An offer by local resident singer and songwriter Susan Osborn to raise funds for tsunami relief has led to a visit to Orcas Island by a diverse group of 20 citizens from Japan on March 4-9.

The travelers range in age from 20 to 60, all are non-English speakers, and they are from all over Japan. They will be traveling with two interpreters.

Trip organizers Yuko Gower and her husband David of San Francisco, friends of Susan Osborn, visited Orcas last summer.

Yuko decided that Orcas, the Outlook Inn and the many restaurants and beautiful parks would provide a perfect environment for healing and rejuvenation for citizens living under the daily strains of the aftermath of the March 2011 tsunami.

“I think many Japanese people are looking for tranquility and the tools to heal and energize themselves during this difficult time in Japan,” Yuko said.

Websites, networking through Osborn’s contacts in Japan, and social networking were all used to contact potential travelers. The guests will be staying at the Outlook Inn with daily yoga sessions, “Silence and Song” sessions with Osborn and nature hikes organized by islanders.

The New Leaf Café, Ships Bay, Allium and Chimayo are all providing special evening meals for the guests.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Orcas Island to do what it does best which is care for those in need of rest and rejuvenation,” said Outlook Inn owners Sara and Adam Farish.

In addition to greeting the guests around town, locals are invited to two free events at the Outlook Inn.

On Monday, March 5, from 4 to 6 p.m., there will be a woven, organic, hemp and cotton trunk show of clothes made by a collective organized by Usaburo Sato from Japan.

On Wednesday March 7 at 7 p.m. in the Outlook Inn’s Victorian Room, the local singers, The Bhajan’s, will join all guests for a sharing of sacred chants.

“Our travelers are coming straight to Orcas Island from Japan,” Yuko said.“I hope they can find beautiful America and wonderful people through this trip.”