Help Johnny & Akiko After The Eaton Fire in Altadena CA

Yoko Hirota is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

（日本語は下へ）

On January 8, 2025, our dear friends Johnny and Akiko suffered an unimaginable loss when their beloved home in Altadena, California, was completely destroyed in the Eaton Fire. The powerful winds and devastating flames left nothing behind but ashes. They were able to rescue their elderly pit bull, Endo, and their two cats, Big Time and Shorty, before evacuating with little more than a backpack, a litter box, and the clothes on their backs.

This home was more than just a house—it was a living memory. Johnny’s family built it after being released from the Japanese Internment Camps following World War II, making it a vital piece of Japanese-American history. Over the years, it became a sanctuary for the community, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. Akiko, an artist and gardener, had filled their home with her beautiful paintings, vintage interiors, and an organic backyard garden. Tragically, they lost everything, including priceless heirlooms, family photographs, and the tools and equipment Johnny had worked hard to acquire as an avid woodworker/mechanic/metalwork and DIY enthusiast.

Despite this heartbreaking tragedy, Johnny and Akiko remain positive and kind. They have always been the first to lend a hand to others. Johnny, a volunteer leader at the Buddhist Temple in Pasadena, has spent years helping those in need, including exchange students and international families. Akiko has opened their home to friends and strangers alike, creating a welcoming space with her delicious meals and warm hospitality.

Now, they need our help.

How You Can Help

We’ve created this fundraiser to support Johnny and Akiko as they work to rebuild their lives and home. Donations will go directly to them and the funds will address gaps not covered by insurance or federal assistance in the following ways:

• Help them replace essential items not covered by insurance or FEMA Assistance

• Support them for costs beyond insurance or government programs

• Urgent needs not covered by other sources

• Food and medical care for their senior pit bull, Endo, and their two cats (Big Time & Shorty)

Johnny and Akiko have spent their lives caring for others, and now it’s our turn to give back to this selfless and loving couple. Your support will provide them with the resources they need to start over and return to a sense of normalcy.

Every donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in their journey. Thank you for your kindness and generosity during this incredibly difficult time.

With gratitude,

Nozomu & Yoko Hirota, Yuno Imai, and Wenjay Sung

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アルタデナにある、私たちの親友「ジョニーとあきこ」の家が、

1月８日のEaton Fireで跡形もなく焼失してしまいました。

日系のお父さんと、日本人のお母さんとの間に生まれた

ジョニーは、10代半ばで両親を亡くしたこともあり、

アルタデナの家は両親の思い出が色濃く残る、

何物にも変え難い大切なものでした。

もともとこの家は、第二次世界大戦後、

日本人が収容所から解放された直後に、

先代の家族が建てたもので、

日系アメリカ人の歴史の重要な一部となっていた建物です。

長い間、愛と笑いと大切な思い出に満ちた地域の聖地でもありました。

そんな彼が出会ったのが、アーティストでガーデナーでもある

あきこ。

ジョニーが育った歴史ある大切な家を、

彼女の絵画やヴィンテージのインテリア、

オーガニックのベジタブルガーデンで彩っていました。

二人が大切にメンテナンスしてきた

アルタデナの家が、跡形もなく灰になってしまい、

再建には早くても２〜３年かかるといわれています。

老犬のピットブルと猫２匹と、

強風の火の粉の中、最低限の荷物で避難した二人を支援をしたいと考えています。

大変な状況の中、二人は必死に前を向こうとしています。

このお金は、彼らが「元の生活に戻るのため」に使われます。

ジョニーはパサデナのお寺でボランティアリーダーをするほか、日本からの交換留学生を受け入れたりなど、人のためにずっと活動をしてきた人です。困っている人がいたら自分が借金してでも助けることを何年もやってきました。

あきこは、常に人を気遣い大切にする人で。

仲間を家に招待して、素敵なオーガニック野菜の食事をみんなにふるまい楽しい時間をたくさんの人に提供してきました。

二人は、ロサンゼルスに家族の少ない日本人や

ほかの国からの移住者の心のより所で、

みんなから愛される大切な家族です。

いままで人のためにがんばってきた二人に

ぜひサポートをお願いします。

友人：廣田望・陽子、今井悠乃

1/12 - Johnny picked up some lunch today at the Pasadena Cultural Institute where they provided him and Akiko lunchboxes donated from the Pasadena Buddhist Temple. He later went to the Arcadia donation center, and he said there were so many kind people there volunteering and helping everyone find whatever they needed. They had water, food, medical supplies, clothes, shoes, blankets and there were even food vendors cooking hot food for everyone. He didn't want to go to the store since everyone had already donated so many useful items that he and Akiko could use. Endo even got a stuffed animal there :)