2:46 Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake aka #Quakebook is a compilation of art, stories, and essays put together to raise money for Japan’s earthquake survivors. Contributors include many Japanese citizens, foreigners who have stayed in Japan and those who had to leave, and even include science fiction author, William Gibson and investigative journalist, Jake Adelstein.
It has just gone on sale with all revenue going to the Japan Red Cross to help those affected by the March 11 disaster. At this stage only a digital version of the book is available. I believe a printed version of the book will also be available at some stage.
You can pick up a copy now for $9.99 on Amazon.com
A compilation album called Songs for Japan has just been released to benefit the ongoing disaster relief efforts in the earthquake and tsunami hit areas of Japan. Following on from my earlier post the stars and songs that appear on the album have been released. Lady Gaga, Eminem, Beyonce, Madonna, The Kings of Leon and Katy Perry joined a list of already announced artists like Justin Bieber, Rihanna and U2. All in all, 38 artists lent songs to the album. I have provided a detailed list below of the artists and songs. All acts appearing on Songs for Japan and their labels and music publishers have waived their royalties to ensure the Japanese Red Cross Society (JRCS) receives as much support as possible. The JRCS will use the funds from the album to support its ongoing relief efforts and for eventual recovery assistance to the areas hardest hit by the disaster.
The album is available for purchase as either an Audio CD or MP3 Download. Proceeds from the sale of Songs for Japan will benefit the Japanese Red Cross Society.
The track list for Songs for Japan as provided by Apple:
Yakisoba is a popular takeaway dish in Japan and is usually served with a fried egg on top and with some Japanese mayonnaise. It is a popular festival food and can be found all over Japan.
Ingredients
• 300g yakisoba noodles
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 100g sliced pork fillet
• 2 cabbage leaves, cut into small pieces
• ½ carrot, sliced
• 2 shitake mushrooms
• 1 spring onion
• salt
• white pepper
Toppings (if desired)
• aonori (green-seaweed) flakes
• dried bonito flakes
• Japanese mayonnaise
• red pickled ginger
Method
1. Cook noodles and drain well.
2. Heat oil in pan and add garlic, sliced pork, cabbage, carrot, shitake mushrooms and spring onion, stirring all the while.
3. Season to taste with salt and white pepper.
4. Make sauce by combining all the ingredients together.
5. Add noodles and sauce to pan, while still stirring.
6. Place the noodles onto individual plates and top with red pickled ginger, green nori or bonito flakes if so desired.
Note:
• You can buy already prepared yakisoba sauce at most Asian Supermarkets.
• Yakisoba is also great with a fried egg on top and with some Japanese mayonnaise.
March 2011 was another great month for Japan Australia Blog. We have had some new followers and many new visitors to the Blog. We also appreciate the great support we have received from our many fans from around the world.
The following were the most popular blog posts for March 2011
Neo village located amongst the mountains in Gifu Prefecture is home to one of the three largest cherry blossom trees in Japan. The Usuzumi Sakura or Cherry Blossom in Neo Village is said to have been planted in 487 AD and as such is reported to be the oldest cherry blossom tree in Japan. This unique cherry blossom initially sprouts pale pink flowers, which become white in full bloom. The tree has been appointed as a National Natural Monument of Japan and is one of the great places to visit in Gifu.
Here is a picture of the magnificent tree, which is over 1,500 years old, stands 17.2 meters in height, and 9.2 meters in circumference.
There are also many other magnificent cherry blossoms in the area and park around Usuzumi Sakura and there is a lot to do and see there.
The Black Eyed Peas have dedicated their latest single, ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ music video to the victims of Japan’s tragic earthquake and tsunami. The Black Eyed Peas filmed the video in Japan a week before the earthquake and tsunami that struck. Tokyo’s nightlife is heavily featured with lots of neon lights, the city’s coolest and hottest peeps living it up in the clubs and on the streets.
The video begins with a message from the group:
“This video was filmed in Japan one week before the earthquake and tsunami. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the people of Japan. We love you.”
At the end of the clip, The Black Eyed Peas provide info on how to support the Red Cross relief efforts in Japan.
Pop aid for Japan is coming. Keep an eye out for a compiled star-studded digital album to raise money for Japanese Red Cross. It should be out shortly from Universal Music to support Japan’s earthquake and tsunami victims. Artists including U2, Bon Jovi, Justin Bieber and Rihanna will all donate songs to the album.
2:46 Aftershocks: Stories from the Japan Earthquake aka #Quakebook is a compilation of art, stories, and essays put together to raise money for Japan’s earthquake survivors. Contributors include many Japanese citizens, foreigners who have stayed in Japan and those who had to leave, and even include science fiction author, William Gibson and investigative journalist, Jake Adelstein. 
