Hack for Japan is a project that allows engineers to collaborate on developing apps or other tools to contribute to the recovery of the area that was struck by the disaster. The first event was just one week after the disaster, from 19 to 21 March. The second set of events were held 21 to 22 May on six different places including Sendai.
Employees from Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, Rakuten and other companies participated in these events. In total, a few hundred people are said to have participated.
The developed apps include a tool (Japanese only) that distinguishes real news from sensational rumors, an app (English) that shows the geiger values of radiation in mapping tools like Google maps and a photo service that posts images of the recovery in the region called 'Recovery Clock'. Moving stuff.
Image from code.google.com
Also, in collaboration with a radio station called Nippon Housou, a web site that collects Dajare (Japanese word jokes) was developed. The idea was to support the recovery by making Japanese people happy with laughter. For those that can read Japanese, see the site here.
The organisers of Hack for Japan are planning to make this a recurring event for the coming years. In the words of Takuya Oikawa, Engineering Manager at Google and organiser of the event: "the recovery will continue, and so will the activities of Hack for Japan".
The third series of Hack for Japan events are planned on 23 and 30 July, in Tokyo, Sendai and Aizuwakamatsu.
Source: Nikkei Keizai Shinbun, 4 July 2011
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