Helping Children in Tohoku, Japan

I was living in Niigata, Japan, when the Great East Japan earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown happened back in 2011.  It was a horrible nightmare...! From empty supermarket shelves to rolling blackouts to panic over radiation to aftershocks that kept us all on edge. Still I felt that I needed to stay and help those in need as best I could.

Though I could not take off from work to go to the disaster areas, I volunteered to help serve soup to the families from Fukushima who were being temporarily housed in the Niigata West City gym.  They told me stories of their experiences: many of which left me in tears, while others made me smile and laugh. We shared some pretty amazing moments during that crisis...often forgetting the nationalities, religions, values, attitudes and beliefs that tend to separate us.  I gave of my time because it was the right thing to do; still I always went home wishing that I could do more. 

In the summer of 2014 I was invited to Fukushima City, a mere 30 minutes away from the nuclear reactors, to give a talk to students at a private high school. They were discouraged and I was asked to help motivate them. The experience moved me more than I could have ever imagined...so much that I decided to commit my time, know-how and efforts to helping children in the Tohoku region. That commitment has led to my love of food, travel, research and writing being put to use for the benefit of the area.

I am asking for your help, as I do not have the finances to do a project of this magnitude alone. My goal is to write a book entitled "Tables for Tohoku" that showcases the best local (and seasonal) produce, foods and drinks of the Tohoku region (Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Yamagata, Iwate and Miyagi). There will be many amazing stories from various dining tables as well as delicious recipes.  Traditional dishes from local onsens and resort spas will be pictured, as well as recipes and encouragement from chefs, kitchens and tables around the world.  With your assistance, this project will be ready just in time for the 2017 World Food Festival.

As my focus is on reviving this area, I will be donating 50% of all profits to help provide scholarships for kids living in the Tohoku area. This money will be earmarked especially for summer camps, study abroad programs and educational oppportunities. In addition, I intend to use some donations to support groups and non-profit organizations that are helping the kids of Tohoku.  One such NPO on my list is named "Apricot."  

Many sincere "thanks" in advance for your kind support of this project. I will keep the costs well documented so that you will know how your financial support is being used. The goal amount listed includes but is not limited to the following: hotel and transportation costs incurred while conducting research in the prefectures of Tohoku, costs of professional photographers, camera and laptop computer, language translation service, book printing costs and promotion in Japan/abroad. Again, there will be frequent updates to insure that the project timeline stays on target. (That schedule will be changed and updated as needed.) 

Stay healthy, happy and blessed...
Angie Taylor

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About me: In 2007, I graduated as valedictorian from the George Washington University School of Business with a masters degree in tourism administration; focus in sustainable destination management, event/meeting management and sport management.  In regards to food studies, I received a certificate in plant-based nutrition from Cornell University (in cooperation with the T. Colin Campbell Foundation).

My academic interests for future studies include plant-based nutrition, as well as behavioral health, functional medicine, food safety, health and wellness resorts/spas, children's health ("diabesity") and the science of using our senses to experience  food.  

As an avid foodie, traveler and reader, I am truly looking forward to lending my voice to the Tohoku region and its wonderful children!!  I promise to pay your kind support, encouragement and financial assistance forward.