Japanese Self-Defence Force's family - still 121 people missing

Mr. Kimizuka who was assigned the role of the North Japan Self Defence Force Commander for the East Japan Disaster had an interview in Tokyo on July 4. He told the press that 344 family members of the Self Defence Force have died and 121 are still missing.

According to Mr. Kimizuka, members whose families were affected by the disaster had reached 374 by July 1. There were more than 500 family members missing at that time, however all the Defence Force members were committed to their professional task.

JIJI news, Monday 4 July 18:19

Canadian Scholarship For Children Affected By Disaster - Application Open This Autumn

The Canadian Embassy has announced that Canada is planning to establish a scholarship system for children who were affected by the East Japan Disaster. Canadian educational institutions have discussed how best they can help Japan since the day of the disaster. As a result, they have agreed to provide a 1 month language program for children who are over 16 years old and have been affected by the disaster. This program will also make provision for Japanese counselors. The application will be open this autumn.

JIJI News, Wednesday 29 June

Ashinaga Ikueikai Group Supporting Children Who Lost Parents

According to the survey conducted by the Ashinaga Ikueikai Group, Tokyo on 1100 children who have lost their parent(s) because of the East Japan Disaster, it's been confirmed that approx. 40% of those children are primary school age or younger. Also, more than 60% of the children have lost their father who was the breadwinner of their family. The Ashinaga Ikueikai Group stated that these children are under a very severe financial situation and need long-term support from the country.

The Ashinaga Ikueikai Group has provided a maximum 1,000,000 yen (approx. AU$10,000) for those children (age 0 ~ university age) left by the deceased. The children are categorised as: 346 primary students (30.9%), 137 kinder & prep aged kids (12.2%), 242 junior high school students (21.6%) and 252 senior high school students (22.5%).

Mixi News

Mental Damage amounting to at least 88 billion yen - The Tokyo Electric Power Company

The Tokyo Electric Power Company has announced that the compensation for mental trauma to the refugees from the Fukushima nuclear plant would amount to 88 billion yen. Also, it is anticipated that the accident management cost will be 3.8 million yen more than expected.

On June 20, the Nuclear Power Damage Compensation Dispute Examining Committee of the Department of Education and Science decided that the compensation would be 100,000 yen per person per month for the first 6 months after the accident and 50,000 yen after 6 months.

22 June, JIJI News

Lady Gaga In Japan

The American pop star, Lady Gaga arrived at Narita airport in Japan on 21st June. She is going to take part in a live music event that will raise funds to support victims of the earthquake and tsunami.

Tokyo 12 June REUTERS