Tohoku schools are still trying to catch up on their curriculum almost a year after the disaster. Because of that, I often do shows during the after lunch free time. Student attendance is optional, but this show at a Kamaishi elementary school today drew 270 of the 330 kids!

In the past 10 months I’ve been to almost 90 schools and interacted with over 8,000 kids! Two more tours left – next one is from March 4th to 11th.The Tyler Foundation’s financial support will finish at the end of March, but additional tours will be added as funds become available. The Shine On! Smile Ambassador Program will now segue into helping kids with cancer and their families in accordance with the Tyler Foundation’s primary mandate. I can’t imagine NOT going back up to Tohoku on regular tours… anybody feeling philanthropic???

“Unfortunately, I was unable to see the Smile Ambassador when he visited for the first time last June. I heard that the children and teachers all had a really great time. Guy-san returned for a second visit in September and I then saw what everyone was so excited about.

When I told the kids that Guy-san will visit for a third time in February they were all very happy. They waited anxiously for him to come and everyone’s eyes lit up when he arrived. I wish they had the same reaction to their regular classes! I am amazed by the positive impact that Guy-san has on the kids and the teachers. It lasts long after his visits – they will probably never forget him. I believe that their laughter helps to relieve stress caused by the traumatic experience of the tsunami. The Smile Ambassador spreads seeds of happiness that can grow to be strong and healthy. This helps the students and faculty through these difficult times which in turn helps our families and community. I am very impressed with the Smile Ambassador Program and hope to see Guy-san again soon.”

The amazing Joseph Tame ran the Tokyo Marathon today with an HD camera on his head that he streamed live on ustream. Joseph visited me for a day of shows in Kamaiishi last November. He was deeply touched by the work I ma doing as the Tyler Foundation’s Niko Niko Taishi. In this pre run video he announces that the money he raises in the Marathon will be donated to my program!                                                                                                                                  http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/20668052

Check out the amazing satellite artwork that Joseph creates as he runs all over Japan and beyond!                                                                 http://tamegoeswild.com/

The frigid weather couldn’t stop the Smile Ambassador’s 3rd  Tohoku tour of 2012!  Last week we visited 11 schools and interacted with over 600 kids from Rikuzentakada in southern Iwate to Kamaiishi in the north. Big thanks to our special Hula Hooping guest performer Kristen Mcquillin! Kristen’s hoop shows and workshops really warmed everyone up. She and her crew from Spin Matsuri (www.spinmatsuri.com) also made and donated over 100 Hula Hoops. It’s too cold to play outside so Hula Hoops were the perfect gift to keep the elementary school students active and physically fit!