The aftershocks of the March 11 Japanese earthquake and tsunami were felt all the way to Washington state. Small tsunami waves crashed against the coast, but the personal impact hit even harder. Some students at the Himawari Japanese Preschool in Des Moines have extended family living in Japan who were directly impacted by the disaster.

"We knew we had to do something to help," says Kazuyo Hall, director of Himawari Preschool. "We decided the best thing was to raise money for those in need." Within a week, a charity bazaar was scheduled for April 16 at the Saltwater Unitarian Universalist Church. Proceeds will benefit the Save the Children: Japan Earthquake Relief organization.

The bazaar will be held 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. at the Des Moines church, 25701 14th Pl. S.

"The school is a tight-knit community and I feel so appreciative," says Yoko Inaba, parent of a Himawari student. Her parents and sister live in Miyako, Japan, which was hit hard by the tsunami. The family home, where Inaba grew up, was completely washed away.

"All they found was one suitcase about a mile from where the house was and a picture album of their grandchildren," she says. Thankfully, Inaba's family was at work and on higher ground when disaster struck - fortunate timing that probably saved their lives.

Inaba's parents are currently living with friends and awaiting relief housing, but news of the Himawari fundraiser brightened their spirits. "They are so happy about it," says Inaba.

The event will include a bake sale, craft bazaar and garage sale. There will be a strong Japanese influence including an origami-teaching area and rice balls, edamame and Japanese breads for buying and snacking. In honor of her parents, Inaba will sell picture postcards of her hometown Miyako and her two children are helping to make personalized bookmarks. "I think the kids will really have a lot of fun," she says, "But there will be plenty for the adults, too."

The Himawari school has been bridging the distance between Japan and Washington since Hall founded it in 2003. She began in her basement with only six students, including her two children, and the desire to impart Japanese culture to the next generation.

"There are a few big, Japanese preschools on the Eastside, but nothing in south King County which is why I started it," explains Hall. As of this year, there are now 24 preschoolers, 24 elementary-aged students and six certified teachers. The pastor of the Saltwater Unitarian Universalist Church, the parent of a Himawari student, offered the church's facilities when the school grew too big for its humble beginnings. Classes are held either once or twice a week after school.

"The preschool is just like what they have in Japan," says Hall. The curriculum is entirely in Japanese and encourages children to master the language. Children learn traditional songs and dances and celebrate important Japanese holidays such as Cherry Blossom Day in April.

Most students have at least one parent who immigrated from Japan and are native Japanese speakers. Hall herself grew up in Japan before meeting her husband who was raised in Burien and graduated from Highline High School.

"I really believe in community building," says Hall. With increased interest from the public, there is a possibility of eventually expanding the program to include non-Japanese speaking students. "I receive a lot of inquiries because many parents want their children to learn about the Japanese heritage and be exposed to the culture," says Hall. She considers the April 16 fundraiser an opportunity to strengthen the Himawari community and provide outreach to the greater public.

"When we learned about what happened (to Inaba's family), our first concern was for her. We wanted to support her emotionally and do whatever we could to help," says Hall. "I think a bonus is that it's definitely a good thing for the local area to know that we're here and that there is a Japanese community."

For Inaba and her family, being embraced by support from around the world offers invaluable hope. "To someone living here, it may seem like just a little bit (of help), but it is a huge amount of encouragement to the people in Japan," says Inaba. "I'm excited for my Japanese and American friends to share this event and hope it will be a big success."