July 11 marks four months since the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that slammed Japan’s coastline. The natural disaster claimed thousands of lives, wrecked massive damage and caused a disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
Even though the initial trauma may be over, there is still much rebuilding and emotional recovery to be done. This was the impetus behind Still for Japan, a website that asks people around the world to observe a minute of still contemplation.
Indeed, the only way to see the website is to keep still for 60 seconds. Any typing or movement of your mouse will cause the screen to pause until you stop fidgeting. The site draws influence from donothingfor2minutes.com, a viral sensation that also required viewers to sit still.
Still for Japan adapts that principle and puts it towards a good cause. As viewers sit, they are greeted by woodb-style illustrations and a giant sun. The sun rises, revealing information about the disaster and words of support and Japanese proverbs, such as “In adversity we are saved by hope. Perseverance is strength.” The site is a collaboration between VCU Brand Center, McKinney and Clear Channel, which will be donating space on its Times Square digital billboard and its radio stations across New York.
The initial goal of the campaign is to reach 180,000 minutes of stillness, one for every dead, injured, missed, orphaned, homeless and radiation victim from the disaster. The second is to reach 1,031,704 minutes, the number of people in the Sendai Prefecture.
The idea came from Kaede Seville, a New York-based Japanese reporter, who wanted to show Japan that the world still supports it. She teamed up with 27 students at VCU Brandcenter to make the site a reality.
After sitting through 60 seconds, viewers are presented with a map of minutes, a short video about the project and a way to share their support through various social platforms.
As the website says: “After a tragedy, one of the most comforting feelings is to know you are not alone.”
What do you think of donating time instead of money? Is emotional support just as important as the huge outpouring of financial support? Let us know in the comments below.
More About: charity, japan, japan earthquake, non-profit, social good, still for japan, tsunami
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