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Local recording artist donates to worthy causes
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Posted on Jun 15 2011
A longtime local recording artist has donated a percentage of his CD sales earnings to two different causes last Wednesday.
John Ichihara presented a $500 check donation to Nick Nishikawa and Yoichi Matsumura of the non-profit group NMI Japan Disaster Relief at the Hyatt Regency Saipan.
Ichihara then proceeded to the San Vicente Church and handed another $500 donation to parish priest Rey D. Rosal and parish and finance council members Maria Deleon Guerrero, Rita Guerrero, and Lisa Ada.
In an interview, Ichihara said that he initially recorded his original composition, Si Yu’os Ma’ase’ Asagua-hu, with his daughter Roselle to donate 10 percent of his profits to the church.
“But when I completed the CD, it was on March 11, when the earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan,” he told Saipan Tribune. “If I can help the church, maybe I could help Japan, too.”
Ichihara, who has Japanese lineage because of his grandfather, decided to donate another 10 percent of the proceeds to help the victims of the Japan tragedy.
“I have lots of friends from different parts of Japan. I love Japan,” he added.
Matsumura said Ishikawa’s donation will be among the monetary donations that will be turned over by NMI Japan Disaster Relief to the Consular Office of Japan.
“We’re glad that many people supported his [Ishikawa] fundraising. I’m sure the Japanese people will be very pleased,” according to Nishikawa.
For his part, Fr. Rosal said the Ishikawa family has always been very religious and supportive of the church.
“I’m very happy and proud that he composed a song, shared it with others, and helped a good cause,” he said.
Ichihara said he hoped to sell more CDs during the 30th Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival to meet his target goal of 1,000 CDs sold.
He is confident that he will reach his goal and sell more of the song he wrote for his wife, Brigida, who appears in the CD cover.
“I am overwhelmed by the tremendous support of the people when they found out that I’m donating part of the proceeds for Japan and San Vicente Church. I invite them to buy a copy of the CD for a good cause.”
To buy the CD, contact Ichihara at 235-7423 or email john.ichihara@gmail.com.
