Let's support Japan!

It looks like everything is going to be all right in Japan. As far as I know, the thing with power plants looks a little brighter, so I don't lose hope. Yokatta, ne!

Nevertheless, the size of the disaster is incredible. Many Japanese people are in despondent situation - without food, home, loved ones... I believe that donating some money on charity is definitely a good thing a person can do for Japan. Let's help the people survive this hardship!

I heard that there's one more thing we can do to help Japan rebuild its economy. My dear Readers, the most appropriate time to buy original CDs and DVDs has come! As you probably realize, every yen directed to Japanese economy is crucial. And it's not only supporting the artists (who don't get much from their records anyway). Every price includes taxes which are later spent by the governement to pull the economy and the Japanese people out of the trouble they're experiencing now. Therefore, I support the idea of buying things in Japanese online shops, because it's beneficial... not only for the needy but also for you.

If you want to support Japan in their struggle, you can visit: 

Japanese Red Cross | JRC (via Google) | Unicef

For shopping:

CDJapan | YesAsia | Amazon.jp | mu-mo

Even though this is a blog exclusively about Ai-chin, I recommend you to buy not only Otsuka's releases. Personally, I'm considering buying something from Namie Amuro and something from Ai, but I'm not yet sure what I will choose.

It's 22nd of March today... In few weeks or even days we can expect Ai to become a mom. I'm really happy for her and for Su :) I'm looking forward to any news from them. Let's hope it will be only good news!

Earthquake: Message from Ai Otsuka

As it can be expected, entertainment is not a product which is badly needed these days in Japan. Last show of Music Station was full of sadness and gloomy atmosphere - all because the tragic earthquake and tsunami which devastated Japan a week ago.

The episode featured Ai-chin's past performance of "Ai" in the acoustic version. During the performance, there was a message from Ai-chin shown. Otsuka said:

地震から数日がたちました。みんなの無事を切に願ってます。明日のために今日は生きて。数年先のために乗り越える明日を先きて。がんばったねって抱き合いたい。強く強くあなたのこと想ってます。

It's been a few days since the earthquake. I hope everybody is safe. Let's live today for tomorrow and the years which will come next. I'd like to tell you "Let's be brave and fight". I keep thinking about you.

Translation: mine (absolutely not perfect, but the meaning is preserved)

Ai didn't appear live in the episode. Let's hope she's staying in a safe place and is not exposed to radiation in any way :(

Earthquake: Ai Otsuka is safe and sound!

It's a truly difficult time for all Japanese people. As we all know, there has been a terrible earthquake and tsunami which took thousands of lives. Many people are still unaccounted for, if not dead. All the world is watching Japan struggling with the catastrophe, wishing all the Japanese lots of strength and hope in surviving the situation.

Many fans have been worried about their idols, but fortunately all of them are fine. So is Ai Otsuka and her husband Su - it's been officially confirmed, therefore there's no need to worry about them (sources: 1 | 2).

I'm very happy that Ai is safe and sound, but what still concerns me is the leak of Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant, which is located about 240 km from Tokyo. I don't know for sure where is Ai at the moment (there are rumors that she's in Osaka) and where she was when the leak occured, but I hope she hasn't been exposed to the radiation :( She's pregnant, so the risk doesn't concern only her, but also her baby. Obviously, radiation has a highly detrimental influence on unborn babies. So, I'm still worried and I hope Ai has a safe place to hide herself to wait safely until the danger is over.

My dear Readers - no matter what religious community you belong to (if at all), let's unite in prayer for all those who lost their lives in the recent disaster, who lost their relatives or beloved ones, who are left alone without help or are still waiting for it, who haven't got any place to live... Please, pray with me. Thank you.

May HOPE be with us all.

For all seeking comfort in this saddening situation: