Merokean raising funds for quake-ravaged Japan

When Mariko Fusillo of Merrick first heard that a magnitude 9.0 earthquake had struck her native Japan on March 11, she immediately became concerned for her family.

Fusillo, 51, lived in Tokyo until she was 34 years old, before immigrating to the United States. After this year’s horrific quake, it took her two hours to get in touch with her family when she learned that Tokyo was unharmed. Her father, mother, sister and brother were safe.

“It was so scary,” said Fusillo. “In 10 minutes, it came and everything was gone. I was so worried.”

Fusillo, who has lived in Merrick for 17 years, owns and operates a yoga and fitness center called Harmony Yoga & Dance Healing Arts Center on Merrick Road in Wantagh.

The earthquake, which has been classified as the most powerful known earthquake to ever hit Japan, killed more than 15,000 people and left some 8,000 missing. The quake, which struck the Tohoku region of Japan, triggered a tsunami with waves more than 10 stories high. In addition, the tsunami caused nuclear accidents that resulted in the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people from their homes. Although her family is safe, Fusillo said she has friends and former students in Japan who are still missing.

On Sunday, June 12, Fusillo will host a “Day of Healing for Japan and Earth” fundraiser at the Wantagh Memorial Congregational Church/Pixie Pre-School. All proceeds will go to the Japanese American Association, which will send funds directly to the Miyagi prefecture of Japan in the Tohoku region, where the earthquake and tsunami disasters have hit the hardest. The event will feature live music, and, according to Fusillo, will be a “peaceful and nurturing” event.

"It’s going to be fun,” she said. “But it's more focusing on healing. I want people to have peace of mind. If you feel the peace for yourself, everyone can see the bigger view."

An accomplished dancer and actress, Fusillo has performed in many musicals, and even on Broadway after she was casted by Tokyo Can Can, an original Japanese production company.