By now, nearly everyone knows of the terrible earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, and everyone knows of the brave, ongoing efforts there to rescue, reunite, and support the survivors. Most of us can only look on in both horror and awe as the Japanese people struggle to combat this unimaginable devastation.

In an effort to help, Sony Corporation is donating 300 million yen (3.6 million dollars) in disaster relief to the Central Community Chest of Japan, as well as 30,000 radios for emergency use, and expects to donate additional product as needs arise.

In addition to the $3.6M donated by Sony, SOE is launching a fundraising initiative across our game portfolio to help those affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

From Friday, March 25th through Monday, March 28th, our players will be invited to purchase specially created Cherry Blossom items via the in-game marketplaces in their preferred game (alternative items will be available in Magic - The Gathering: Tactics™, Star Wars Galaxies™, and PoxNora®.) Click here to see participating games. Purchase of the in-game item is not tax deductible.

These Cherry Blossom items can be displayed in player in-game homes, where applicable, as a sign of ongoing support and to raise further awareness amongst our deep player communities. For every Cherry Blossom item (or selected item) purchased between March 25th and March 28th, SOE will donate $10 to the American Red Cross* in support of ongoing relief efforts.

In EverQuest, Free Realms, and Clone Wars Adventures, players will be able to buy a memorial Cherry Blossom Tree (the national tree of Japan) for 500 Station Cash. EverQuest is also offering a Cherry Blossom Nimbus for 500 SC in support of this initiative.

EverQuest Cherry Blossom

Free Realms Cherry Blossom

Clone Wars Adventures Cherry Blossom

EverQuest II and EverQuest II Extended are offering a Memory of Spring statue for 500 SC. The statue has her hooded head lowered in reverance, and cherry blossoms fall around her. Players may also purchase a Gift of Falling Blossoms for 200 SC to support the initiative. In addition, the area around the statue of Erolissi Marr in New Halas has been decorated in honor of the occasion.

EverQuest II Memory of Spring Statue

For every Heroes' Dawn box sold in PoxNora® for 3000 Station Cash, and for each of the select Magic - The Gathering: Tactics™ singles sold (prices vary between 100-1000 SC) SOE will donate $10. We will also donate $10 for each sale of a Stuffed Tauntaun Toy Loot Card in Star Wars Galaxies™.

Star Wars Galaxies Stuffed Tauntaun Toy

Everyone at SOE thanks you for your support during this difficult time.

*The American Red Cross, a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, will provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, tax ID #53-0196605. American Red Cross National Headquarters, 2025 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006, (800) 733-2767. The American Red Cross name and/or emblem are used with its permission, which in no way constitutes an endorsement, express or implied, of any product, service, company, opinion or political position. The American Red Cross logo is a registered trademark owned by the American Red Cross.