Are you looking for a way to show your support for Japan?
If so … join in the nationwide Million Crane Project, a campaign started by Princeton and Stanford universities to raise awareness for the victims of the magnitude 9.0 earthquake that hit Japan on March 11. The project goal is to fold one million paper cranes as a symbol of support. The idea comes from the Japanese legend of "senbazuru," which promises to grant a wish to anybody who folds 1,000 paper cranes.
The University of St. Thomas Office of International Student Services, International Education and ELS is sponsoring this project on campus.
Time and Place
Members of the campus community can show their support for Japan by folding paper cranes (instructions and guides will be there to help) during the following times:
- Thursday, April 28 – 4:30-6 p.m. in the second-floor atrium, Murray-Herrick Campus Center
- Friday, April 29 – 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the second-floor atrium, Murray-Herrick Campus Center
- Tuesday, May 3 – 4:30-6 p.m. in the second-floor atrium, Murray-Herrick Campus Center
- Thursday, May 5 – 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the first-floor atrium, Murray-Herrick Campus Center
Why cranes?
Project organizers believe that the crane folding that has risen throughout the United States in the past weeks has great potential to offer a unique, long-term, and heartwarming support to crisis-stricken Japan. Crane folding is a relaxing way to pass time for any person, so people of all ages can give a meaningful donation of time to Japan that will last as a part of a public artwork. The project also holds a symbolic and cultural value that will make a lasting mark on the cooperative relationship between Japan and the United States. The crane is Japan’s national bird and symbolizes longevity, strength, and recovery.