The five-year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami will be commemorated with a night of remembrance, education, culture and prayer on Friday, March 11, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St. in Little Tokyo.
The schedule is as follows:
5 p.m. — JACCC front foyer doors open. Record a personal video message from L.A. to those who appear in a documentary to be screened later in the evening. Other interactive activities in JACCC’s Noguchi Plaza include music, crafts, and access to walk through the adjacent George J. Doizaki Gallery.
7 p.m. — Aratani Theatre doors open.
7:15 p.m. — Welcome remarks by Leslie Ito, JACCC president and CEO; greetings by Hidehisa “Harry” Horinouchi, consul general of Japan in Los Angeles.
7:30 to 8:30 p.m. — World premiere of “Kyō/Today/今日,” a short documentary giving insight into the lives of six individuals who survived the 3/11 earthquake and tsunami, while highlighting the beautiful cultural differences of Japan. These brave souls share their stories and philosophies on how they can possibly keep thriving, what gives them motivation and purpose in life, and what continues to bring them happiness on a daily basis when so much has been lost. Their messages can be examples for people in troubling situations worldwide.
8:35 to 9:05 p.m. — A heartfelt musical performance and tribute to all those affected by the 3/11 tragedy with Masayuki Hirahara on piano and Nori Tani on flute.
9:10 to 9:50 p.m. — On-stage conversation and Q&A with Love to Nippon Project founder Masako Unoura-Tanaka, who is a survivor of the tsunami, moderated by documentary producer/director Austin Auger II.
9:46 p.m. — Prayer by Rinban Noriaki Ito, head minister of Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple, and a moment of silence at the exact time when the earthquake struck.
9:50 to 10 p.m.: Closing remarks by field producer and translator Austin Auger I.
Admission is $10. For ticketing information, visit www.jaccc.org or www.MayTomorrowBe.com.
Hirahara and Tani will also give charity concerts for the tsunami victims on Saturday, March 12, at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) at Irvine Yamaha Music Center, 4620 Barranca Pkwy., Irvine, and Sunday, March 13, at 3:30 p.m. (doors open at 3 p.m.) at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, 9812 Hamilton Ave., Huntington Beach. For more information, email hiraharalaconcert@gmail.com.