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!!