PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - To mark the one year anniversary of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, a Temple University professor collaborated to create a song and animated video to encourage those who are still dealing with its aftermath.
“‘Fukkatsu No Uta,” that’s the Japanese title. The English translation is ‘The Song of Rising.’”
Temple grad Naoko Masuda says the idea for the song came a few weeks after the tsunami, when she and a few friends hosted a Japanese-style party for Temple professor Jack Klotz. When the group told Klotz how the disaster impacted their families and friends in Japan, Klotz, who is also a musician, says he was moved.
“Our new friends’ story made all those horrific images we were seeing last year, it gave them all a more personal quality. We wanted to send a message, you know, don’t give up! You can get through this. “
So Klotz worked with Masuda and her friends from Japan to produce the song. Masuda then worked to create an animated video that translates the Japanese lyrics.
“It’s important for people who are really affected by it to know that people outside of Japan pay attention to what’s still going on,” says Masuda.
Klotz and Masuda say they hope to use the song and video to get donations for Temple Japan students affected by the disaster. To watch the video, visit http://vimeo.com/38224848 (Through this link, in the info, you can also donate whichever amount you desire, and you'll get a free download of the song!)
Source: CBS News Philadelphia / Vimeo
Since there was a post like this earlier, I decided to share this one too! This is from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which I attend. I also participated in the project by providing my vocals for the chorus along with many others~ Temple University is also known for having a campus in Tokyo, so we had several students who were directly affected by the disaster, they completely lost everything as well for the lives of some of their relatives. Temple U has helped out a lot by contributing towards Japan, and we still hold several fundraisers to help with all the people who are still suffering. I hope you like it!