Groups Prepare For Prayer Vigil, Fundraiser In Little Tokyo

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Japanese-American community groups in Los Angeles are preparing for the prayer vigil and fundraiser they're holding in the city's Little Tokyo neighborhood for victims of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan last week.

Japanese American Cultural and Community Center executive director Chris Aihara says Thursday night's event is meant to provide an opportunity for people to come together and reflect on the suffering wrought by the disasters in Japan.

Organizers say the event will include an interfaith religious service, solicitations from disaster-relief organizations and other observances.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and other city officials have announced plans to attend the event.

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