Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami

Seattle Mariners and Peace Winds Partner For Tsunami Recovery

August 24, 2012
The First Pitch Team. From left: Dale Watanabe, Japan America Society of the State of Washington; Ren Watanabe; Tsuyoshi Sugimoto, Japan Business Association; Tomoko Dodo, Senior Consul, Consulate of Japan in Seattle; Seattle Mariners pitcher Blake Beavan; Chuck Aanenson, PWA CEO and Norihisa Mizuguchi, Hyogo Business and Cultural Center.

On Tuesday, August 21st, the Seattle Mariners featured a ‘Salute to Japanese Baseball’ night to support disaster recovery in Japan through the efforts of Peace Winds America.  Mariners fans were able to purchase tickets specifically designated to support PWA and its program to help boost the fishing industry in Miyagi Prefecture as well as the wider regional economy.

Fans were able to enjoy a salute to Japanese baseball and an exciting game against the Cleveland Indians. Tomoko Dodo, Senior Consul for the Consulate General of Japan in Seattle, threw the first pitch. The Hyogo Business and Cultural Center also led fans in the Japanese baseball section in a special Japanese “oendan” or “cheering section” to cheer on the Mariners while they were up to bat. The Mariners hit two home runs and went on to win, 5-1 in front of 39,204 cheering fans.

Proceeds from “Salute to Japanese Baseball” night will aid maritime vocational schools, fishing cooperatives, fishermen and fish farmers affected by the March 2011 earthquake.  PWA is grateful to the Seattle Mariners and to its many supporters who turned out to cheer for Japanese baseball and for disaster recovery.

READ MORE > about Peace Winds’ work in Tohoku.