In Japan, the crane is the symbol for long life, prosperity, and good health. It is a Japanese tradition to fold a thousand cranes for someone who is sick to represent a form of healing and hope during challenging times.
Also to show his support for Erika, Coach Koji had his hair buzzed along with the fifth grade boys during the St. Jude Math-a-Thon kick-off assembly earlier in the week. The Math-a-Thon is dedicated to Erika since she will continue her treatment at St. Jude once she returns to Memphis.
Coach Koji, who is from Osaka, Japan, still has family there. In honor of their Coach, the Student Council voted to have a Red Cross drive after last month's earthquake and tsunami in Japan and raised $978 to give to the relief efforts.
