However, there are still a huge number of people who need help. Fortunately, there are many different ways you can do so. Before I get to them, I just want to give two brief reminders. First, please only give to registered charities. As sad as it sounds some people do try to take advantage of situations like this to exploit people’s good nature. Second, if at all possible please send money rather than other items. Charities generally speaking have a better idea what the people on the ground need. Not only can other items be useless, they can slowdown or even prevent the delivering of needed supplies. To understand this a little better please refer to the economist’s article, Too Much Of A Good Thing.

Now on how you can help today. I highly recommend you visit The Huffington Post’s How To Help Japan: Earthquake Relief Options page. They outline many great charities that you can give to today. However, the easiest option is to consider donating to your local Red Cross: US, Canada, UK, Australia and New Zealand.

The people of Japan need your help, so any monetary donation to a registered charity working on the relief effort will be appreciated.

This video was taken at the finish line of the 2007 Tokyo Marathon. I really like Taiko drumming and I think it would be an amazing way to end any race. If I ever do another full marathon it will be this one.

For more information please use the following links:
Tokyo Marathon Homepage
Taiko @ Wikipedia