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Pop group Arashi has raised 300 million yen for disaster relief, according to a press release by the Japan Tourism Agency, which will distribute the funds. The money has been raised since March 11 through the sale of Arashi merchandise and music royalties.
The agency will allocate the money to the three worst-hit prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima.
On Thursday, the group -- which is managed by Johnny’s Entertainment -- marked the 13th anniversary of the release of their first CD.
Arashi has been participating in the Johnny's Tohoku restoration project, "Marching J." Each member of Arashi has donated his income for this year to disaster relief, Johnny's said.
© Japan Today
15 Comments
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DenTok2009
What's the money going to be used for? In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake/tsunami, money was raised for food, water, blankets... Is the money going towards the rebuilding, lost livelihood (paychecks or education) or to help pay for the mental health issues the victims are going through?
tmarie
Perhaps they could donate it to TEPCO so they don't get a bail out with our tax money??
Maria
Look at that - they donated a WHOLE year's income. Fantastic.
Vernie Jefferies
Wow....a whole year's salary. That should be big bucks since they are practically on television everyday.
Clément Delestrade
I bet a lot of people who thrashed because of their selfishness but feel idiot. Well done !
as_the_crow_flies
This is impressive! My respect to the boys. I hope they find a way to donate it to an organisation or organisations that are transparent and that the money actually goes to helping the people most in need of help. There's so much to be done up there - and so much potential for siphoning of money that's given with the best of intentions. I hope they target small voluntary groups that are moving mountains up there, not big bureacratic dinosaurs that are out of touch, or worse still, corrupted organisations that are lining their own pockets out of human misery.
tmarie
Seriously though, where is all this money going? Millions were donated from around the world and I haven't a clue as to what it has been used for - or if it has been used at all. I get there there was food, blankets and whatnot but what about the rest??
Ayler
never thought I'd say a good word about them...but have to admit a years salary a pop is a fine gesture
southsakai
2nd that! Great gesture from these lads at Arashi. BIG Hearts!
akkk1
thumbs up to Arashi.
Yuka
Arashi has been holding events every year since 2011 as part of its charity. That is "Arashi no wakuwaku gakkou". It is an event where Arashi's member are teachers and fans are students. They donate the money collected there to the disaster area. They are really nice group.
Strangerland
Good on these guys. They make good role models for the people of Japan. They have received from the country, and now they are giving back.
Yuka
Arashi has been holding events every year since 2011 as part of its charity. That is "Arashi no wakuwaku gakkou". It is an event what Arashi's member are teachers and fans are students and learn a lot of things. They held that event for nine consecutive years. They donate the money collected there to the disaster area. This event was triggered by Great East Japan earthquake, but now it is donated to other affected areas. Recently, they donate to Chiba Prefecture where the damage of the was grate. So I think they are really nice group and I want to continue to support them.