Photo by JUN NAGATA / Rafu Shimpo
From left: Meloni Hallock, Los Angeles Region American Red Cross board member; Posie Carpenter, Western Los Angeles ChapterAmerican Red Cross board member; Joanne Nowlin, American Red Cross regional chief executive officer; Consul General of Japan in Los Angeles Kenko Sone and his wife, Mami Sone; and Consul Tomoyuki Yamagata.

On Feb. 5, the American Red Cross and Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles held a presentation ceremony for the Japanese government’s $2 million in financial assistance for wildfire victims in California.

At the ceremony, Consul General Kenko Sone said the funds were remitted Feb. 4 and he hopes that the assistance will be used to address critical needs in the impacted communities.

He added that the consulate will work closely with federal and local authorities, community organizations, and especially Japanese and Japanese American businesses and communities to support recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Last month, Sone issued a message of condolence to those affected by the fires.

has passed since the Palisades and Eaton fires started on Jan. 7. Struggles continue. The devastation and challenges are beyond our imagination,” Sone wrote. “Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the fires …

“Even under such difficult circumstances, it is encouraging to see so many organizations, volunteers, and individuals donating food, supplies and time to help with ongoing efforts. The perseverance and resilience of Angelenos is amazing and what the City of Angels represents …

“Japan is a nation that has experienced natural disasters and we are thankful for the generous support supplied by Southern California when it was needed the most. We stand with you all to support immediate needs and will do our best to collaborate with authorities, communities, and all of you to rebuild communities devastated by the fires.”