promotional | japan

Project | Support for Japan

At the wake of the devastating 2011 tsunami, two years ago nearly to date, that caused a chain reaction of tragedy for the people of Japan, I was asked by several friends in the community to help in the efforts to send financial assistance to the victims and survivors of the quake. Very quickly a focused group of individuals, with the support of the Mayor of LA was formed. I created a logo that connected LA to Japan, a bold statement that said the heart of the people of Los Angeles and the city’s governing bodies wanted to help. This, however was not my first task at creating a stir for support. At the first break of the news story my local Japanese Community Center, ESGVJCC, whom I had supported for years had reached out asking if I could design a t-shirt that could be sold with all proceeds going to the victims and families of Japan’s hardest hit. Overnight I created a design that melded together inspired imagery into Japan’s rising sun,..an image that, in my eyes, reflected the dawning of a new day and therefore hope. Within the rising sun were images that were both indicative of the beauty of Japan, the culture and the people intertwined with images of the tragedy that struck on its’ soil. The tragedy in the design is not readily seen and this was an intentional vision of mine to make the greater symbolism and message be that the strength and beauty of Japan would overcome the tragedy. Years later there are still remnants of the tragedy that continue to wash upon our shores reminding us that Japan has not yet fully recovered or healed. This “Flashback Friday” I ask you to remember Japan.