Call for participants: One Thousand Origami Cranes Project

One Thousand Origami Cranes: 11th Year Remembrance of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
Presented by University of Alaska Anchorage and Randolph Macon College
March 11, 2022

This year marks the 11th year since our Alaskan and very own UAA alumnus Montgomery Dickson perished in the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11, 2011. Monty taught English to local children in Rikuzentakata, Iwate prefecture, through the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program. Taylor Anderson, another JET from Randolph Macon College (R-MC) in Virginia, was teaching in Ishinomaki, Miyagi prefecture. UAA and R-MC jointly present the One Thousand Origami Cranes Project to commemorate Taylor and Monty's dream to become a bridge between America and Japan.

The project seeks to have participants fold and stack 10 origami cranes and submit a photo of themselves with their stacked cranes. These photos will be used to create a digital collage to be published on March 11, 2022, the anniversary of the Great East Japan Disaster. Visit the 1000 Origami Cranes Project for details on how to participate.

The crane is a bird that carries deep symbolism in Japanese culture, especially as a symbol of peace and longevity. The folding of origami cranes stems from Japanese legend, where it is said that folding one thousand cranes will allow the granting of some wish, including that of a long life or recovery from an illness. In modern times people often make these creations as a symbol of support and give them as gifts. With the symbol of peace and longevity, this joint project signifies continuing togetherness and support as we commemorate the 11th year of the Great East Japan Disaster.

Submissions are due Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. Learn more at 1000 Origami Cranes Project.

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