It doesn't sound as though things are getting easier over there. We're all thinking about you.
I've spoken to some other musicians over here who have toured a lot there, have friends, fans etc. We all want to stay in touch and lend an ear, send letters etc. through mixi.
We cannot get an account from overseas but we will have our notes to Japan translated and posted on this existing mixi community forum.
Hayley Williams of Paramore, Kate Perry, Jamie Cullum, Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men, Sara Bareilles and I will be available at that address and will read all your responses.
We understand that there are many power outages, people out of reach, missing and so on. If it helps cheer up for just a moment, we're here and we'll be spreading the appropriate ways to donate immediately for aid and relief.
I imagine its feeling like an eternity by now. Hoping you get through this soon.
Japan has always been a very special place for me, my various bandmates and crew. Its damn heartbreaking to see anything at all happen to people you care about. I felt ill to see the news on Friday and all the images following. I've checked on my close friends in Japan and thankfully they're all safe.
My Japanese fan base is not a massive arena full of faceless people, its the number of people I can see and count from stage, and many who I've met. Some have been along with us for 15 years! I hope you all have come out of all of this safe and sound, along with your friends and families.
I want to invite fans in Japan who have access to internet to post notes, stories, pictures, information as you see fit on this page which has been made for our small community of fans in Japan. I'll read and look at every one of them and try to respond to as much as I can. It seems naturally what a family or community does. If there is anything that any of you are trying to send to specific people, and I can help, I will try.
Of course we're all donating and there is a short list on this page just in case anyone has had trouble choosing a charity. Personal notes from you all might inform on how we can help from far away, even if its just donating, lending an ear or sympathizing.
I've never known any more determined people than the ones I've met in Japan so I'm sure you'll dig out but... damn it sure sucks.
Not the praying type, but I'll make an exception Japan.
Love,
Ben Folds
I am in total and complete love with your country. I've said it a million times but it is still my favorite place in the world. When the news came about the earthquake and then everything after that, it broke my heart in half. Ben reached out to me with this opportunity and I'm so happy I could write straight to you.
Every single day since all of this started I have thought of you. I've been hoping and praying so hard for you as a country and for your families and your homes, and for any loss you are suffering. I can't pretend to know what it's like and I feel helpless that I can't be there doing something to help with my bare hands. What I can say is that we are on your side. And I believe in you so much.
I'm so eager to really help in whatever ways possible. Paramore will be holding an online sale and donating all the proceeds to an organization for relief in Japan. We haven't chosen one yet but will be researching some great ones. If there are any in particular that would be best, let us know. Also, if there are any organizations targeted towards the youth of Japan, I would really like to help young people in need, so please let us know.
Before I go, thank you to anyone in Japan who's given Paramore even a second of their time. It's because of you that we have been there and experienced Japan in real life. Now I'm just waiting to come back there and to support you the way you have supported us.
Carrying you in my heart every day.
Love,
Hayley
http://www.facebook.com/paramore
To my dear Japanese fans and soon-to-be friends,
I cannot begin to imagine what many of you must be going through right now. My heart sank to the floor the night we were informed of the Earthquake and then Tsunami. And I watched the news with tears in my eyes, feeling as many of us do here in the states: totally helpless. I have done the donating to Red Cross, and keeping up to date as much as possible with the status of the disaster, but nothing has really made me feel like I'm actually making a difference. That's why I am so grateful to Ben Folds for putting this forum together so we can actually connect, and give voice to so many of you who have so much to say.
My first trip to Japan hasn't happened yet. We are scheduled to come in May and I have been counting the days. Because I've never been there before I've been asking everyone I know to tell me about their experiences in Japan. I must say, it sounds like a magical, magical place. I have heard about the incredible beauty of the countryside, the rich history and energy of the cities, the unbeatable shopping and the best food in the world..... but most of all I keep hearing about the people. The most kind, supportive, loving people who have so much life and optimism.
I see that in you now, Japan. I see your beauty, your optimism, your great strength and your love. I see it from here, in California, but I can't wait to come see it in person for the first time. I just can't wait. I look forward to sharing music face to face for the first time, but I also look forward to volunteering, spending time doing whatever I can to help. You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers, and know that you are loved. I look forward to hearing from you....this page is a place for you to share your thoughts and stories, photos, ideas on how we can help from so far away...whatever it is that you want to say. Please know that wherever you are, I promise we are listening.
God Bless.
xoxoxooxox
Sara
http://www.facebook.com/sarabareilles
P.S.
