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NYdV Activity Reports 2004 07-12

Total number of participated volunteers: 400
Total number of the registered on mailing list: 778
Total number of messages sent/posted: 104
Total number of web access: 50,123 hits

Sep 11 September 11th: Tourounagashi Memorial Service for Victims of Terrorism

My name is Kenji Nakano.
I am the leader of a group volunteer. I am reporting on this years memorial service, which began August 29th with the making of tourou (small ceremonial lanterns which are set adrift upon the waters to guide lingering spirits on to the spirit realm). On September 11th, Tourounagashi, (the ceremony of launching the tourou), was performed.

*Summary of the day
We gathered at The New York Buddhist Church in Manhattan to make tourou. This included the building of the frames and forms of the tourou, in addition to painting the stands, which hold the candles. We made about 120 in all, which is twice the amount of last year. The building finished ahead of schedule due to the fact that everyone worked so efficiently.
The actual Tourounagashi service took place at Canoe Pier, located just south of Pier 40. We began by sorting out the assembled tourou and organizing them into groups of five. We then asked passer-bys to write a message of peace for each tourou. We finished writing messages quickly because the volume of people, who wished to add their peaceful sentiments far exceeded our expectations.
After sunset, Mr. Nakagaki, the High Priest of The New York Buddhist Church, led a procession of priests from various religious sects to a performance of a Buddhist memorial service for the victims. From beginning to end, about one thousand people, more than three times last years turnout, gathered together to watch over the proceedings. Of those in attendance, about 120 people, including children, adults and NYdV members, had an opportunity to float tourou down the calm waters of the Hudson River.
Volunteers from the New York Canoe Club were also present out on the waters. They led the congregation of flickering tourou like a marching procession of fireflies following along as they rowed the canoe.
The mysterious thing was, we could see something twinkling as it spiraled up into the sky between the beams of the Twin Towers "light sculpture" at Ground Zero. People began murmuring; saying things like, "Its just dust." or "No, the light is attracting birds and theyre flying in circles."
This puzzling sight made me wonder; maybe the victims spirits were ascending peacefully heavenward by hearing our prayers of peace for New York and for all around the world.

*Afterthoughts
This was the third year that our annual Tourounagashi event was held on September 11th. Tourounagashi is traditionally held on August 15th in observance of Bon, a festival held to pray for the repose of souls of ones ancestors.
We were delighted by this years results and admittedly a bit overwhelmed by the astonishing number of people in attendance. We created a situation in which, due to the efficiency and sheer number of people involved, some participants found themselves with nothing to do. That made me realize just how difficult it is to make a plan involving hundreds of people.
During the event, we didnt have the time to truly feel with deep emotion, but after a moment of reflection on all that we had experienced: the fantastic lights, the crowds of supporters, the touching, moving voices of visitors and volunteer participants; we found that we were each moved very deeply. After the event, everyone ate rice balls together, which seemed somehow more delicious than usual. It is our wish that by holding this annual event, we can do our part in the effort towards world peace and safety.

*Some of the Comments from Volunteer Participants
It was a good opportunity to reflect upon the experience of life in New York during 9/11. I would like to be able to help out again next year.

Even though I grew up in Japan and have lived there for over 20 years, I had never experienced Tourounagashi and was aware of its existence as only a traditional Japanese event. Its really good to have such ceremony on 9/11 here in New York.

Again, NYdV never fails to impress. This time it was very gratifying having people come up and thank us. Thanks for the opportunity to participate!

I thought this was a great way to mix cultural differences ceremony to help fulfill a common and basic human need.

September 12th: Introducing Japanese Culture by Parade Participation

We here at NYdV, joined this parade as members of New Yorks international community of "world citizens" because we wanted to help increase the circle of interest in, and understanding of, the Japanese culture.
On behalf of Japan, we encouraged international cultural understanding by introducing Japanese customs through the performance of popular theatrical dances (i.e. Tankou-Bushi: The Dance of the Coal Miner and Yosakoi Soran-Bushi: The Dance of The Fishermans Forbidden Love).
As representatives of New Yorks Japanese community, we attracted interest in local contribution and participation. In addition, participants from other countries came together and created an expressive group.
To live in New York City, the melting pot of races, allows us, as people from an island country, to be able to meet people from all over the world.
The feelings that arose from moving about as part of the parade were very strong. Our participation in the parade was a perfect opportunity and an enjoyable way to learn about developing mutual understanding between different cultures.

People Who Donated Funds Itochu International Inc. Suntory International Corp. Mr. Kenjiro Mori TAJIMI (USA), Incorporated Mr.Takeshi Yamaguchi Ms. Sawano Support: Japanese Consulate	People Who Donated Goods Ms. Sumiko Kobayashi ITO EN(North America) Inc. Alter Inn�iTsuzuki America, Inc) Yoshinoya New York Inc. Yoshinoya New York Inc., All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. Cafe ZAIYA�AAmnet New York, Inc., T.I.C., Akean, Encare Inc. Kintetsu International Express Inc. UTOWA, The Kimono House Inc., Domo Records Inc. Kintetsu International Express Inc.

International Cultural Parade Japan Team Leader: Ms.Yurika Mizuno
I was so moved even before the parade, when I saw volunteers wearing Yukata (summer cotton kimonos) or Happi (simple festival clothing) as they happily practiced their dancing together. I thought to myself, "I was so glad to have worked so hard as team leader."
During the parade, we were surrounded by the smiles and support of New Yorkers and participants from various countries around the world. Everyone was dancing so hard; they really got their adrenalin going!
This was a day for international exchange, yet at the same time, we were proud to be Japanese and able to reaffirm our culture.
There were many times during the formation of this event that I had felt like giving up. This was due to the various changes that the project underwent in the preparatory stages and also the time constraints, which we were forced to work within. I was so glad, however, that this years parade succeeded after all. Its success can be attributed to the co-operation of many people.
Thank you all so very much for your co-operation. I am so pleased, not only for the success of the parade, but also for an opportunity to create a deeper relationship with all of the participants in the project. A lot of people were moved by their experience and were motivated to continue volunteering.
Lets take action and consider what contributions we can each make individually.

October 3rd: International Exchange with TAMEF

I am Nakako Noda, one of the NYdV staff members. I am reporting on the friendship program with TAMEF (Turkish American Multi-cultural Educational Foundation), an NPO.

Date: Sunday, October 3rd, 2004.
Place: TAMEF

Attendance: Total participants(Turkish and Japanese): approximately 80 people
Purpose: to better understand each other through the introduction of cultural exchange with Turkish citizens and by taking advantage of New York Citys climate of diversity, which attracts many immigrants from various countries.
Program:

December 13th: Social Contributions Through Beauty

Hello! Michiko and Etsuko from NY de Volunteer would like to share a new and exciting volunteer program, Beauty Volunteering. Our first Beauty Volunteering activity, "The Day of Beauty," was held at Jewish Nursing Home and Hospital on December 13, 2004.

* What is Beauty Volunteer?
The focus of Beauty Volunteer is to give women, especially elderly or disabled ones who may not be able to have easy access to such pampering services, a time of joy through make-up, hair-styling, skincare and manicure services. In doing so, women are able to gain an enrichment of spirit through the sharing of rewarding and joyful moments. Beauty Volunteering is a commonly practiced volunteer activity in Japan and the UK (it is also known as "Cosmetic Therapy"). Research shows that giving more satisfying appearance to women enhances positive mood and eventually improves mental/physical conditions.
NYdV's goal is not only to give women a joyful and happy time but also to give volunteer workers a rewarding experience. Volunteers also can gain beautifying skills through the lessons provided by NYdV prior to providing this service.

* Big Success of "The Day of Beauty"
Monday, December 13th: Our first make-up volunteer, "The Day of Beauty" took place at The Jewish Home and Hospital, a nursing home located in upper-west in Manhattan. Our service recipients were 25 women residents who made an appointment for this event.

This event was made possible by the efforts of ten professional make-up artists under the leadership of Ms. Rika Matsui. Rika is a high-profile makeup artist who works for a variety of famous international fashion shows, such as Paris, Milan Collections, as well as numerous magazines. The project's success was also attributed to the participation of 20 volunteers from NYdV and collaboration with NY-based fashion photographer Mr. Koichiro Shiiki.

