Seeing is Believing

Ever since the fear of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear reactor meltdowns mount, many foreign expats, students and families are reportedly leaving Japan. And some criticisms on them make me sad.

First of all: a REMINDER. It seems like many people forgot when the spring break is in Japan. Students don't go to school in most of March. Long before the natural disasters and the crisis hit the northern Japan, many foreign students and expat families planned to visit their home country. As the fear of nuclear meltdowns emerge, some are in panic, and scared by wrong (or lack of appropriate) information. Given the circumstance, however, many people are struggling whether to stay or leave behind their husbands, some family members or friends in Japan.

If I could, I would recommend them leave Japan for the time being. But it's NOT because the possibility of nuclear plant meltdowns are not remote. Although the worst is over, water, foods and papers are scarce even in Tokyo. Planned blackouts will last over a month.

Also, they have family and friends in their home country. Displaced people visiting and staying their relatives' or friends' home. The people of Japan solidified their family bonds and friendship during the crisis. The only difference is where their asylum is: domestic or oversea. Why not giving the latter people the same opportunity?

But, most importantly those (even if they are neither hard hit by the disaster nor displaced) visiting their home country can provide more direct and appropriate information to the overseas people. There are a lot of information around the world now including right and wrong. Given some misinformation, their families in home countries are more in panic than the people here. Phone conversation is not persuasive enough than shocking video news. Seeing is believing. Sadly though, a Korean who went hometown cannot meet her friends because some misunderstand and believe they get exposed.

So, if anyone going home overseas, I would rather say, have a safe trip and see you later!!

We Shall Overcome

One of advantages to live in this 21st century is: information technology.

Ever since the earthquake and tsunami hit the northern Japan hard on last Friday, March 11, social media have proved the best information resource as well as communication tool. I have been getting the change in subway time schedules in Tokyo, latest earthquake news in Japan and warm messages from all over the world. Through Facebook, friends have contacted if my family and I are OK. One friend gave me an email first time in 5 years. Given too busy phone lines, I was able to contact my relatives in Sendai and Fukushima where the earthquake hit hardest via short mail.

I thank all the thoughts, prayers and supports from all over the world. I want to tell my friends that I cannot get in tough with for a long time: My family and I are OK in Tokyo.

Liquefaction has stopped water and gas supplies to some neighborhoods (not mine) even in Tokyo Metropolitan area. Due to the scheduled blackout, public transportation has stopped, or is operating under limited time schedules. So some people cannot make it to office and are staying home. Still, such problems are minor.

All the news coming from the northern Japan such as Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures is devastating and heart-wrenching. I was surprised to see many rushed into shops to buy up water, foods, batteries and toiletries over the weekend even here in Tokyo. As I walked into several Seven-Elevens, I found no bread, water and noodles. Things are getting worse than expectede. Now the concerns mount as the fear of nuclear plant meltdowns. Nikkei recorded the 3rd largest drop to 8,605 yen today, and expected to go down even further.

However, I am optimistic about the future of Japan. I believe in the orderliness and discipline of Japanese I watched last Friday night as walking home among tens of thousands of people. People were just walking back home. Private facilities offered their restrooms and some even provided the buildings for stay at the night. I also believe in the resilience of the people who reconstructed the country after the defeat of the World War II and the aftermaths of earthquakes and other natural disasters.

I admit I won't be of direct help in the devastated land in the north. I am neither doctor nor rescue team member. All I can do is extremely limited and negligible: to save energy, to work as usual and to spend money (incl. to donate it but not to buy up!!).

But, as such minor effort coming together, we shall overcome the disaster and the crisis.