Canon participated in this year’s Michi no Cafe earthquake recovery assistance project, held on Saturday, August 11, in Ogatsu-cho, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture.

The Michi no Cafe project provides assistance for the recovery of areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The project, jointly coordinated by Canon, Starbucks, the Matsushita Institute of Government and Management, and others since July of 2011, creates a place where disaster victims living in northeastern Japan can relax by enjoying a cup of coffee at an open cafe. Photojournalists capture photos of visitors while they relax, which are printed on-site with a PIXUS (PIXMA) inkjet printer and given out as souvenirs.

On August 11, the Michi no Cafe and photo printing service were set up on the grounds of the Ogatsu Fireworks Festival, which was one location among a total of thirteen fireworks displays held simultaneously along the Pacific coast of northeastern Japan as part of the LIGHT UP NIPPON 2012 memorial event to honor disaster victims and pray for recovery.

Many local residents visited the grounds to relax and enjoy the festival, including the Michi no Cafe’s coffee and photo service.

A total of approximately 250 photos captured by the photojournalists were printed and presented to event attendees. Recipients offered such comments as: “I am so happy to receive this photo as we no longer have any family photos.”

For information regarding Michi no Cafe activities, please refer to the following website (Japanese-language only):
http://www.michinocafe.com

Supporters of the earthquake recovery assistance project plan on continuing the Michi no Cafe activities based on the conditions in the disaster-stricken areas.