There are approximately 15.2 million refugees around the world who have had to flee their home countries in fear of persecution for political, religious or racial reasons. In Japan, tens of thousands of people remain unable to return home since the deadly earthquake and tsunami hit Tohoku on March 11.
Refugees International Japan, a Tokyo-based nonprofit organization, plans to hold a charity event this week to raise money, awareness and give support not only to the refugees around the globe but also to the survivors of the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake.
The "Rhythm and Hope" event, to be held in Tokyo's Ebisu district Thursday, "is a celebration of music - how it is therapy in troubled times and can provide hope for people in difficulty," said Jane Best, chairman of RIJ. Featured performances will include Tokyo-based Latin band Funky Ritsuco Version and Japanese wadaiko and African drums fusion duo Isaku Kageyama and Winchester Nii Tete. "The mix celebrates the breadth of support that RIJ provides around the world," Best said.