Five members of popular all-girl group AKB48 were made official messengers of the Japan Red Cross this week at an event called "Get to Know the Red Cross Better."
The group was represented by Minami Takahashi, 20, Aki Takajo, 19, Minami Minegishi, 18, Mayu Watanabe, 17, and Tomomi Itano, 19, who all appeared on stage wearing Red Cross relief worker uniforms. The girls also attended a class in the disaster prevention room and learned how to administer a cardiac massage.
The Japan Red Cross is currently running an ad campaign on TV, using the AKB48 song "Whatever I can do." Itano said: "I really like the line 'Let's unite the world as one family' from that song. I want to try and live by those words."
© Compiled from news reports
12 Comments
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MYRB2011
All donation, charity and non-governmental supports have gone to Japan Red Cross, and then redistributed to people in the devastated areas. AKB48 five members have raised their spirits through the motto - Let’s unite the world as one family. They will live by their commitments and passion from today. That is true, when spirits are important now, going together with other supports. We have known all things can be done by three inputs - collaborative works, necessary resources and action plans.
gaijinfo
can we get a bigger picture, JT?
papigiulio
agreed, especially for Tomomi :D But good to see these girls get their hands dirty.
papigiulio
well not really dirty, but at least do effort for a good cause.
Mittsu
I would happily have them do first aid on me.
IvanCoughalot
"Get Red Cross Work Experience"?
Does this mean "Play dress-up and stand where they're told, reciting platitudes"?
ihavegreatlegs
This is great but not enough money has been distributed yet. Too much red tape with red cross. I hope it does soon.
Freddy5
They can massage my cardiac anytime.
lostrune2
Did someone teach them CPR?
Patricia Yarrow
Put them on posters in the trains for something nice to look at. Cutie pies.
Wolfpack
I would rather see a picture of them actually helping someone or doing something to help rather than just seeing them standing on stage. Is PR all that they are doing? How about going to the affected areas and entertaining people - life is drudgery right now for those dislocated by this disaster. Celebrities and entertainers can do much more good by using their talents in a more direct and constructive way. These young ladies are not suited to getting your hands dirty type of work, but they can possibly make a few people smile or give them something to look forward to.