What is the Firefly Collaboration for Japan?
A light in the dark. Together we shine.
Summary:
Firefly, a beautiful light in the dark. A light shining from within us. A light inside everyone. A light that shines when all is dark.
A collaboration, a collection of inspiring, encouraging words: quotes, letters, messages, short stories, lyrics, poems, any written piece in a cell phone novel-esque format updated online on an ongoing basis on Textnovel.com here: http://tiny.cc/hotaru
(for more information on what cell phone novels are: http://tiny.cc/textnovel Note: this collection isn’t an actual novel, but is a scrapbook of pieces, the genre label is only so that we can show our support and love for Japanese culture for these are our roots)
Foreword:
Following the devastating, heartwrenching tragedy in Japan, it is impossible not to realize what it must be like for those who are affected. Our heart and prayers goes out to Japan and the people.
In response, I think it is vital that not only do we provide them with their necessities such as humanitarian aid in food, water, clothing, shelter and so forth but that we as artists, writers, musicians think about the kind of power we wield in communicating, inspiring, encouraging, giving life, strength, hope and faith through our art.
It is important to think about what must be going on in their hearts and minds. Although we might never understand it completely but with a little compassion we can think about their needs spiritually, emotionally, mentally. We can shed tears for others. That is the kind of heart we were born with.
Submissions:
In response, this is a collaboration calling all who are touched, moved and burdened by the disaster. Textnovel is inspired by Japanese culture and cell phone novels from Japan. Let’s give back to our roots.
Please join this effort in writing pieces max of 200-300 words per “page” with whatever letter, message, quotes, story, lyrics or poem you’d like.
Include:
- your name (real or not),
- location,
- age (optional),
- and title/profession of your choice
so people reading the pieces/messages will know where its from.
Email me (kyou.taka@auone.jp) by using this form:
or COMMENT AT BOTTOM OF PAGE. (all due credit given)
Submissions will be posted officially once again here: http://tiny.cc/hotaru
Future plans?
We will see what we can do with this collection. Perhaps send it off to Japan in some way or form, online, through media, later on perhaps publication and all proceeds will be towards the relief efforts, i don’t know yet. At least we can direct people towards our effort and hopefully encourage one another.
I’d like to ask of your help. Please PROMOTE AND SHARE this project with everyone you know and ask them to contribute. We need messages from anyone and everyone. Any walk in life, any profession, please please please we need to hear from you.
If you know anyone who are prominent figures, professionals in certain industries or a part of any organization, media network, etc who might be able to help/support/promote to gather a larger widespread momentum for this campaign, please let me know.
Links (share these!):
http://fireflyproject.wordpress.com
or http://fireflyproject.tk (same site)
http://tiny.cc/hotaru
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fireflyproject
Sincerely,
-Takatsu
takatsu.wordpress.com
First cell phone novelist in North America
Author of award-winning Secondhand Memories
Donations:
At the moment donations are a suggestion and a personal initiative. Later on there may be a more structured way of collecting donation! Feel free to send us “proof of donation” by taking a screenshot of a successful transaction (careful with personal data) and sending it to us at kyou.taka[at]auone.jp
Please feel free to donate! Who wants to partner with the project and support it? $1 for every page written/contributed. And $10 donations for every entry you want to contribute. (This is all optional and up to you but good personal goals). Donate here: http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html
Go go Nippon, you’ll won this competition against the nature. Let’s the world knows you as the true samurai, the land of sakura . Let’s fighttt!!!!!!! Hope all of Japanese will be over this horrible disaster. Love you alllllll :X:X:X
Hi Thank you for your message and contribution! means alot! It will be posted on our collaboration project. Could you provide your location, (age optional) and a title/profession of your choice (i.e. student, author, etc) Thank you!
To all the people of Japan in this dark time – remember that darkest time is just before the dawn and the dawn will surely come.
