LIVERPOOL -- Chiyeko Ogata waited with baited breath to hear from her family and friends in Japan, after a massive earthquake shook the country, a tsunami washed away villages and now nuclear radiation threatens some residents.

"I just couldn't think," said Ogata. "I'm just so overwhelmed with what happened."

It took 8 hours to get a hold of her sister who lives in Southern Japan. She is okay but tens of thousands who live Northeast of Tokyo, the hardest hit area, are now left with nothing.

Ogata is planning a fundraiser at her Japanese steakhouse, Ichiban in Liverpool, to benefit her native country. "I hope other Japanese people in this country will help," she said.

"It just makes you feel fortunate for all we have," said Bridget Hodgson.

The shocking images of the powerful Tsunami crushing towns and the aftermath of despair and rubble are too difficult for Ogata to watch. "We have visited those areas," she said "It's quite a shock."

Ogata hopes to raise $10,000 for the relief effort and the donations are already coming in. "The response we are getting from the regular customers, it's just overwhelming. I'm so touched by the kindness," she said.

The Pancake and Sushi Breakfast Buffet is Sunday, March 27th from 11 AM to 2 PM. Tickets are $25 and you are asked to make a reservation to help the restaurant get a head count. Ichiban also plans to sell gift certificates at half off. The proceeds will benefit the victims in Japan.

You can also find other ways to help Japan by clicking here.