Manami KamijoB次元官网网址檚 wedding was more bittersweet than celebratory.

Missing from the James Bay residentB次元官网网址檚 guest list were two best friends who chose to remain close to their home in Japan in the aftermath of a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and killer tsunami on March 11.

Given that communications following the catastrophe were so faulty, B次元官网网址渋t made everyone more scared about the earthquake,B次元官网网址� Kamijo said.

The decimation of entire communities on the island nation covered media headlines for weeks, but the stories have since faded from the spotlight.

B次元官网网址淚 kind of feel everyone is forgetting this,B次元官网网址� Kamijo said, adding that three months later her homeland is still in crisis mode and in need of support.

Rather than feeling helpless, she and good friend and Cheryl Mason are putting on Banzai Japan, a mock sumo wrestling competition and live music fundraiser.

For a donation, spectators can take turns battling friends on the mat in padded sumo wrestling costumes. Winners get three raffle tickets while the losers get one, making them eligible to win prizes such as restaurant gift certificates and gym memberships.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 pretty awesome how generous people have been,B次元官网网址� Mason said of the communityB次元官网网址檚 support. Proceeds from the event on July 21 will go to the Canadian Red CrossB次元官网网址檚 efforts in Japan.

Doors to the Victoria Event Centre, located at 1415 Broad St. open at 7 p.m. Musical guests include Victoria-based Uminari Taiko drummers, Vancouver rockers Before Helen, Kozue Matsumoto on the koto, and Victoria-based Furusato Dancers, a Japanese folk dance group.

Tickets are $15 if purchased before Tuesday (July 19) at the Best Western Plus Carlton Plaza, 642 Johnson St., or $20 at www.brownpapertickets.com and at the door.