April 4, 2011

Webster University Students Host “Hope for Japan: Rebuilding for Our Common Future”

ST. LOUIS, Mo.—In support of the tsunami and earthquake victims in northern Japan, members of Webster University’s Japanese Students Association are hosting Hope for Japan, a three-part event on Friday, April 8. All events are free and open to the public.

4-5:00 p.m. – Arts & Crafts Fundraising Sale in the Community Music School, 535 Garden Ave.

5-6:30 p.m. – Expert Panel Presentations & Discussion in Room 101 in Sverdrup, 8300 Big Bend Blvd.

Panel presentations and discussion will be webcast at webster.edu/theglobalforum.

6:30-8:30 p.m. – Reception & Cultural Celebration featuring St. Louis’ Osuwa Taiko drummers, Community Music School, 535 Garden Ave.

The program aims to draw support for Japan (including disaster relief fundraising) and to build solidarity between Japanese youth and young people of all nationalities. The panel discussion will address media coverage of the disaster and its aftermath, the rebuilding process, the nuclear power situation in Japan; and other spontaneous topics.

Webster University President Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Stroble invites all members of the local and international communities to participate. The panel discussion will feature the following topics and speakers:

“Active Citizenship: A Recipe to Meet Future Challenges,” Edson Kodama (Secretary General, Junior Chamber International)

“Youth: The Best Natural Resources for the Future of Japan,” Yoshiaki Shibusawa (President, St. Louis Japan Society)

“Media Coverage of the Disaster and Aftermath,” Art Silverblatt (Professor of Media Literacy, Webster University)

“The Future of Nuclear Energy in Japan,” Dr. Steven Starr (Senior Scientist, Physician for Social Responsibility)

“Identity Crisis for Japan's Youth: Reclaiming Our Common Future,”Dr. Roy Tamashiro (Professor of Education, Webster University).

The events are co-sponsored by Webster University and the Student Government Association, with support from other student organizations and campus departments. Parking is available in the Garden Park Plaza Garage, 568 Garden Ave.

For more information, contact Noriko Yuasa, yuasa@webster.edu.

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