A crisis in Japan — and an appeal for assistance.
Japan remains deep in crisis following the devastating 9.0-magnitude earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster of March 11, 2011. Thousands of lives have been lost, and tens of millions of people continue to suffer, grieve and worry.Manga University headquarters, located in Tokyo, is about 200 miles from the tsunami zone and nuclear reactors. We escaped injury, and our building sustained only superficial damage. All of our artists, including several who live in the area of northeastern Japan that was hit hardest, are safe and accounted for.
The rescue and recovery effort has begun even as the nuclear power plants continue to melt down. Japan is struggling for its very survival. And it needs your help.
OK, so here's what YOU can do!
1) Make a donation: Even you ignore the other four suggestions below, please give $5, $10, or whatever you can spare to The American Red Cross, Save The Children, or both. These fine humanitarian organizations have arrived in Japan and are bringing relief to those who are suffering most. But they desperately need money for medicine and supplies, so please help them out first.
2) Shop in our store: Maybe you've had your eye on one of our book bundles or the Home Study Course, and were planning to buy them anyway. Well, now's the time, because The Manga University Campus Store will donate 10% of all sales this month and next to the Japanese Red Cross. Treat yourself or purchase something for friends and loved ones, and you'll not only raise funds for charity but also give our artists a helping hand, too!
3) Return often for updates: We plan to announce more partnerships and plans for action on this page in the days and weeks to come. You might even find a few nice surprises from time to time. So, bookmark this page and be sure to come back regularly!
4) Spread the word: A surprising number of people — even manga and anime fans — still aren't aware of just how critical the situation Japan faces has become. But you do! So talk to your friends about the crisis, and tell them why they should want to help, too. You can do this in person, or through your Facebook page, Twitter account or blog. And use our "You Can Help Japan" button (copy the code below) on your website to link back to this page and further raise awareness!
5) Enjoy some great artwork: Within hours of the earthquake and tsunami, artists throughout Japan began posting illustrations of cheerful and proud manga characters urging "Gambare Nihon!" (Remain Strong, Japan!) on blogs, cell-phone websites and even on telephone poles and community center bulletin boards. Manga University's artists did the same, and we would like to share their illustrations with you! Click on the thumbnails below to view the full-size artwork — and be sure to leave messages of encouragement in the comments sections!
 Shino Uno: Gambaro Nihon!! |
 Koda Tadashi: One For All! All For One! |
 Atsuhisa Okura: Moe USA (Page 1) |
 Atsuhisa Okura: Moe USA (Page 2) |
