1,000 paper cranes in the shape of a Japanese flag are displayed proudly in the Aloha Center at BYU–Hawaii. The flag, held up by another 1,000 paper cranes, is a symbol of the university’s support for the Japanese students and the people of Japan who have been affected by the recent natural disasters.
The project started with thirty students from Dr. Tevita Ka’ili’s anthropology class but quickly spread to the entire campus. The original goal was 1,000 cranes, but overwhelming support from the university ohana doubled that number.
Ka’ili stated, “The students came up with the idea to practice the theories that they have learned in class.” He explained that they had spent two weeks of class discussing cultural issues before the project started.
Ka’ili further explained, “If you want to help people, you need to help them emotionally, physically, culturally, and financially. [Folding cranes] is helping the people that are concerned here and there emotionally and culturally.”
Japanese students around campus said they are grateful for the love and effort that people from other cultures have put into this event. They feel deeply grateful and uplifted.
“This is a very traditional activity for Japanese people,” said Ayumi Tashiro, a senior in psychology from Japan. “If you successfully fold a thousand of cranes, your dream will come true. This helps comfort Japanese students here.”
Kohei Hanada, a senior in TESOL from Japan, said, “It helps knowing people care about us even though they may not really know us. It’s only pieces of paper, but it means a lot that they would spend time to show us love and care.”
Each student in the class spent more than 12 hours on the project outside of the classroom, they said they enjoyed it and are happy to help other people in the world.
“I really appreciate them for doing this for Japan,” said Yuya Kitahara, Japanese club president and junior in ICS from Japan.
“The reason we are taking on this project is to show our Japanese students that we care about what has happened in Japan,” said Spencer Olguin, senior in ICS from Mexico. “We are here to uplift them.” Olguin further explained, “We came to a point where we just wanted to do anthropology instead of just talking about it.”
Kitahara, the Japanese Club president, added that the Japanese Club started fundraising through a “Japan Relief Fund” that was set up on March 29 at the Aloha Center. All the money will go to Japan through LDS Humanitarian Services. At the beginning of the second day, nearly 50 people had already donated to the fund. “I’m grateful for professors and students who love and care about us,” Kitahara added. “We feel we are not alone. I want to encourage everyone to continue to pray for Japan and those who need help in the world.”
Photos by Monique Saenz