Does anyone have information about damage to museums, temples, shrines,
libraries, archives, and other cultural institutions in Kobe?  I have seen
several photographs of small shrines or temples destroyed, but little else
besdies a report about an antique dealer whose shop was destroyed and who has
no hope of replacing his inventory.  Kobe is the prefectural capital and I
assume they have a prefectural museum, archives, and library.  Was there any
damage to the 19th century western-style houses built by the first generation
of foreigners to live in Kobe?
 
The New York Times has had one or two small articles in the past week about
damage in Kyoto.  They have reported that there was damage to the pagoda at
Daigo-ji, a 10th century temple which is the oldest in Kyoto.  There was also
damage to Kinkaku-ji, a 14th century temple which was rebuilt in the early
1950s after an arson fire.  Also, three of the one-thousand statutes in
Sanjusangendo fell over.  Does anyone have any more details about these
temples?  Any news about damage to other structures or to the contents of
temples, shrines, museums, or antique shops?  What about Osaka and Nara?
 
Is there any was we, an individuals or collectively, can be of assistance in
the recovery efforts?
 
Elizabeth Uhlig
Oregon State Archives
(503) 373-0701 x256
Elizabeth M Uhlig @state.or.us