I visited Japan Christmas and New Year 2010/11 – I felt immediatley at home. It is a wonderful country of contrasts – from the full on neon of Ginza and Akihabra to the relaxing onsens and ryokans of Aso I loved it all. I think that sense of affinity I felt on my visit makes my heart go out to the Japanese people in this disaster.
Japan: You will rebuild, but you won’t forget – the remembering will inform your future and build your strength. I hope to visit your wonderful land later this year and learn more and embrace your culture once again
Be strong and look to the future – for it will surely come brighter and full of hope 
This picture I send as my message of hope:
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5100/5495318600_385a86563e.jpg"
Liza McCarron, 43
Bristol, UK
IT Professional
Thank you SO much for your contribution! It means alot to me and the people of Japan. This will be posted officially on http://tiny.cc/hotaru Thanks alot! please spread the word! Feel free to make more submissions of other pieces as well!!
“My friends, consider yourselves fortunate when all kinds of trials come you way, for you know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure. Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete.” James 1:2-4
This was the verse in the ……Bible that I read after hearing the news of the disaster in Japan. Knowing how the Japanese people move on in every disaster that it has faced throughout history, I have faith that they will overcome this one and become stronger than ever. I have prayed for the nation of Japan for a long time and my faith has become even stronger because I know that there is a greater plan for this country and miracles will happen… we’ve only just begun.
I pray to God that He protects Japan and all countries that have been ravaged by natural disasters… that they could move on with full of courage and determination to face the future where even greater challenges are expected to come. May we be prepared for the future with the protection and guidance given to us by our Lord. May the ……human race become instruments of peace and harmony; where gestures showing love and care for one another becomes more important than anything else. Bless those who show charity and generosity to others especially those who are poor in spirit and those who lack daily necessities – they will truly receive great rewards for their kindness.
Most of all, I pray for the scientists, the military and the police who are facing the crisis in the Fukushima power plant, that they may save the lives of the people who they have served well throughout their existence. All these we ask and pray through the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.
Thank you SO much for your contribution! It means alot to me and the people of Japan. This will be posted officially on http://tiny.cc/hotaru Thanks alot! please spread the word! Feel free to make more submissions of other pieces as well!
It looks like my picture link didn’t work – here it is again:
Pink Prayer
i spread the word to my family and friends~ i hope they responded
Japan! You are a very powerful country. Allow yourself to bounce back higher, inshaAllah!
-AnnaBee, 22/ Psychology Professor (Philippines)
I am very saddened to know that the country of Japan and its people are having to endure these troubling times. Tears fall from eyes as a waterfall when I think of everything all are facing in this time of crisis. I was introduced to the Japanese culture, ideology, and philosophy as a young child. This exposure has led to a life filled with peace, harmony, and meaningful purpose. I would like to say to the country I have never traveled too and to the people that I have not met in Japan. You are all in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. I do everything I can in my community to get others to help by donating whatever they can to our neighbors in Japan. Together we can overcome this obstacle and come out of it stronger for it.
Robert Godfrey 38
Protective Services/College Student
Hello I send a greeting, and remember that every part of the world there are many people praying for their country and make things better, I would like to share a song that sings Arashi and is called “Bokutachi no Furusato Nippon sang at the end of 2010 and I like a lot and I think it’s a song that reflects who you are a great country.
“”As dusk approaches the sky, I found a train of clouds, I’m returning to the town with the smell I miss, Earnestly piling up the times,of the people who spins my memories. Each and everyone’s smiles, are now,by my side There are people there who I want to meet again,sharing their kindness, waiting for me The mountains and the winds and the color of the seas, it is the place that I can be the most honest. My unforgettable stories are there, we hold hands, humming
The mountains and the winds and the color of the seas,
(This is my hometown)
There are people there who I want to meet again, sharing their kindness, waiting for me
The mountains and the winds and the color of the seas,
(This is my hometown)
Your hometown
My hometown”"”
A.Karina Olalde Torton/ 26 years/ Professional. Mexico,City