Sunday marks the first anniversary of Japan's Tohoku earthquake and tsunami—a disaster that killed 16,000 people, left nearly 4,000 missing, triggered one of the world's worst nuclear disasters, and dealt a staggering blow to the Japanese economy.
Here's a brief listing of Bay Area events commemorating the tragedy:
Saturday
- 1 p.m. Tatsumaki Taiko: benefit for the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund. At Berkeley Bowl West, 920 Heinz Ave., Berkeley.
Sunday
- 1 p.m. Tears of the Earth. Memorial concert and photo exhibit on the Tohoku disaster, sponsored by the Japan Recovery Project of the Public Health Institute of Oakland. Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness, San Francisco. Tickets through City Box Office: $30 (adults), $15 (students). $35 (adults) and $20 (students) at the door.
- 1:30 p.m. A Community Remembrance—Our Hearts to Japan. Sponsored by the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California. Japantown Peace Plaza, Post and Webster streets.
- 2:46 p.m. Moment of silence and rock garden dedication. Japanese Art & Cultural Center, 4334 Moorpark Avenue, San Jose
- 6 p.m. Earthquake and tsunami memorial program. The Monterey Institute of International Studies. Irving Auditorium, McCone Building, 460 Pierce St., Monterey.
- 7 p.m. "Shinsai (Great Quake)," a benefit at the American Conservatory Theatre to support theater artists in Japan. The Garrett, ACT, 415 Geary St., San Francisco.
- 7 p.m. "Fukushima—Never Again," screening to mark the quake anniversary. ILWU Local 34, 801 Second St., San Francisco.
Finally: a comprehensive list of events from NichiBei.org: Great East Japan earthquake commemorations and fundraisers.