ばか! Aflac Spokesman Quacked!

If there ever was a more appropriate use of the Japanese expression ばか, it is certainly appropriate to describe the reckless and insensitive statements made by actor, comedian, and voice of the Aflac Duck Gilbert Gottfried. Seriously! What was this guy thinking making jokes about missing Japanese girlfriends he obviously does not have. Has this man lost his mind or is he that insensitive to the sufferring of the Japanese People? Whatever the case, Aflac has fired their spokesman and voice of the Aflac Duck of the last ten years and rightfully so. In times of great human tragedy it is never correct to make jokes while people are sufferring. I am sure Mr. Gottfried would not appreciate holocaust jokes on the anniversary of Kristalnacht so it should not be done at all. In a related move and effort to save face, Aflac has donated 100 million Yen to the International Red Cross.

We at American Mishima applaud Aflac's swift action in both firing Gottfried and making a sizable donation to the relief efforts. No amount of money can erase the pain his words may have caused but then again those who are sufferring the most were likely unaware of this incident and have more important things to concern themselves with. We should never endorse this type of humor in the wake of catastrophie. We can only pray for those missing and those struggling to survive.

日本における災害 MLS Star Kosuke Kimura Reflects on the Disaster in Japan.

Kosuke Kimura is the only Japanese player from Japan in the MLS who plays for the Colorado Rapids. Originally rejected by Japan’s J-League, he has since become a huge star in his native country of Japan after helping the Colorado Rapids win the 2010 MLS Cup in Toronto Canada. It is reported that his family in Japan is ok but none the less is understandably concerned for his countrymen. Kimura was in Seattle when the 8.9 quake hit Japan. Kimura spoke on camera while in Seattle to reflect on this most recent tragedy. Please watch.

災害救援 MLS Teams Pledge Aid to Japan Disaster Victims

The tragic events following Japan’s most devastating earthquake has found an ironically named sports franchise to come to their aid. The San Jose “Earthquakes” have stepped up to the plate to be the first sports franchise in the United States and in the MLS to come to the aid of Japan’s many disaster victims. The San Jose Major League Soccer franchise  announced today that they would donate part of their proceeds of their 2011 Season Opening game at Buckshaw Stadium in San Jose on March 19^th 7:30PM PST.

In addition to this announcement, the SJ Earthquakes have partnered with the American Red Cross to set up donation bins so fans may contribute to the growing relief effort. The team also plans to donate $50.00 USD for every goal defended by their goal keeper for the entire year. Considering they saved some 119 goals this could add up. Every little bit helps.

As quoted from the San Jose Earthquakes website “We were deeply saddened by the events that transpired in Japan on Thursday,” said Earthquakes President David Kaval. “As an organization, it’s our mission to be a leader in the community. We recognize that there are thousands of families in the Bay Area who were affected by this tragedy and I would like to personally encourage all of our fans to make a donation to the relief effort.”

As admirable as San Jose MLS franchise efforts they are not to be the only American Soccer team in this effort. The Seattle Sounders have also partnered with the American Red Cross to join in on the relief effort. The Seattle Sounders have invited fans to donate to the relief fund for Japan in their 2011 MLS Season Opener against the LA Galaxy this March 15^th at Qwest Field. Seattle has a large Japanese community with strong ties to Japan. Both teams and players have expressed compassion for the victims and seek to involve their fans in the relief efforts. Turnouts are expected to be large and we at American Mishima encourage all soccer fans to please come and donate to the Red Cross.

It is often in moments of tragedy that people come together and express both their compassion for their fellow man as well as their generosity. We applaud San Jose and Seattle for their help for the People of Japan. It is our hope at American Mishima that other MLS teams will join the relief effort as well as other sports franchises. Should more MLS teams join in we will write about them here.

May all your family and friends be safe. Our hearts and prayers go out to the People of Japan.

Please visit Redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone to support

The American Red Cross emergency and disaster relief efforts.

ども ありがとう ございます.

津波の悲劇 - Tsunami Tragedy 2011

No words can begin to descibe the unfolding tragedy caused by the devestating series of Tsunamis in the wake of a most terrifying earthquake near Sendai Japan. We at American Mishima offer our prayers and norito to the People of Japan. It breaks our hearts to see this tragedy unfold before our tearfull eyes live on television. If there is anything we can do to help the People of Japan we would gladly offer our assistance. Please pray for the People of Japan and for those lost and those still searching for loved ones yet unaccounted for.