“Tomodachi” is a Japanese word that means “friend.”
In January 1995, the earthquake in Kobe was a horrific prelude to the destruction currently plaguing Japan. Among the victims, Ria Kanaya-Kim experienced a traumatic separation from her family and even lost a family member in the natural disaster.
The news and images of the latest catastrophe to strike Japan reminded Kanaya-Kim of the terrible memories from 16 years ago. No water, no food, no house, no shower in the midst of a freezing cold winter.
This time around she became inspired to do something and what better way than to organize a fund-raising event for the thousands of victims suffering the same things she had gone through already. With much help from her network of friends, the Tomadachi event will take place on Friday at Function within Macaroni Market in Itaewon. Doors open at 10 p.m. with an entrance fee of 10,000 won which along with bar sales will all be donated for relief aid in Tohoku, Japan, one of the hardest hit regions in the country. Call 02-749-9181 for more information.