06/07/2011

A message from Ryoji Tatsuno, President of Japan Career Development Association

Update on Japan after the Earthquake & Tsunami Tragedy

A message from Ryoji Tatsuno, President of Japan Career Development Association:

We are much obliged to receive the words of condolences from NCDA. I personally offer my thanks on behalf of JCDA members and as a Japanese citizen.

Approximately three months have passed from the day of the earthquake disaster of March 11. Nearly 10,000 persons remain missing, while more than 100,000 who fortunately survived through the earthquake and tsunami, had their houses washed away and are forced to remain evacuees.

In addition, the nuclear power plant located in Fukushima in the northeast of Tokyo, supplying electricity to the Tokyo capital area suffered big damages caused by tsunami. The measures to contain the radioactive leakage are still underway.

Fortunately, no members of JCDA living in the affected area are lost or remain missing as far as we know to date.

The meaning of the word "development" and "growth of a country" is being questioned on the verge of this disaster. I rather expect this to happen. The tragedy is leading to redefine the significance of being alive or the value of life itself.

I may not be able to clean up the mountain of debris or to provide a meal to the hard-hit victims, but wish to help at creating the value that cannot be exchanged for a thing or money.

We have received supporting messages from many countries including U.S.A. and are realizing that "nobody is alone and everyone connected.”

The number of JCDA members is expected to surpass 10,000 by this autumn. Unfortunately I will not be able to attend this year’s (2011) NCDA Conference at San Antonio, but I have no doubt that we owe NCDA much through our first International affiliation for JCDA’s growth to become a leading career development organization in Japan. I express our renewed gratitude to NCDA for the continued support

Ryoji Tatsuno, President of Japan Career Development Association

POSTED 3/14/2011:

NCDA wishes to express condolences and support to our colleagues affiliated with JCDA and the many CDF's in Japan.

NCDA is hoping that knowing other professionals are walking with you will comfort you at this sad time.

Japan became NCDA's first International Affiliate in 2002. Read Mr. Ryoji Tatsuno's introductory letter to the people of NCDA (dated 2004).

Also, NCDA's Career Development Winter 2010 issue included an article from Satoko Tatsumi entitled "New Directions for Career Guidance and Japanese Youth".  Ms Tatsumi is a chief researcher at Works Institue in Tokyo.  She was a member of the career counselor training team for GCDF JAPAN in 2002.

The following was shared with APA's Division 17:

To: DIV17DISCUSS@LISTS.APA.ORG
From: Michiko Iwasaki
Sent by: Division 17 Discussion list
Date: 03/14/2011 11:57AM
Subject: [DIV17DISCUSS] Disaster in Japan

On top of all of that, we worry about the nuclear meltdown.  Many towns were washed away and we still do not know about tens of thousands of people.  Those numbers are not in the statistics as there is no way to check at the present time.   The damage is said to be the most expensive natural disaster in the world history, and may reach as high as $100 billion.  
 
There is an extreme shortage of water, food, etc. everywhere.   Because of no electricity, people are suffering from cold.  The entire country is suffering.  I feel helpless being so far away.  I am doing what I can do and asking you for help if you can.
 
I would greatly appreciate if you can provide any donation for the victims of this catastrophic disaster.  Please be aware that there are always scams in times like these and that some organizations/foundations take out administration fees (in some cases, more than 50% are lost). 
 
I listed two sites which are suggested by Japanese communities:
 
1.  Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City for Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Fund (no administration fee; Fund direct 100% of your donation to disaster relief efforts).  This site was recommenced by a member of mental health network in NY.


 
2.  The Nippon Foundation for the earthquake/Tanami victim  This is a NPO in Japan which was suggested in Japan for foreign donation. 


 
Thank you very much for your thoughts and kind actions for Japan.
  
Michiko 

Visit us at http://www.div17.org/SERD/

The American Counseling Association website urges it members to make donations through their disaster mental health partner, the American Red Cross.