On the morning of March 11, 2011, everything seemed normal in trendy Tokyo because the trains were jammed packed and the city was buzzing along like always. However, during the afternoon everything changed after the powerful 9.0-magnitude earthquake hit Japan. This earthquake was different because it was extremely powerful and the aftershocks were constant and powerful for the next few weeks. At first, most people were bewildered because earthquakes happen all the time in Japan but usually you don’t notice them because they soon fade into nothing. Yet just like the brutal earthquake in Kobe, this was different. Not only this, but unknown at the time in Tokyo, the 9.0-magnitude earthquake had set off a chain of events which were horrendous. This applies to the brutal tsunami which triggered the nuclear crisis in Fukushima. It took many days before people from all over Japan understood the real severity of the crisis. Initial reports had stated information about the tsunami but the final number of deaths was unimaginable. However, in time it became clear that around 19,000 people had perished and that whole communities along the coast had been devastated in the Tohoku region and other areas. The nuclear crisis also felt surreal because powerful aftershocks continued for many weeks after that initial 9.0-magnitude earthquake. Not only this, on the one hand you had many media outlets focusing on the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear crisis – but, on the other hand, around 19,000 people had perished because of the tsunami. On top of this, so many people were homeless and living in harsh conditions. Therefore, the fear of radiation in distant Tokyo felt like a selfish reaction from my point of view – of course, other people disagree because you had so much uncertainty. Yet, according to two nuclear specialists, Sir John Beddington and Dr. Vojin Joksimovich, Tokyo wasn’t threatened by the nuclear crisis in far-away Fukushima and this assured many individuals who came to read and learn about their opinions. However, this didn’t stop many embassies closing and individuals leaving irrespective of nationality. Yet, for the overwhelming majority of Tokyoites it was a time to knuckle down and to get on with things. Whatever the alarm was in Tokyo because of the so-called radiation scare the “real truth” was that thousands of people had been killed by the horrendous tsunami which swept everything away in its path. Also, vast numbers of people had lost their homes, property, livelihood and so much more. The gap between the reality of Tokyo during the first few weeks and the “real reality” of districts which were hit by the tsunami was not only enormous, it was unimaginable. Therefore, with today being March 11, 2014, and being the third anniversary of the brutal tsunami which was triggered by the 9.0-magnitude earthquake; it is a time to dwell about what really happened and to remember the dead. It is equally a time to remember all the brave individuals who helped during the worse period. This applies to all volunteers, local people who helped, community leaders, the armed forces of Japan, the armed forces of America, the fire brigade, the local police force, hospital staff and people from other walks of life who chipped in during this very difficult time. It is also sad to think that many people are still missing three years later and so many other deep issues remain. Given this, it is essential that continuing support is given to the areas which were hit the hardest. This applies to economic support, regeneration, new investments, welfare centers to help with emotional issues, and in many other important areas. March 11, 2011, will never be forgotten and neither will the bravery of so many people who helped during this very difficult period. 👊 ᴬᴰᴹᴵᴺ Tomoya Okazaki
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 14:51:00 +0000
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