This Saturday, Japantown’s Roy’s Station Coffee and Teas will host a fundraiser to benefit victims of the Japanese earthquake and Tsunami. First, they are joining a national Bakesale for Japan effort. Volunteers will bake their favorite treats and snacks to sell, with proceeds going to Peace Winds Japan. 100% of donations are promised to go to “ground relief efforts” in Japan. The same organization putting on the bakesale previously arranged a Bakesale for Haiti that raised over $23,000 for relief efforts there. With 20 locations signed up, Bakesale for Japan promises to be an even bigger success than the Bakesale for Haiti.

Second, in the afternoon, Japantown ukuleleists will present a kanikapila or ukulele jam session from 3 to 6 pm. A ukulele from Ukulele Source will be raffled as part of the event. Kanikapila proceeds will benefit the Japanese Red Cross. The last ukulele event I went to in J-town was a great informal event and a fantastic way to get to know a musical style you don’t hear every day.

• What: Bakesale and Kanikapila for Japan relief
• When: Saturday, April 2, Bakesale 10 am – 2 pm, Kanikapila 3 pm – 6 pm
• Where: Roy’s Station, 197 Jackson Street, San Jose