The Thousand Paper Cranes

Many of you may fondly remember the tragic story of Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes from your childhood.  It's a non-fiction children's book, published in 1977 and written by American author Eleanor Coerr.  Sadako Sasaki lived in Hiroshima, Japan at the time of the nuclear bombing by the United States of America.  As a result of the radiation she was exposed to after the bombing, Sadako developed leukaemia and required care in a nursing home.  Here, she whiled away the long, painful hours folding origami paper cranes - now a global symbol of peace and hope.  Sadako dreamt that she would eventually fold 1,000 paper cranes, but tragically, she died before she was able to fold all 1,000 cranes and make her wish (as per ancient Japanese folklore).  Touchingly, Sadako's one wish was to live.  In the short time she had left, Sadako folded an amazing 644 cranes before she became too ill and weak to fold any more.  She died shortly after.  In her honour, Sadako's family and friends carried on, folding the remaining 356 delicate, brightly coloured paper cranes and the thousand paper cranes were buried with little Sadako.

Tragically, Japan is again being confronted with a disaster on an unprecedented scale, as a result of the devastating earthquake and tsunami, killing 10,000 (with another 17,500 still missing) 2 weeks ago.  We are now witnessing yet another potential radiation threat to millions of people, as the Fukushima reactor spews its radiation into the earth's atmosphere.  It has been said that this is the second greatest nuclear threat after Chernobyl in 1986. Millions are left without shelter, food, water and basic necessities.  Sadly, it seems that in the coming years, there will be many more victims, just like little Sadako.

Yesterday, the proud, stoic Australian-Japanese people came from all parts of Sydney, to Manly's beautiful Corso, dressed in traditional kimono, to sing, dance, hold stalls and collect money on behalf of the Red Cross to aid their countrymen, women and children, who are suffering so much at the moment.  Here are just a few photos I took of these beautiful, heartbroken and peaceful people, all doing their little bit for their beloved homeland.

My love and thoughts go out to all those who are suffering and who have lost so much as a result of this horrific series of disasters in Japan.  Please give what you can.  Here are a few little things you can do to help:

http://www.redcross.org.au/japan2011.htm

You can also buy 'Songs for Japan', a compilation of 38 songs by some of the world's greatest musos, including Madonna, the Kings of Leon, Bob Dylan, U2, Bruce Springsteen, the late John Lennon, the Foo Fighters, R.E.M, Bon Jovi and Pink.  All proceeds from the album will go to the Japanese Red Cross Society, as all the artists have waived royalties and proceeds from the recordings.  Download the benefit album from iTunes now.


Love,
Miss Manly x