Funky Monkey Babys Impacting Japan

Funky Monkey Babys. Odd name, yes but…who are they? Well for those of you that don’t know, they are a Japanese hip hop/rap group consisting of 3 members that debuted in 2004. Their music is inspired by pop and rock music and loved by many. The members are Funky Kato, Monkichi and DJ Chemical. Many of their songs talk about hope, courage and not giving up, very much something that is needed for this moment for the country of Japan. But the main reason I am writing a post about them is their hearts and their willingness to give of what they have in a time of desperate need.

They have a blog that I have been following on Ameba where many Japanese celebrities post their life story daily. On the day of Japan’s earthquake, the members of Funky Monkey Babys were on their way home to Tokyo from Fukushima on a train. For 12 hours, they were trapped on the train, cold and tired, not able to really sleep, along with many others. They relied on their cell phones for any news of what was happening on the grounds above them. Events that happened and the things they saw from this day on, have impacted them greatly. What particularly impacted them was the generosity, the helpfulness and the warmth of the people of Japan even in the midst of tragedy. The rice ball Funky Kato was given after finally being rescued from the train was the best tasting rice ball he has ever had. He was moved by the people who were on the train with him during the 12 hours, so calm and at peace. The family who gave up their spot for a taxi so that the Funky Monkey members and staff could go home since their group had more people.

They searched deep within themselves to find out what it was that they could do right now for their country. “How can we help those who have lost all hope.” They went into action right away. First, they started a donation charity fund reaching out and encouraging their fans to donate. But the biggest thing that impacted me was the donation of concert goods that are normally exclusively sold at their concerts. They choose items that could be of used to be given to those at various shelters. The donation goods included 700 blankets and 1100 towels, all items with their trademark logo that normally Funky Monkey Babys fans would pay maybe $40-$80 each for. All given away for free in hopes that it would bring comfort to just 1 person. Yes, the entertainment industry is often tainted gossip of faults and mistakes but it’s those that rise above and beyond to use their gifts to better the world that should get more credit.