To anyone reading this who wants to help by donation: please visit the following link. thank you so much.
http://www.ifrc.org/en/get-involved/do
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FROM JAMIE CULLUM:
To my friends in Japan,
My love affair with Japan started at University whilst studying film. Quite by chance I ended up taking a course on Japanese cinema mainly because everyone seemed more interested in the module entitled "Modern American Cinema". I discovered the works of Ozu, Mizoguchi, Kurosawa and later works from Beat Takeshi. I was hooked, not only by the images, the singular narratives and style but also by the culture of this distant land that I longed to visit. I wanted to live Tampopo and I wanted a real Ramen.
I finally visited on my first promotional trip for my album 20Something and from Hiroshima to Tokyo, Japan lived up to my university day dreams. I ate, I partied, I shopped for clothes, I learned, I spa'd, I hotspringed, I played music to the most appreciative of audiences, I shopped for records, I made friends, I kissed a couple of pretty girls. I have returned countless times and I always stay longer so I can spend some time there outside of my work commitments. This is a place with a unique and precious soul that has become so special to me.
I have watched events unfold in Japan with a profound sadness, as buildings and homes crumble, lives are lost and many face an uncertain future. I send to you all, however you've been affected, all the love and support I can muster and pray for a swift recovery. It has been said by many but it is true - if there is a place on earth that can, it's right where you all are.
I long to see you all soon and toast better times,
Your fan,
With love,
Jamie Cullum
x
http://www.facebook.com/jamiecullum
To my inspiring fans, friends and the great people of Japan,
I join the chorus of voices who have shared their grief over what has happened. Your country is one that I had dreamed of visiting since I was very young and through the music I have been lucky enough to share with you, and the ever growing group of friends and supporters I feel honored to call mine, it has been a place of truly wonderful moments that live forever in my heart. As I watch this place cope with the ongoing trials of this unfathomable tragedy, I can only show all the support I can from a painfully long way away. I write this to tell you I am thinking of you and sending so much love. I'm also writing this to pledge that I, along with so many other friends and colleagues, will do everything I can to spread the word about how to help so we can truly do all we can.
To end on a hopeful note, I just returned from Tokyo only one month ago. It was one of the most fun experiences I have had performing live and it was amazing to reconnect with all of you who have been there for my whole career. I promised then as I do now, that I will be back very soon. What is happening around Japan now to rebuild and reconnect as a nation only serves as an even greater calling to come back soon, not to mourn as we should now, but to celebrate the future and the wonderful connection music allows us to have with each other.
-------------------------------------------
On the other side of the World...
My heart and prayers go out to all of you Japan,
Last week I watched the news as survivors of the earthquake and tsunami told their stories…my heart broke trying to comprehend how so many lives and souls were washed away…that in seconds loved ones and entire families were gone and a nation was changed forever. I called my family to tell them I loved them as I was reminded how precious life really is and how I must cherish every moment.
And now we don't know the future state of the nuclear power plants and what's to come of all the problems that have arrived from the aftermath of the disaster..and we don't know why these things even happen? The only sense I can make of it all, is that in this time of crisis and need..it is meant for us to come together…come together, bring us closer and stronger as One.
I love music, it helps to heal my soul and brings me peace and happiness. I hope you hear a song that will lift you up and bring a smile to your spirit today…
I imagine its feeling very much like a marathon over there now. We're all
thinking about you over here.
Meanwhile, I'm hoping my Japanese tour is allowed to go as planned - but
only if most people who bought tickets can actually come. It wouldn't be
fair if many people could not attend.
We'll keep talking to our promoters there, who are the best in the world -
I'll trust their judgement.
I do read everyone's posts from Sakura (mixi page) and Facebook. So do the
other artists who have posted. We send the emails around so everyone sees
it. So remember, if there's anything you want people to know, we'll do our
best to get it out there.
So....I've been getting my home studio together mostly, helping with
fundraising for Japan, getting some rest from recent tours... We were opening our
sets in America with five minutes of what we called 'Silly Time'.
Its exactly what the name suggests. Its silly as shit and I can't believe
that grown men are actually doing it haha. So, my band and I will look
forward to unleashing Silly Time and a lot of new songs (and old songs) on
Japanese audiences. We hope that Silly Time catches on, although, like so
many great ideas, it could be well ahead of its time.
Headed back to studio to make some fat beats. Wait, I believe they used to
spell that "Phat". Yes, my beats are Phat. That and stupid dope - look
that one up.