Goal

The goal of the Japan Recovery Calendar is to help local communities in Japan recover from the physical, environmental, economic and social devastation caused by the powerful earthquake and tsunami in March, 2011. Assistance in this recovery effort is being generated through the sale of a small desk calendar that celebrates many Japanese cultural treasures. Each page of the calendar is illustrated with a sketch depicting a particular structure of unique historical and cultural significance in Japan. These sketches were created by artist John S. Taylor while he was traveling in Japan. All proceeds from the sale of the calendars will be directed through two well- respected charitable organizations doing remarkable work in local communities in the Tohoku region that are struggling to recover. (Click above on Menu Item Where All Proceeds Will Go for more information.) We hope you will consider placing a calendar order for yourself, and possibly for gifts. We thank you, and so will the people of Japan.

“Sometimes the needs are actually greater six months after a natural disaster than they are in the immediate aftermath.” Walter Kälin, Representative of the Secretary-General on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons.

INTRODUCTION FROM THE ARTIST

Some years ago I had the wonderful good fortune to travel extensively in Japan. I became fascinated and captivated by the beauty of Japanese architecture, from the elegant simplicity of the folk buildings to the elaborate ornamentation of the many temples, shrines and imperial villas. I also came to deeply appreciate the richness of the Japanese culture and developed an abiding affection for the strength, dignity and generosity of its people. They were amazingly welcoming to me, and shared their history, culture and simple day-to-day life with great pride. So naturally when the devastating earthquake and tsunami struck Japan more seven months ago, we were moved, like millions of others around the world, to contribute to organizations helping in the relief efforts. In the past six months deeply troubling news from Japan has continued to pour in about the tens of thousands of lives lost, homes and businesses demolished, farmlands stripped, local communities and economies left in ruin, and the prospect of profound impacts lingering for generations. Now, months later, public attention has shifted elsewhere, aid has ebbed, and the short-term survival mindset has been eclipsed by the overwhelming reality of loss, long-term impacts and hardships. In response I have tried to come up with something I can do that would provide additional help.

Illustrations used in the Japan Recovery Calendar

During my travels through Japan I did not carry a camera, but instead kept a sketchbook journal. This illustrated work was the seminal piece that lead to creation of a more broad-scoped book about folk architecture around the world (Commonsense Architecture, W.W. Norton; later republished as A Shelter Sketchbook, Chelsea Green Press). 

I have selected a dozen of these ink-and-colored-pencil sketches to create a small desk calendar (CD-case style, approximately 5” x 5.5”) and offer it for sale. All proceeds will go directly to several charities that are doing community-based recovery work (click on where the proceeds are going on the menu bar).

In addition to generating much-needed aid for the Japanese people in this very difficult time, the calendar celebrates many enduring architectural treasures of Japan and provides a way for me to say, “Thank you”, to the Japanese people for their generous hospitality and for so many enriching experiences while I was there.

Your participation in this project can have an invaluable positive impact.

My wish is that you first will find this calendar useful and appealing and then will share my desire to assist in the relief effort by purchasing one for yourself. With the Holiday season approaching, maybe you’ll also consider ordering additional calendars as gifts. Then, as you glance at the pages throughout the year, I hope the images will be a continuing reminder of how much your contribution is appreciated by those who are enduring such grief, hardship, environmental devastation and economic upheaval. In the months and years following the Katrina disaster, people from around the world reached out to help in the recovery. This is another opportunity to help those in need.

Please let others know.

I hope you will let others know about the calendar and this special recovery campaign.

I thank you very much for your consideration and compassion, as will the people of Japan.

Sincerely,
John Taylor