JAPAN: Cyndi Lauper returns to Japan one year after the tsunami and earthquake which chased away most overseas performers and businesses

Record ID: 466144

  • Title: JAPAN: Cyndi Lauper returns to Japan one year after the tsunami and earthquake which chased away most overseas performers and businesses
  • Date: 13th March 2012
  • Summary: TOKYO, JAPAN(MARCH 12, 2012) (REUTERS) CYNDI LAUPER SITTING AT TABLE IN FRONT OF MEMBERS OF MEDIA AUDIENCE MEMBERS LISTENING TO LAUPER SPEAKING (SOUNDBITE) (English) CYNDI LAUPER, SINGER, SAYING: "I don't think you can catch radiation from shaking somebody's hand or giving them a hug, know what I mean? So, don't discount that, don't isolate these people." SIGN IN ENGLISH AND JAPANESE READING "FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS' OF JAPAN" (SOUNDBITE) (English) CYNDI LAUPER, SINGER, SAYING: "Life goes on for them but it's just harder so don't forget about them, you know. And commerce, you know buy things from there, to keep people working. You're going to buy anyway, might as well buy from the areas that were hit, where the stores are still open. Just keep the money moving so people can recover and get back on their feet." MORE OF CYNDI LAUPER SITTING AT TABLE IN FRONT OF MEMBERS OF MEDIA (SOUNDBITE) (English) CYNDI LAUPER, SINGER, SAYING: "I always thought that rock could save the world, rock and roll could save the world. I still come from that, that's how I grew up, so I think you know, in the spirit of Live Aid and all the things that music did and the Beatles and what they taught us, John and Yoko, hey I think we should just keep passing it along and understand that and don't forget about your friends."
  • Embargoed: 28th March 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Japan, Japan
  • Country: Japan
  • Topics: Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA68KWOB11TQNG2LB2H2BEJQXHK
  • Story Text: Singing to thousands of fans in Tokyo on Friday (March 9), the musician brought hope through music to her Japanese fans, promising to return again and again no matter what catastrophe the country may be going through.
    On March 11, 2011 when the artist arrived to Narita airport the nation had been shook by a horrific quake and tsunami that struck northern Japan and affected the rest of the country causing massive black-outs and disruptions to supply chains.
    While Lauper herself was stuck in traffic for hours and advised by many to leave the country immediately she chose to stay, continuing with her tour in dimly lit concert halls to conserve energy and donated a portion of ticket sales to support the devastated areas.
    She promised to return to Japan and she did, one year later.
    Starting her Japan tour with visits to northern Japan, she spoke to members of the media on Monday (March 12) about how moved she was by the experience, but more importantly how she hopes others will reach out as well.
    "I don't think you can catch radiation from shaking somebody's hand or giving them a hug, know what I mean? So, don't discount that, don't isolate these people," Lauper said.
    Recognizing that re-building involves more than a hug and some monetary donations, she encouraged Japanese citizens and global neighbours to invest in the country to revitalize its damaged economy.
    "Life goes on for them but it's just harder so don't forget about them, you know. And commerce, you know buy things from there, to keep people working. You're going to buy anyway, might as well buy from the areas that were hit, where the stores that are still open. Just keep the money moving so people can recover and get back on their feet," Lauper said.
    Many have applauded Lauper's musical efforts and generosity to Japan, Lauper herself felt it was the only natural thing to do under the circumstances.
    "I always thought that rock could save the world, rock and roll could save the world. I still come from that, that's how I grew up, so I think you know, in the spirit of LiveAid and all the things that music did and the Beatles and what they taught us, John and Yoko, hey I think we should just keep passing it along and understand that and don't forget about your friends," Lauper said.
    Lauper toured Japan's tsunami ravaged north-east coast after arriving in Japan on March 2, visiting areas struggling to rebuild after the disaster.
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