The recreation therapist for Jewish Home and Hospital gave warm thanks for this event. "It really means so much to me to witness our residents' faces brightened up and they all shared this happy moment each other. Please continue this program for improving their well-being."

The recipients were full of excitement as well. Almost every one of them expressed deep gratitude and asked when would be the next time. During the event, one resident exclaimed to NYdV, "Thank you so much! This was absolutely the best event of the year!"

Volunteer workers were also satisfied and brightened up. "We, recipients and volunteers, were both nervous at first, not knowing each other. While we were gently and carefully applying make-up or massaging hands, however, the recipients became more relaxed and soon they started expressing how they wanted to look. After the service some women even cried. I was touched by every moment I shared with recipients today."

"I think every woman wants to look beautiful, regardless of her age or nationality. The impressive thing was to watch the transformation - when the recipients looked into the mirror, they became sparkling-eyed girls." Many volunteers expressed similar thoughts. They said that looking at the recipient's happy faces was very rewarding and uplifting to them.
Many beauty products were donated for this event from major cosmetic companies, such as Anna Sui (Cosmopolitan Cosmetics), Christian Dior, Victorias Secret Beauty, and Dell Laboratory. In addition, graduate students from the Fashion Institute of Technology, who study cosmetics and fragrance business, offered their co-operation. Beauty Volunteering attracts attention from the beauty industry as an exciting, new social contribution for women.
Because of the success of this volunteer project, NYdV decided to expand this innovative concept, Beauty Volunteering. This new type of volunteer work will benefit recipients who may not have many opportunities to experience pampering moments of make-up, massage, hair-care, manicure and other beautifying services.

* Donating Sponsors:

*UTOWA *ANNA SUI COSMOPOLITAN COSMETICS *Victoria's secret Beauty *N.Y.C *Suntory International Corp.

You Are Our HERO

Our hero of the quarter is Ms. Yukiko Ito, who participated in the volunteer gift wrapping program more than 15 times. Thank you so much! Comment from Yukiko:

ÒI was most happy from the many smiles and thanks I received from the people who asked me to wrap their gifts.Ó

NYdV@ Media

NYdV has been featured in the following media!

Sankei Newspaper 10/28 issue: "Coordinating the Drama" An Interview with Ms. Noriko Hino ? Executive Director of NY de Volunteer Inc.

Asahi Newspaper North America 12/24 issue: "The Beauty Volunteer: visiting make-up service for senior citizens." a report on the make-up volunteer activities which took place on December 13th.

asahi.com 12/29 "The Beauty Volunteer: visiting make-up service for senior citizens." a report on the make-up volunteer activities which took place on December 13th.

NTT NAMIKTEL.COM:an article introducing NY de Volunteer Inc. "Should you start volunteering in New York?"

MNN (Manhattan Neighborhood Network): NY de Volunteer (Every Tuesday at 8:30pm on Ch. 57 (Manhattan Neighborhood Network: Time Warner Cable))

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Active Supporters

* Ms. Naoko Taniguchi $3879.53

* Anonymous contributor $1,000.00

* Ms. Terao Nozomi $500.00

* Ms. Maki Okage $100.00

* Mr.Kazuhide Honda $100.00

* Mr. Kiichiro Kanaya $50.00

* Mr. Yasumasa Miyamoto $30.00

* Merrill Lynch (corporate match) $50.00

* Sumitomo donated clothing valued at approx. $200.00

* Ms. Chie Kobayashi donated a computer

* Kintetsu International donated discount coupons for a prize

* Ms. Yoko Inomata donated discount coupons for a prize

* Ms. Midori Mashiko donated cosmetics for a prize

* UTOWA provided use of venue

* Encare Inc provided use of venue

* TKO Entertainment Inc donated 300 free tickets for Gekidan Tokyo Ging-dou

* Domo Records donated 4 free tickets for "The Yoshida Brothers" concert

All other project supporters are introduced following activity reports.

We Are Very Grateful For Your Support!