Finally (yes, finally!) the donation from HELP JAPAN 1000 BIRDS PROJECT and HELP JAPAN Handmade Art Sale has been forwarded to Japanese Red Cross via the Japanese Embassy. We have raised £4933.20 in total. The receipt from the Japanese Embassy is below.
My husband has been ‘camera-videoing’ some of me making birds. I thought this can be a message video for people in Japan to express our thoughts, so I edited into a short documentary film (approx. 6 mins), which I would like to share with you. (This is an English edited version. The original Japanese version can be seen in my jp blog.) I hope our wish will reach those affected by the earthquake.
Two months has passed since the earthquake, when the whole nation shared the sadness. Somewhat ironical to see the huge difference between those who are affected directly (and secondary) continuing hardship, and those who are back to normal. Even we say ‘thinking of them’, they may not yet be ready to move forward positively. That is why we must not forget what happened to them. That is why we must continue our thoughts. I would like to continue doing whatever I can do to support them. I would like to thank you all for helping me be strong. xm
it was an amazing project and i was happy to be a small part of it!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was a beautiful and generous project. The video is wonderful... thanks for the peek... it's nice to know where my "flock" flew.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful gift you have given us all!
oh,and i love the video. it brought tears to my eyes. thank you. i am going to post a link to it on my blog shortly.
ReplyDeleteI love my birds, they are so special and remind me of Japan everyday. As a beginner potter I know how much work you have put into making each little bird. What you have done for Japan is wonderful and I am happy I was able to help Japan too. The little video is lovely and I enjoyed seeing them being made. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI also think of Japan (and you) everyday when I look at my birds. Such a beautiful video - it was an amazing project... You are a gift.
ReplyDeleteThank you
xo
Kristin
Your birds flew to Australia bringing smiles and joy. The healing has spread. What a wonderful project. Congratulations on all that you achieved around the world. With gratitude,
ReplyDelete*
http://danasparkle.blogspot.com/2011/05/remember-japan.html
I love the video- and am re-posting a comment as it appears my first comment was lost. What a shame for the blogger mess after all your work!
ReplyDeleteAs I watched the video,I was almost in tears as it is just so wonderful that you made all these little birds and sent them on their way to us all around the world. My two sit on my kitchen window listening to all the birds singing outside- who knows,maybe they sing when I'm not watching!
Thanks so much - they are cherished.
Thank you for giving so many the opportunity to be part of your story. The birds are wonderful. Your video is amazing - the creativity and the work and time involved. Thank you. I appreciate what you are doing - so many small helping hands from around the world. Good luck with your studies. And thank you, too for your work with people with special needs.
ReplyDeleteyou've done an amazing job Maki with this project - well done +++
ReplyDeleteBeautiful video, amazing job done by you. You are so very inspiring. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLove your idea.
ReplyDeleteLove your work.
Love the video.
Love my birds.
Way to go Maki!
What a wonderful idea you brought to light! Your heart is as big as Japan's. I wish I could have bought more than 2 birds, but I'm happy I was still able to help in some small way. My little birds will live in my studio as a gentle reminder of how so many strangers can pull together to make a difference.
ReplyDeleteThank you for doing this labor of love! The video was so touching.
((♥))
Laurel from Barrington, Rhode Island, USA
I'm so happy, that your project succeeded so god, Maki!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'll treasure two beautiful little birds, thank you!
hi maki,it was a great project and I I'm happy that you collected so much money with your work. I'm glad to be a very small part of it. I love my birds and I love your video. thank you very much! mano
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely birds and for your generous heart in making them.
ReplyDeleteCaroline
Hello Maki - I am still in awe of your generosity, talent, and love as demonstrated by this amazing project. I loved the video - done beautifully by your hsband and I love that your fingers molded and touched each of these little birds. I bought 14 - one for each member of my familyand as I gave them out to each I told them it was to remind us that we can each do something to help others even if it is a little thing. I keep my little bird in my purse to carry that message with me. Thank you again for your amazing gifts - to each of us and to the people of Japan.
ReplyDeleteMy regards, ruth
Beautiful. Touching. Tears are welling up in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteYou are a stunning example of the power of the individual!
Such a wonderful project. I love the two birdies I purchased, especially since I know they would be helping Japan.
ReplyDeleteMaki, you are as generous and kind as you are creative!
I knew my little bird was special however I never knew how much work was involved in making him. Like I have said before terrible things will continue to happen in this world but with people like yourself who work so hard to make a difference the world really can become a better place. I will treasure my bird forever and I will never forget Japan. Thank you for taking the time to care love Vickie xx
ReplyDeleteA beautiful, kind and generous project, Maki! I enjoyed watching your video and seeing the process of making the birds.
ReplyDeleteI missed out on a bird because I was overseas for a few weeks in March/April and they had all flown by the time I got home! Great to see you had such a wonderful response, with so much money being raised for Japan. It's lovely to think of your little birds being treasured in homes all over the world.
Rett
xxx
lovely video. i am so glad to have been able to 'rescue' one of the last pair. they sit on my bookshelf and i say a little prayer for japan whenever i walk past them.
ReplyDeleteDearest sweet maki, you are amazing and these little birds are so adorable! I love that video too..very inspiring. Have a lovely merry happy day and love to yoU!
ReplyDeleteJust today I was reading an old newspaper story about the disaster, and my heart was breaking. Then I opened my email and there is your video and the story of your project! Thank you, thank you Maki!
ReplyDeleteI don't mind that my comment got lost by Blogger because I'm happy to repeat it again - you are one amazing lady and a huge inspiration to me and I was so happy to be able to take part in this amazing project of yours, so thank you Maki :)
ReplyDeleteMaki san, what a wonderful project, you have a truly beautiful heart. Amazing!
ReplyDeletethank you for the birds, for the idea and for your kind heart
ReplyDeleteblessings
indiana
Such a wonderful project from a warm heart. You are a superstar Maki
ReplyDeleteBethXx
What an amazing project you have completed. Sorry I have only just found your blog and not had a chance to contribute by buying birds.
ReplyDeleteJoy x
Thank you sooooo much for everyone, for lovely heartfelt comments and links. Thank you again for your support. xm
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely project!!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I see it to late to participate.
You must be very proud!!!
Bye Danielle
Hello Makiko, how are you? I'm fine.I am Brazilian.I like your blog. How much is the craft? How do I buy?
ReplyDeleteMy email is sandrinha.drao@hotmail.com. I await your response.
Bye!
Hello Makiko! I got your email and I am very happy for your attention. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThe Portuguese who left messages in your blog, sorry. Well I can not speak English. So I use the google translator. I ask you to forgive the flaws. I'll wait for your new project and will continue visiting your blog.
Thank you for your attention!
His work is beautiful!
Bye