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Souvenirs with soul: Japan's best charity calendars
A year-end tradition evolves to raise funds and awareness post-March 11
Who said cosplay was for nerds and charity calendars for spinsters?Japan is one of those places where year-end traditions still encompass something beyond overeating and overspending, and one of the most durable is the giving of New-Year postcards and calendars.
While individuals and families typically go through reams of “nengajo” postcards, just about every shopkeepers’ association, sports team, company and civic group produces its own wall calendar for the coming year.
Given the difficulties we’ve had and the current economic climate, it’s no surprise that many of these non-commercial calendars promise charity donations of one sort or another. In other words, they make ideal gifts from a day trip or a holiday in Japan.
Here are four of our favorite calendars for causes (including one entire project) that we think also make excellent souvenirs for the folks back home.
Cosplay for a Cause
International cosplayers banded together to produce this eye-popping calendar featuring eccentric young folk dressed as their favorite video-game and anime characters.
It’s a gift bound to please the otaku in your life -- better yet, all proceeds go to the Japanese Red Cross Society.
Where to buy: cosplayforacause.com
ARK Calendar
Animal Refuge Kansai is a no-kill animal shelter that sprang up in the aftermath of the Great Hanshin Earthquake.
Now it’s helping to house animals made homeless by the March 11 disasters and is raising funds with a calendar of shelter cats and dogs, as seen through the lens of photographer Kyoko Harada.
Where to buy: arkbark.net
For Children By Children
This calendar is a collection of drawings from children around the world sent to kids in the disaster area.
You can't beat the cuteness and funds raised will support children in Tohoku, many of whom were orphaned after the quake.
Where to buy: pages.machico.mu
Citizens for Artistic Activities
If you're looking for something with more of an artistic bent, you may want to check out an exhibition of charity calendars starting on November 20 at the CCAA Art Plaza Ramp Saka Gallery in Tokyo.
Twelve artists have created individual calendars, with all proceeds from sales going to the prefectures worst hit by the tsunami and earthquake.
Where to buy: www009.upp.so-net.ne.jp
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