On March 11th 2011, a massive earthquake measuring 8.9 struck off the east coast of Japan. This triggered a deadly tsunami pummeling the eastern coast causing great devastation in its wake. With the great losses in lives and destruction as well as the environmental threat of a potential nuclear meltdown, Japan is facing a national crisis and could use every little help that we can offer.

Here are some ways that you can contribute to support the disaster relief efforts of the those affected in this tragic event:
Malaysian Red Crescent Society
Mercy Malaysia
GroupOn Malaysia – Red Crescent Society
Milk A Deal – Red Crescent Society

Other international efforts:
American Red Cross
Causes – Help Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami Victims
Google Crisis Response – 2011 Japan Crisis
globalgiving.org
Yahoo – Japan Earthquake and Tsunami How To Help
Twitter Japan Official Blog

To the people of Japan, our prayers are with you…

きみでいて　ぶじでいて – Yoko Kanno

It’s been an interesting and exciting year for me with plenty of ups and downs along the way. For a start, I’ve tried a number of things which I’ve never done before but I’m glad I did.

I’m a huge fan of Japanese animation and the otaku culture for years but it’s only in the past few months that I’ve decided to enroll in Japanese classes. The classes are still on-going and currently covering the basics and so far it’s been fun.

I’ve also started running marathons and took up swimming. So contrary to popular believe, otakus DO get out in the sun once in a while. Never learnt to swim while I was young, so this is something new to me. My progress ? I can actually sink faster than a rock T_T

Went nuts over Anisong concerts this year. Attended May’N’s concert in KL and Mikuni Shimokawa’s one in Singapore and of course I would never miss the Anime Festival Asia 2010 concerts. It was a blast !

So what’s in store next year ? I don’t know but I’m sure it’ll be another one heck of a year ahead.

Happy New Year Everyone !