Toyokawa, Japan—Cupertino's Sister City—'is Fine'

Honshu, Japan, the epicenter of the that triggered a tsunami Thursday, is more than 600 miles from Cupertino’s sister city, Toyokawa, Japan, but the connection is just an e-mail or phone call away.

“They did feel the temblors, but (the earthquake) was centered more in the north of Japan," said Asif Kausar, who runs the Cupertino-Toyokawa sister city program. "Everybody in Toyokawa is fine.”

Kausar sent the sister city coordinators an e-mail as soon as he learned of the earthquake and tsunami and that the coastal areas of Toyokawa were affected by the tsunami—but “not as much as what we’re seeing on TV,” he said.

In a follow-up message to his sister city contacts, Kausar asked if Cupertino can help "in any way, shape or form."

He hasn't heard back, but when he does, he will keep Cupertino Patch updated, so check back to learn how you can assist those in need in Japan.