we can. The Institute, in close coordination with Harvard's Program on U.S.-Japan Relations and the Harvard Asia Center; the Consul General of Japan in Boston; the Japan Society of Boston; and other universities in the area, is working to help those in the Boston area who are from Japan to connect with family members. Recognizing that the process of recovery is going to require vast resources, we are also cooperating with others here to support activities in the Boston area to raise funds to help those who have suffered from the tragedy. We know that what we can do is small in relation to the very great need in Japan right now, but we want to help. We continue to gather information and will post updates on relief efforts.

The Reischauer Institute has compiled a list of organizations that are accepting donations to support relief activities in Japan. We have posted the list on our website. Please make use of it if you wish.

To the best of our knowledge, we have confirmed the safety of all Harvard students and faculty currently studying and traveling in Japan. Our regular programming will continue as planned, and in the near future we will convene an occasion to discuss and reflect on these events. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected as they seek to cope and recover in this most difficult time.

Sincerely,
Andrew Gordon
Lee and Juliet Folger Fund Professor of History