150 children in Rikuzentakata receive rucksacks
TOKYO —
Children who will enter primary school next spring in the tsunami-hit Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, have received an early Christmas present—rucksacks donated from all over Japan.
Immediately after the disaster, bag companies donated about 2,000 rucksacks to children in the quake-stricken areas. As there are still many left over, Rikuzentakata officials decided to give them to 150 children preparing to enter primary school next year.
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Elbuda Mexicano
Tohoku has received way too many donations, food, clothing etc..that they are refusing lots of the stuff and in many places they do not have where to put these goods anymore, time for us to move on and feed children in Haiti, Peru, Somalia etc..IMHO.
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JeffLee
Just abolish the requirement that little kids MUST own one of these very expensive items, simply to fit in. They cost 30,000 yen and more, which is ridiculous, given the meager conditions up in devastated regions. Allow the families/kids to chose their own, and spend the $$$ on better things, like housing and infrastructure.
Having one's own type of distinct bag would also foster greater individuality, which Japan's education system is aiming for anyway.
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naruhodo1
Jefflee, at first, it doesnt make sense, but if u ve lived here long enough and think about things more, u realize it is this kind of mentality that helps the Japanese economy. We are forced to spend money on expensive souvenirs everytime we go on trips, expensive gifts at wedding, rucksacks, uniforms and the list goes on. Spending money circulates the money around and Japan can enjoy low unemployment and a rich economy because of these traditions. Everyone wins. The day j people start become stingy, and spend less, is the day they turn into the west ;)
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Samantha Zoe Aso
Naruhodo. I get what you are saying but times have changed. The rucksacks cost a fortune. When the twins started school here I had to sell a kidney! From what I can gather from the other mums whose kids were in the same youchien year, it's expected that the grandparents get whacked for the ole rucksack bill. Great if you have family here and if said family can afford it! I really resented paying out so much money on essentially bags for 6 year olds when other folk in the world have zero. But...spending money does oil the national economy, I'd just rather use what money do have in a more rewarding and positive way.
I do think it's a very nice gesture helping those kids out though. They have been through so much, they need some warm hearted people to keep them warm.
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taj
Samantha, how many yearzs did those bags last? It certainly must seem a lot up front, but if they use them for 6 years, ... it might actually be fairly cost effective.
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Samantha Zoe Aso
Taj- Two years and still looking good! And after what we paid for them, I am going to have them varnished and hung on the wall post shogakko era!
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TravisB
And I am sure this donation did not dent their profits much. Its quite a racket they have going.
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