One year since tsunami disaster
THE sound coming from Queen Elizabeth Park at Coolangatta this Sunday was a far cry from the screams of horror and despair heard in Japan exactly one year ago.
Yet the Japanese and Australian singers, drummers, dancers and artists who rallied to mark the anniversary of the catastrophic tsunami haven't forgotten the devastation.
"We came together to mark the anniversary with song, dance and creativity," said organiser Ayako Nakano.
"People tend to forget over time, but it doesn't mean we should be sad.
"The aim of the day was to raise funds to help the victims of the tsunami.
"But we are doing that through expressing the more beautiful aspects of life and of our culture.
"It's very special to see Australians and Japanese come together and sing together as a show of empathy and respect for those who have suffered."
The song, "Kizuna - Unseen Ties" was sung by a choir consisting of people from all walks of life and all ages.
"The song takes our thoughts to Japan," Ms Nakano said.
There was a magnificent dance display with dancers wearing traditional Japanese dress, face painting, origami and drumming.
Organised by the Gold Coast Japanese Society, all proceeds from the day will go to Red Cross Japan.
