This past weekend the Takeda Family organized a host of volunteers and over 100 participants for their Akabeko Project. We came later in the afternoon, so many had already finished painting their Akabeko, But the Center (PJCI - Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute), where the event was held, was still quite lively.

The Akabeko Project was organized to create a fun and educational event at the PJCI for the community.
By participating and donating funds were raised for Ohana Ouenjya.

According to the post card handed out to participants:
"Ohana Ouenjya is a non-profit organization supporting children with mental, physical, and developmental disabilities. They provide early child developmental support for children ages 2 - 5 years old with known or suspected disabilities. In addition, the organization provides developmental support, after school service, and transportation for youth ages 6 - 18 years old. Due to the limited capacity within the adult facilities, greater numbers of high school graduates are joining their organization.

Ohana Ouenjya is located in Motomiya city, the center of Fukushima Prefecture. They provide services to some children who were affected by the nuclear disaster. Because of their home's proximity to the power plant, their hometowns are now categorized as evacuation zones. They were forced to evacuate from their hometowns and live in new places they are not familiar with including temporary housing, rented homes, or with family and friends.

Many parents worry about radiation, therefore limit the amount of time their children can play outside. The children cannot enjoy the outdoors as they used to, as they are not allowed to play in parks, playgrounds, pools, the river, and other areas.

Yachiyo, Amy, and I each painted one of our own; though I didn't get a picture of Amy's, here's what Yachiyo and I came up with. enjoy.

http://akabekoproject.wix.com/akabekoproject#!event-details/c1nzq