LOS ANGELES, March 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Japan America Society of Southern California is assisting relief efforts in the wake of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck northeast Honshu island.

Working to partner with Japanese and Japanese-American organizations in Southern California, the Society today established the "2011 Japan Earthquake Relief Fund."  Donations can be made by sending checks made payable to "2011 Japan Earthquake Relief Fund," and sent to: Japan America Society of Southern California, 345 S. Figueroa Street, Suite M-1, Los Angeles, CA 90071-1004, U.S.A.  Secure, online credit card donations can also be made at www.jas-socal.org.

In addition, donations to the American Red Cross "Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami" relief fund can be made from a link on the home page of the Japan America Society's website. Information on donations via text messaging is also shown. In addition, the Society has also reached out to the Los Angeles Fire Department, which often provides personnel to assist earthquake victims overseas, to offer support.

"We are terribly saddened by the tragic loss of life caused by the series of powerful earthquakes and the tsunami that struck northeast Japan," said Douglas Erber, president of the Japan America Society of Southern California.  "The Directors and Governors of the Japan America Society of Southern California join us in extending our heartfelt sympathy and deepest condolences, and we are working to coordinate relief efforts."

For those who are trying to locate someone, Japanese or American, or for those with information about someone to share, Google has set up a Crisis Response site at http://www.google.co.jp/intl/en/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html.  The Society will keep its members and the public updated on the situation through their website at www.jas-socal.org.  

In 1995, the Japan America Society of Southern California established the "Kobe Relief Fund" within 24 hours of the Great Hanshin Earthquake. In the months following the quake, the fund received nearly 10,000 individual contributions totaling $1.7 million dollars.   

"Our prayers and thoughts are with everyone living in Japan or with loved ones who have been affected by the terrible disaster," Erber added.

About the Japan America Society

Founded in 1909 to build economic, cultural, governmental and personal relationships between the peoples of Japan and America, the Society is the West Coast's premier forum for providing unique opportunities for individuals and corporations to become involved in the Japan-United States relationship. With 130 corporate and more than 2,000 individual members, the Japan America Society of Southern California is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational and charitable organization. For more information, please visit www.jas-socal.org.  

SOURCE Japan America Society of Southern California