Kindly send your contributions to:
TATSUZO RELIEF FUND
Headquarters: 4089-6 Mashiko, Mashiko-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture,
Japan 321-4217
Bank name: Utsunomiya Branch, Resona Bank
Account number: 317-1995701
Account Holder: Fudeya Yoshiko
Swift code: DIWAJPJTAlternatively, you can send an International Postal Money Order to:
Fudeya Yoshiko
4089-6 Mashiko, Mashiko-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture,
Japan 321-4217
Make a note that it is for the Tatsuzo Fund.
Prospectus on The Tatsuzo Shimaoka Fund (TSF) – fund set up to help Mashiko potters cope with the aftermath of the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake rebuild their lives The town of Mashiko, situated in the northern Kanto region on Honshu, Japan’s main island, suffered serious damage resulting from the Great Kanto Earthquake and a series of aftershocks still continuing a month after the greatest national catastrophe in the recorded history of Japan. With the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant only 80 miles away, how soon and whether the crippled nuclear complex can be brought under control is beyond prophecy. Our fear and anxiety are growing daily.
Our town is popularity known as the center of Mashiko-yaki pottery. Those of us engaged in pottery here have sadly seen our climbing kilns, electric and gas kilns, our various works that are our pride and joy, and our workshops sustain serious damage. We at the TSF firmly believe that, in order for Mashiko to regain its vigor, we should priority efforts to help repair and/or rebuild the damaged kilns. When the news of the damage Mashiko suffered spread overseas, many potters, who had once trained here under my later father Tatsuzo Shimaoka as their master, kindly offered to make contributions to help Mashiko. We thought it best to set up a fund to make the most of the touching gesture of support reflecting the potters’ attachment to our town and dedication to Mashiko-yaki. Contributions received here will be utilized to as part of monetary assistance to young potters who will carry the torch for Mashiko’s future, as well as those aspiring young potters who required support in the past but have had difficulty in obtaining it in the past.
As the oldest child of the late Tatsuzo Shimaoka, designated a “Living Human Treasure” at his prime, I have always wondered how my father would have handled a difficult situation every time I had to make tough decisions. I am confident my decision this time is in keeping with his spirit. I wish to take thi opportunity to sincerely thank all our friends who have expressed their concern about our safety and wellbeing as we continue to face anxious situation marred by the frequent aftershocks and the growing fear of radiation.
We continue to welcome contributions from anyone who agrees with our mission and agrees to give us
a helping hand.
Gratefully yours,
Yoshiko Shimaoka Fudeya
(Eldest daughter of Tatsuzo Shimaoka)
Swift Cord DIWAJPJT
You can send an International Postal Money Order to:
Fudeya Yoshiko
4089-6 Mashiko, Mashiko-machi, Haga-gun, Tochigi Prefecture,
Japan 321-4217
Make a note that it is for the Tatsuzo Fund.
